{"id":297657,"date":"2025-11-21T14:32:23","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T14:32:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/297657\/"},"modified":"2025-11-21T14:32:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T14:32:23","slug":"gifts-for-fitness-fans-what-to-give-gym-and-yoga-bunnies-in-the-uk-this-christmas-fitness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/297657\/","title":{"rendered":"Gifts for fitness fans: what to give gym and yoga bunnies in the UK this Christmas | Fitness"},"content":{"rendered":"

What does a fitness fanatic want for Christmas<\/a> (other than rock-solid abs)? Whether you\u2019re buying for a gym bunny who loves a gruelling Hiit session or a yoga fanatic who hits the mat to unwind, we asked a selection of top trainers and fitness devotees for their gift picks.<\/p>\n

The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve made the job of getting them something they\u2019ll love that little bit easier by tracking down the best gifts for the chronically active. From kit that makes you want to workout to tools that help tired muscles afterwards, read on for all the present inspiration you need.<\/p>\n

The best gifts for fitness fansBrain fuel<\/p>\n

More Fuel You by Renee McGregor<\/p>\n

\u00a313.46 at the Guardian Bookshop<\/a>\u00a39.33 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Eryn Barber, a running, strength and conditioning coach, says: \u201cThis book is a great way for recreational athletes to learn about nutrition for running and endurance. Renee has a lot of clinical experience working with endurance athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Perfect beats<\/p>\n

Coros heart-rate monitor<\/p>\n

\u00a368.99 at SportsShoes<\/a>\u00a369 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Barber also suggests this Coros heart-rate monitor. \u201cIt\u2019s incredibly accurate, so you can monitor your progress and see if your cardiovascular health and performance are improving \u2013 and it doesn\u2019t aggravate or chafe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Go with the flow<\/p>\n

Oversize organic T-shirt<\/p>\n

\u00a335 at Actively Conscious<\/a><\/p>\n

To look the part but feel comfortable going from a gym class to lunch or work, Barber loves this T-shirt from Actively Conscious. \u201cThe oversized fit is ideal for a flow style class such as yoga or pilates.\u201d<\/p>\n

Get a grip<\/p>\n

Weightlifting straps<\/p>\n

\u00a310 at Bear Grip<\/a>\u00a312.60 at Gymshark<\/a><\/p>\n

For someone who loves working out with weights, trainer Dalton Wong recommends lifting straps: \u201cThey help reduce strain on your wrists and hands, and improve your grip strength, which can help you lift heavier.\u201d<\/p>\n

Comfy leggings<\/p>\n

Lululemon Align leggings<\/p>\n

From \u00a364 at Lululemon<\/a>\u00a390 at Net-a-Porter<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI spend my working day in fitness clothing, so it\u2019s essential that I\u2019m comfortable,\u201d says Alex Tinney, founder of Flex Pilates. \u201cI want the feeling of a second skin instead of \u2018holding me in\u2019. Lululemon is an investment, but the quality is incredible. The Align leggings saw me through the whole of pregnancy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pilates page-turner<\/p>\n

Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates and His Legacy by John Howard Steel<\/p>\n

\u00a312.98 at Abe Books<\/a>\u00a312.95 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Tinney is also dying to read this book on the German physical trainer and writer Joseph Pilates. \u201cIt\u2019s been on the reading list for ages.\u201d Great for a pilates fan interested in the history of the practice.<\/p>\n

Band aid<\/p>\n

Two-metre resistance band<\/p>\n

\u00a39.49 at Yoga Matters<\/a><\/p>\n

Tinney also recommends a pilates resistance band. \u201cIt\u2019s versatile and compact,\u201d she says, \u201cso can be taken away to the gym or on holiday. It adds support and challenge, and can be used with the majority of pilates mat exercises.\u201d<\/p>\n

Upper-body blitz<\/p>\n

Climbing peg board<\/p>\n

\u00a359.95 at Mirafit<\/a><\/p>\n

For fitness coach Dan Roberts, home fitness equipment is top of the wishlist. He rates a peg board as \u201cit\u2019s a far more interesting and challenging option than a standard pull-up bar \u2013 great for bouldering training, or for those of us hoping to maintain or improve climbing skills, grip strength or pull-up prowess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bag it up<\/p>\n

Training sandbag<\/p>\n

\u00a364.99 at Cerberus<\/a>\u00a364.99 at eBay<\/a><\/p>\n

Roberts also recommends a 60kg sandbag. \u201cThe iconic red Cerberus ones are my favourite \u2013 you can drag it like a sled, do a clean and press<\/a> lift, suitcase walk, squat, throw it over your shoulder \u2013 it\u2019s a really fun way of training, plus sandbags fix muscular weaknesses and provide functional strength that barbells and dumbbells can\u2019t replicate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stick to this<\/p>\n

Extreme extra-wide training grips<\/p>\n

\u00a329 at Fat Gripz<\/a>\u00a329.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Roberts often suggests Fat Gripz to clients. \u201cAdd these to any barbell, dumbbell or machine handle, and it makes everything harder. The wide grip means you\u2019ll use a more open hand position, which develops a stronger grip and forearms with every rep. It\u2019s particularly good for improving deadlifts and pull-ups. The blue ones usually work best for women, and for men, the super-wide orange ones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Training aid<\/p>\n

Magnetic phone holder<\/p>\n

skip past newsletter promotion<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u00a319.99 at Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI see most of my clients via Zoom, and when they\u2019re at the gym, they all use this product,\u201d says Roberts. \u201cGym equipment is always full of iron, so you can stick your phone to it using the magnet at eye level. It\u2019s a useful gadget, whether you\u2019re using your phone to learn techniques from YouTube, or being live coached by someone like me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sweet relief<\/p>\n

Pulsio Air massage gun<\/p>\n

\u00a369.99 at Pulsio<\/a>\u00a369.99 at Decathlon<\/a><\/p>\n

Kira Mahal, personal trainer and founder of MotivatePT, trains four times a week, so she describes herself as \u201cobsessed with recovery, because when it goes smoothly, I get more out of each training session. This pocket-size gadget is a dream for any muscle soreness after a session.\u201d<\/p>\n

For more, read our guide to the best massage guns<\/a><\/p>\n

A soothing soak<\/p>\n

Serotonin soak bag<\/p>\n

\u00a340.49 at Healf<\/a><\/p>\n

Neal\u2019s Yard seaweed and arnica bath salts<\/p>\n

\u00a313.60 at Neal\u2019s Yard<\/a>\u00a317 at Ocado<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cOnce a week, after an intense workout, I take a bath instead of a shower to promote recovery and relaxation,\u201d says Mahal. \u201cIt helps my muscles relax and a great night\u2019s sleep always follows. I always opt for bath salts containing magnesium and natural oils.\u201d<\/p>\n

Studio style<\/p>\n

Lounge flared trousers<\/p>\n

\u00a364 at Tala<\/a>\u00a364 at Asos<\/a><\/p>\n

Reversible tank top<\/p>\n

\u00a334 at Tala<\/a>\u00a334 at Asos<\/a><\/p>\n

Sometimes clothing can be a great workout motivation. \u201cI like to wear outfits that make me feel put together and coordinated,\u201d says Mahal. \u201cI\u2019m not sure if it\u2019s purely psychological, but I feel as if I perform at my highest level when I\u2019m wearing the workout clothes I feel comfortable and stylish in. I love this set by Tala because of its colourways \u2013 I\u2019m building my capsule wardrobe with lovely neutral tones at the moment. I also love to support female-founded brands like this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lift off<\/p>\n

Speed rope<\/p>\n

\u00a320 at SGF<\/a>\u00a324.99 at Kitbox<\/a><\/p>\n

Is there a simpler piece of exercise kit? Daniel Davies, features editor at Men\u2019s Health UK, says this skipping rope is \u201clight, fast and doesn\u2019t cost the earth. Perfect for mastering \u2018double unders\u2019, it\u2019s a favourite of CrossFit aficionados.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fitness tracker<\/p>\n

Whoop One 5.0 activity tracker<\/p>\n

\u00a3169 at Healf<\/a>\u00a3169 at John Lewis<\/a><\/p>\n

Davies recommends the Whoop One 5.0 activity tracker for anyone wanting to get healthier in 2026. \u201cIt\u2019s a behaviour changer,\u201d he says. \u201cI doubt anyone who owns one hasn\u2019t avoided that extra drink or skipped a late-night snack for fear of being reprimanded by tomorrow\u2019s sleep score!\u201d<\/p>\n

Shoes to choose<\/p>\n

Training shoe<\/p>\n

\u00a3130 at Rad<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cYour foam-cushioned running trainers have no business being used on a lifting platform or anywhere near a squat rack,\u201d says Davies. \u201cRad One V2 are versatile training shoes that can weather any workout \u2013 running, lifting or Hiit.\u201d<\/p>\n

From gym to office<\/p>\n

Kit bag<\/p>\n

\u00a3116 at Stubble & Co<\/a>\u00a3145 at Batch LDN<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you need a bag that can take you from the gym to the office, inconspicuously blending into either setting, this is big enough for all my training and work gear, has a padded pouch for my laptop and a separate lined compartment for gym clothes, which, after a sweaty workout, the public needs protection from,\u201d says Davies.<\/p>\n

Steady as she flows<\/p>\n

Yoga bricks<\/p>\n

\u00a322 a pair at Yogamatters<\/a><\/p>\n

Yoga instructor Hannah Barrett says these yoga bricks, made from sustainably harvested cork, \u201clast for years and bring a natural, grounded feel to any practice\u201d.<\/p>\n

Sustainable calm<\/p>\n

Refillable candle<\/p>\n

\u00a322.50 at Pott Candles<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThis year I\u2019m leaning towards gifts that encourage rest and ritual,\u201d says Barrett. If you want the same for your yoga practice \u2013 or life in general \u2013 she suggests refillable candles from Pott. \u201cI love the idea that you keep the handmade ceramic pot for ever and simply refill it when it runs out. It\u2019s beautiful, sustainable, and feels like a daily act of calm.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What does a fitness fanatic want for Christmas (other than rock-solid abs)? Whether you\u2019re buying for a gym…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":297658,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[49,48,407,84],"class_list":{"0":"post-297657","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-fitness","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-canada","10":"tag-fitness","11":"tag-health"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/297657","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=297657"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/297657\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/297658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=297657"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=297657"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=297657"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}