There are two kinds of people in the world: those who love exercise and those who would rather do literally anything else. Or, I could break it down like this: those who thrive at gifting and those who don’t know where to begin. For anyone in the latter categories, I see you. I’m here with the best fitness gifts of all time—and you can trust me on that.
At the risk of sounding self-important, I’m the perfect person to curate this list. I’m a thoughtful gifter with an eye for the finer things, and I know a healthy amount about the wide world of working out, which means I know which gifts are utterly basic versus completely fantastic. Ahead, find 45 fitness gifts that will knock your Pilates socks right off.
Here’s an item that’s permanently on my wish list. I had the chance to test this at-home pilates table and was astounded. I look forward to the day my HSA is big enough for me to make the purchase.
Somehow, Bala makes ankle weights feel stylish. All the It girls are wearing them.
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Walking pads have exploded in popularity, and I can understand why. Get your steps in while working at your standing desk or watching TV, then stash it behind the couch when you’re done.
It’s true—I’m a Peloton member. The brand has so many zealots for a reason;: it’s the real deal.
Alo is good for more than just cute workout sets. Purchase an Alo Moves subscription and get access to a whole new world of on-demand fitness.
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We’re officially living in the future. You can now use augmented reality headsets for simulated workout experiences. I tested it for an Alo Moves yoga class and actually loved it.
Reap all the benefits of a sauna without investing in one—or a gym membership.
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I am trying to embrace cold plunges, as much as it pains me to do so in the moment. The effect is electrifying, though!
It hurts so good.
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Let’s not forget that intention and mindfulness are vital to holistic health.
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Mat Pilates crew, make some noise.
These are my absolute favorite crew socks. They feature a padded sole for maximum comfort and cushion.
A piece of aesthetically pleasing furniture intended to keep your home gym tidy—genius!
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This paddle is perfect for both the pickleball-obsessed and Equinox loyalists alike.
Meg Donohue
Associate Fashion Commerce Editor
Meg (she/her) is the associate fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com, where she specializes in shopping stories spanning the fashion, home, and lifestyle categories. Over the past three years, she has devoted countless hours to researching brands, testing hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of products, and deep-diving into market and consumer trends. Her favorite job responsibilities consist of co-writing the monthly series Same Same But Different and curating the fashion market for ELLE Escapes. Meg graduated magna cum laude from the Missouri School of Journalism with an emphasis on magazine editing. In 2020, one of her feature stories in the service article category was recognized by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The year prior, the Society of Professional Journalists named voxmagazine.com “Best Affiliated Magazine” in its Mark of Excellence Awards, when she was on staff. Meg’s stories have appeared on Cosmopolitan, Town & Country, Harper’s Bazaar, and Good Housekeeping, among many other outlets. Her personal passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and gardening. You can find her in New York, where she lives, or on Instagram, where she also lives. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.