Don't gift the fitness lover in your life another pair of black leggings or gift cards to their favourite athletic store this year. Instead, give them a gift that will keep on giving and keep them performing at their best. From portable massage devices to meditation devices that will help them relax and destress, these are the gifts they'll really love and use over and over again.
Whoop Performance Strap 3.0
The Whoop Performance Strap 3.0 [1] ($288 for a one-year membership) is a game changer for those who want to optimise their training and recovery. It analyses recovery, strain, and sleep to determine how hard you should push yourself each day based on the data collected. The strap lets you know how much sleep you need depending on your daily performance goals, and it provides in-depth information on the type of training you partake in and the benefits of that style of training.
Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones
The Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones [2] ($250) are great for all types of training and fitness levels. They fit well in the ear (so you don't have to worry about losing them), they're sweat and water resistant, adjustable, and come with four different ear tip size options.
Upright Go 2 Posture Trainer
The Upright Go 2 Posture Trainer [3] ($100) will correct poor posture, reminding you to sit and stand straight with gentle vibration reminders. The brand claims a noticeable difference in posture will be seen in just two weeks.
Fitbit Inspire 2 Tracker
The FitBit Inspire 2 tracker [4] ($100) is great for people who like minimal and sleek accessories. It has a 10-day battery life, is water resistant, tracks all-day activity and over 20 types of exercise, counts steps, and tracks the quality of your sleep. You can also receive all your smartphone notifications on this tracker.
Hypervolt Bluetooth Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
Loved by professional athletes and fitness fans alike, the Hypervolt Bluetooth Handheld Percussion Massage Gun [5] ($350) will have your muscles feeling brand new. The new Bluetooth feature syncs with the Hyperice app, guiding you through pre-built or custom recovery programs. It comes with different heads designed to target specific muscle groups, "accelerates warmup and recovery," improves range of motion, and promotes circulation.
Garmin Forerunner 45
Garmin is considered to be one of the best running watches, and the Garmin Forerunner 45 [6] ($200) is perfect for those looking for a device that will provide them with in-depth details about their runs, count their steps, and track features such as heart rate zones, calories burned, and other health markers.
PowerDot 2.0 Smart Electric Muscle Stimulator
The PowerDot 2.0 Smart Electric Muscle Stimulator [7] ($199) is one of the best devices for recovery and performance. The portable EMS machine stimulates specific muscle groups via Bluetooth. Simply download the app and pair the device with Bluetooth to your phone or tablet and let it work its magic.
TriggerPoint Grid Vibe Plus Vibrating Foam Roller
Sore muscles can't be avoided while training, which is why we love the TriggerPoint Grid Vibe Plus Vibrating Foam Roller [8] ($90, originally $100). It's "clinically proven to induce muscle relaxation and minimize pain while rolling," and the grid pattern was designed to mimic the hands of a massage therapist.
Muse 2: The Brain Sensing Headband
Mental and emotional health is just as important as one's physical health. There are numerous ways to care for one's mental health, such as meditating, and we think the Muse 2: The Brain Sensing Headband [9] ($250) is a great tool for those just getting started with meditation.
This headband is essentially a personal meditation assistant, providing you with real-time feedback as you meditate. It will let you know when you're calm and focussed, and it will provide gentle signals letting you know when it senses your mind beginning to wander.
Hidrate Spark 3 Smart Water Bottle
No matter the workout routine, water is essential. The BPA-free Hidrate Spark 3 Smart Water Bottle [10] ($60) tracks water intake and even glows as a reminder to stay hydrated.
Fitbit Versa 3 Smart Watch
The Fitbit Versa 3 Smart Watch [11] ($230) is ideal for those who want to exercise without having to carry their phone around. It has built-in GPS, tracks your daily activity and sleep, and even allows you to store and play music from the tracker.
Theragun Elite x RED Percussive Therapy Deep Tissue Muscle Massage Gun
The Theragun Elite x RED Percussive Therapy Deep Tissue Muscle Massage Gun [12] ($399) will target sore, tight muscles better than traditional massage devices. It activates muscles, stimulates blood flow, and increases range of motion. It also has Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to sync with the app where you can create create wellness routines based on your activity.
Tangram Smart Rope
Jumping rope just got a lot cooler thanks to the Tangram Smart Rope [13] ($80). The LED feature displays your jump count in mid air, and it can also sync with your smartphone to track calories burned, your jump count, and the duration of your workout.
Hyperice Hypersphere Vibrating Therapy Ball
Foam rolling is imperative for those who work out regularly, but no one wants to carry a ginormous roller with them all the time, especially when travelling. You get the effects of a foam roller with the compact Hyperice Hypersphere Vibrating Therapy Ball [14] ($150). The ball can be used all over the body to activate, loosen, and soothe muscles.