53 fitness and wellness gifts to promote health and self-care

Lots of us are thinking of ways to keep our health game strong through 2025.

Whether you’re shopping for a fitness lover or someone who is obsessed with holistic health, we’ve found the best gifts for recovery, the best for hydration, the best for hikers, bikers, and more! From home rowing machines to smartwatches, there’s no shortage of options. 

Virtual workouts, wearable devices, and mobility training are just a few of the things we’ve got our eyes on this year. In fact, the wellness ante is being raised with more people looking into hot and cold therapy, like this Cold Pod Ice Bath Tub, wearable devices like WHOOP 4.0, leggings from lululemon, buzzy supplements like Armra Colostrum, adjustable weights with rave reviews from Amazon.

We worked up a sweat interviewing fitness experts and wellness enthusiasts to find the best fitness gifts for men, women, and anyone who likes to be on the forefront when their health is concerned. Below, find recommendations from AB Fitness Trainer Jaime Plumaker, CorePower Yoga Instructor Emma Plattner, and Katelyn Bedford, Founder of Wellness the Right Way.

Ready to run to these sweet fitness finds? Ahead, find our edit of the best fitness gifts we suggest adding to your cart. We’re working out right along with you. While you’re at it, spend time browsing through our edit of the best Amazon fitness finds to complete your purchase.

Yes, you’re probably wearing something with pockets when you work out. But who wants to feel their keys, wallet, and phone jostling around while they do burpees? We prefer this beloved belt bag from lululemon, which is small enough to keep you light on your feet, but sturdy enough to hold things you can’t leave behind. It’s made of water-repellent fabric, so it can take jogs in the rain, plus it offers lots of pocket space.

“I love wearing this or even throwing it in my tote bag so I can easily access my keys and phone!” explained CorePower Yoga instructor, Emma Plattner. “It is so cute, too. It comes in so many colors, and the quality is great. I have had mine for five years.”

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We’ve all heard the saying, “Better safe than sorry,” which is why the She’s Birdie is on our list. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s a personal alarm system for when danger strikes on a run or walk. It may look sleek and unassuming, but its siren can go for 40 minutes straight, plus it also has a built-in strobe light. This is not only a great gift for outdoor exercisers, but students, those who commute late hours or find themselves walking Fido after dark.

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Whether you’re a Wim Hof follower or not, you probably know that cold submersion is a thing. And if you’re into it, you don’t have to journey to the cool waters of Amsterdam to get your plunge on. The Cold Pod is compact enough for the backyard or patio, is easy to transport, and can hold up to 116 gallons of liquid. It comes with a pump, drain hose, and also has eight legs for support, so even if you’re shivering up a storm, it should stay calm as an undisturbed sea.

The Pod may be on the pricey side, but experts don’t think you’ll regret the splurge. “I take my wellness routine very seriously as a Holistic Nutritionist,” stated Katelyn Bedford, the founder of Wellness the Right Way. “With that being said, cold plunges have changed my life. I strive to do four to six cold plunges a week, and it is a game changer.”

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Whether working from the office or home, most of us understand the literal pain in the neck of hunching over a keyboard. Concerns about tech neck are real, according to a report released from Pinterest about search trends, so this pillow will be a sure crowd-pleaser.

Made of soft foam, the neck and shoulder relaxer’s wave design helps to ease tension and promote the spine’s natural curve. It also has a three-way stretch and is available in several different colors. Thousands of happy Amazon customers love it!

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We love an infrared sauna blanket, so you know we had to add one to our gift list. Their infrared rays penetrate the skin, raising your temperature and triggering a number of positive health responses. Along with helping you sweat, they can also reduce inflammation and pain, making them great to use after a long, hard workout.

This portable, infrared blanket heats up fast, cleans with water and soap, and folds away for easy storage. We only wish I’d discovered this earlier. The best part about it? You can heat up from anywhere, whether you’re lounging on the couch or catching some sun on the back patio.

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Most of us accept that what we eat directly impacts our health. Of course, it’s not always easy to pick the healthy option when we’re running after kids or stressing over work. The good news is that meal kits. which we’ve extensively reviewed, exist. For the fitness buff or calorie counter, we recommend Green Chef. It has something for everyone, so even if you’re keto, vegan or flexitarian, you’ll have lots of easy recipes that please your palette and waistline. Meals generally start at $11.99 per serving! That’s a deal worth eating up!

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Best fitness gift: Future

Lots of people need the extra motivation a trainer provides, but don’t really have time to make the gym. That’s where Future comes in. The digital personal training platform offers workout plans tailored to you and your body’s unique needs.

And this isn’t one of those apps with trainers that you never actually speak to, either. In fact, a call with a coach is how your Future journey begins. During the call, you’ll discuss goals, injury history, and everything else your coach will need to hand-select workouts that are best for you. Every Sunday a new workout is published to your account, and you can message with your coach whenever you need tips or some extra support.

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For pickleball or old-school tennis, slip on this cute Alo Yoga workout dress. Designed with breathable fabric and a built-in shelf bra, it’s a comfortably chic option for sweat sessions. It does hug curves, so we recommend sizing up if you like some wiggle room. Available in four colors, sizes XXS to L.

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Best future-forward gift: Oura Ring 4

Not everyone wants to wear an Apple Watch, but a tiny piece of jewelry that fits on your ring finger — why not give it a shot? The Oura Ring quietly gathers over 30 biometric signals, including your heart rate variability, your body temperature trends, your SpO levels, even your respiration, and then packages all that data into these ridiculously intuitive scores. One ring to rule your nervous system, essentially.

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As a wellness expert, Bedford loves looking for affordable finds that make a real difference in our overall well-being. The ESARORA Ice Roller is one of her favorites.

“Ice rolling is a staple within my morning routine,” shared Bedford. “Waking up and using my ice roller is such a refreshing feeling. Not only that, but it reduces redness and puffiness. Not to mention, it offers a refreshing wake-up and starts my day each day.”

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Gym influencers (or gym-fluencers, as TikTok calls them) can be notoriously difficult to gift for. They probably already have the cool fitness gear and trendy workout clothing they need, so why not gift them this handy magnetic device that can record their workout routines from a variety of angles?

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Whether you’re into sweat-inducing HIIT sessions or heavy lifting, the Interval Short from Ten Thousand needs to be on your fitness style radar. They’re quick-drying, moisture-wicking and offer a four-way stretch for unparalleled flexibility. Instead of having to adjust yourself after every squat or deadlift, you can charge on through to the next set, confident that the shorts will stay in place without pinching or bunching. Available in eight different colors and going up to size XXL, they make a great workout gift for yourself or the gym lover in your life.

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Reviewers say that the NutriBullet Personal Blender is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their blending routine. Whether you have a friend who packs the protein in while on the go, or somebody who likes experimenting with healthy salad dressings or soups, this powerful, compact blender will get the job done. The included travel cup is the perfect size for a little pre-gym pick-me-up.

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It’s not fun at all, but most of us have experienced a sore back. People who run, work out, or lift, are probably a bit more prone to this than others, which is exactly why we recommend the RENPHO Heating Pad for back pain relief. This pad heats up quickly, fits most body shapes, and offers six heat settings and three timing options for a fully customizable experience.

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The wildly versatile and surprisingly stylish Bala Bangles became a quick hit after the brand made an appearance on Shark Tank. They’re suitable for use on wrists or ankles and available in a sea of colorways, making them an easy addition to any #hotgirlwalk.

Jaime Plumaker, a Junior Data Analyst at The Post and an accomplished Cycling Instructor at AB Fitness, swears by the popular Bala Bangles. “Perfect for an at-home workout or bringing them to pilates classes,” said Plumaker. “I like to wear them on my arms and ankles when I am walking to add an extra burn.”

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The editor-tested and beloved Vital Proteins collagen supplement is a no-brainer for any fitness addict. It dissolves easily, and the unflavored option has zero aftertaste. Celebs like Jennifer Aniston swear these grass-fed peptides are their secret weapon for strengthening nails, growing longer hair, and supporting the body’s connective tissues. We can’t complain about that.

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Is aging optional? Maybe not, but how you take charge of your health is entirely up to you. Elysium Health’s renowned Biological Age Test goes far beyond the number. Using cutting-edge epigenetic science, it analyzes 10 key aspects of aging to give you a comprehensive picture of your biological age. And, it doesn’t stop at data.

Your results come with science-backed, personalized recommendations to help you adopt healthier habits and make informed lifestyle choices. Best of all? You’ll get your results in as little as six weeks — so you can start taking control of your aging journey sooner than you think. Not to mention, knowledge is one of the best gifts you can give someone.

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For anyone who loves to work out, this is just a fact: our sock drawer can become scarce at times. For just $15, gift the guy you know a pair of brand-new, bright-white Nike socks. They’ll thank you, for sure.

For more options, check out our guide to the best men’s socks.

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If you know someone who could use a little more calm in their life, a beautifully textured, scented candle is a simple pleasure that’s hard to resist. Blueme’s soothing wellness fragrances are thoughtfully crafted to nourish both mind and body, and this soy wax blend truly delivers on its promise.

Each candle comes in a handcrafted, pedestal-style vessel that’s as stunning as it is reusable, making it a perfect piece of serene home decor. It sets the tone for relaxation the moment it’s lit. Trust us — this is a gift any wellness enthusiast will instantly fall in love with.

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We recently reviewed Pvolve and can’t say enough good things about the brand. For one, its mobility-focused workouts make you feel good — most importantly — and its Essentials Kit is offered at a phenomenal value. With the bundle, you’ll also receive a free three-month subscription to on-demand workouts.

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The Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Tumbler is a favorite gift for many of our Post Wanted writers and editors, as well as the health experts themselves. Reviewers adore the well-made exterior, excellent temperature preservation, and easy carry grip. Plus, you’re pretty much considered immediately cool, if you own one.

“I love bringing my Stanley with me to workout and teach class!” exclaimed Plattner. “It keeps my water ice cold and is so easy to access.”

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The editor-tested and expert-adored Omnilux is essentially the Rolls-Royce of red light therapy. It’s FDA-cleared, dermatologist-recommended, and backed by clinically proven results for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. Plus, you can go hands-free when you’re wearing it!

“With the hype of skincare increasing, I decided to research the best thing for skin, shared Bedford. “After a lot of research, I found the Omnilux Contour Face, which is a red-light face mask. It claims that it reduces fine lines and wrinkles, reduces redness, promotes collagen production, and leads to healthier skin.”

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Instantly elevate their relaxation routine with the ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser. This sleek, modern diffuser features a generous 300ml water tank that’s easy to clean, seven ambient LED light options, customizable mist timer settings, and a built-in auto shut-off for peace of mind.

Best of all, it not only fills the room with calming aromas but it also helps purify and humidify the air, leaving skin and lips feeling hydrated, refreshed, and nourished. At just under $20, it’s an excellent value buy before the holidays.

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What’s cool about this lululemon bag is that it can be used for work, as well as the gym. It has enough interior pockets to hold your laptop and your workout leggings. It’s also made of water-repellent fabric and designed to be taken with you anytime, anywhere.

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Meet the ultimate hack for working up a good sweat! Sweet Sweat cream is activated by your elevated heart rate, helping you cut excess water weight and get a better burn from your cardio days, high-intensity training, and even sauna sessions. If you have some doubts, just read some of the reviews. People say it leaves them dripping!

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VR workouts have been big for 2023. No, they’re not for everyone, but for the person who likes cutting-edge stuff or simply gets bored fast, it’s a great and unexpected gift. The reason we like the Meta Quest 2 is that it can be used to download fitness apps like Supernatural, a very cool kickboxing meets Jedi master workout.

Whomever you give this to will enjoy a totally immersive experience, complete with sound and awe-inspiring sights. Meta also makes it possible to join your friends and family in the virtual world, so you can sweat together. Well, as much as anyone can in an alternate reality.

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Yes, colostrum as in breast milk, only this golden milk comes from grass-fed cows, and only has bioavailable nutrients to strengthen the immune barrier. Free of soy, gluten or sugar, this superfood is a great addition to your wellness routine, especially if you’re looking to feel more energized naturally.

Boasting more than 400 bioactive ingredients, one of our editors swears this stuff is responsible for her kicking her three-pot-a-day coffee habit. And if you’re curious, it doesn’t taste bad at all. If anything, it tastes like powdered milk, so don’t be scared to take a spoonful into your mouth or add it to your morning smoothie. Also available at Amazon.

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It never hurts to have a pair of weights handy for days you can’t swing by the gym, and these are like five dumbbells in one!Each plate is 5 pounds (making each dumbbell 50 pounds when fully stacked) and locks into place with Twist Lock Technology for safety.

And if you don’t have lifting gloves, no sweat! The soft grip handle on these babies makes them fairly comfortable to hold through squats, walking lunges, and deadlifts. Plus, they have a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon.

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This pocket-sized massage gun is a delight for sore muscles. Weighing less than three pounds, it features three speeds, has an ergonomic grip, and a brushless motor with QuietForce Technology. What does that mean for you? Oh, just a quieter personal massage that can be enjoyed while your partner sleeps or during the commute home. It’s also Bluetooth-enabled and can be used with the Therabody app, which has a library of wellness routines to try out.

“Who needs a man when you have the TheraGun?!” suggested Plattner. “After a long day of working out or teaching yoga, this product helps with my muscle recovery and relieves any muscle aches or tension that I am feeling. It helps reduce soreness, ease stiffness, increase circulation, improve mobility, and is proven to improve sleep and reduce stress!”

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Even if you’re not into yoga, the warrior mat makes a great gift. It can be used for Pilates, flexibility training or just good-for-the-soul deep breathing work. Its gorgeous matte finish and oversized design make it a treat to use, and it isn’t made from any toxic materials. Best of all, it’s moisture-wicking, anti-odor, and thick enough to keep every move comfortable and bruise-free.

“For all of the people in need of a mat that can be used for almost every exercise the Alo Yoga
Mat is for you,” said Katelyn Bedford. “I use the ALO Yoga Mat every single day for stretching, meditation, mat Pilates, ab burners, or at-home HIIT Workouts.”

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We like to think of the Apple Watch Series 8 as the ultimate fitness tracker for multitaskers. It can take and send calls, has a large face for easy typing, and boasts a polished design to suit almost any aesthetic. More importantly, it tracks major health stats!

The wearable design lets you track your sleep stats, as well as your blood oxygen level. It can also sense your temperature, take your ECG, as well as all the things you’d expect, like steps and calories burned. If you’re curious about the Apple Watch Series 9, that’s not a bad option either. However, there isn’t a big difference between the two (the Series 9 has a double-tap feature and an upgraded S9 chip), so we say save the money and go with the Series 8.

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Let’s give some love to lululemon this season (seriously though, everyone and their mother is obsessed with the brand, which is why it makes a great gift.) For a splurge they may not make on their own, the best-selling Align High-Rise 28″ Pant comes in numerous colors and will excite any fitness lover.

“As a person who is constantly on the go, my choice of leggings for workouts, lounging, and
running errands is the Lululemon Align Leggings,” shared Bedford. “My personal favorite leggings are the Align 28-inch and in the color Navy Blue. I complete Pilates, walks, runs, and HIIT workouts in these leggings!”

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Although they’re not the newest kid on the block as far as fitness is concerned, if you know someone who doesn’t have them, gift them a pair of Apple AirPods Pro. They’re popular for a reason, so help a loved one get with it (or replace the ones they lost on the subway).

Regardless if it’s the AirPods Pros (2nd Gen) or AirPods (3rd Gen), both are noise-canceling, sweat-resistant, and Siri-compatible. If you’re seeking gifts for fitness lovers, you truly can’t go wrong with either. No cords, no fumbling.

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Spinning class shoes can be a bit of an eyesore, but these TIEM Slipstreams might be the exception. The sneakers come in a range of soft pastels and neutrals and offer wonderful mesh construction for added ventilation.

“Stylish and supportive!” said Plumaker of her favorite TIEM shoes. “They’re so much cuter than class spin shoes and you can wear them at most spin places like SoulCycle and CycleBar.”

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A pre-workout is a must-have for gym rats. Amino Lean combines essential amino acids with natural caffeine and green tea extract for a more natural, vegan-friendly approach. With 125 mg of caffeine per serving, it still should provide a solid energy boost for those in need of a little pre-workout lift. Plus, it’s good enough to be endorsed by Alix Earle and our health experts.

“This pre-workout gives me the energy that I need to excel in my workouts! It also tastes so good and is great to pair with a scoop of electrolytes,” shared Plattner.

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We know it’s not cheap, but a Peloton Bike is a wonderful investment for that person who cannot stop cycling. The large HD screen, studio-quality sound, live and on-demand classes, and state-of-the-art features make for a truly immersive workout experience.

With the additional $44/mo membership, the entire household can score unlimited access to Peloton’s entire library of content. Think of it this way: if you buy it for a family member, you can certainly get some miles in too!

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No, it’s not as good as a trip to the masseuse or chiropractor. However, this acupressure mat has more than 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Here’s how it works: the tiny spikes on the front of the mat hit pressure points, promoting circulation and muscle relaxation. One of our editors has tried this and says it’s surprisingly invigorating.

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When hiking and camping are in the books, you’ll want to head to the vest section. To keep warm, try this lightweight vest on before hitting the road. It has zone insulation to keep the chill out and is also windproof and water-resistant. There are zippered pockets for your keys and cards, plus an interior phone sleeve, too! Available in five colors, this makes a great gift for yourself or one of your running buds!

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Even health fanatics can fall into the caffeine trap, but if there’s one gift that might actually change their coffee routine, it’s Everyday Dose. This healthier alternative to regular coffee is infused with functional mushrooms, nootropics, and collagen protein, all blended with premium, low-acidity coffee extract.

The result? A smooth, creamy flavor that’s earned rave reviews, and it comes without the jitters, crashes, or harsh acidity of traditional brews. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone looking to level up their morning ritual with clean, focused energy.

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Best for metrics: Lumen

Yet another fitness and wellness trend of 2023 (thanks, Bryan Johnson!), we’re for anything that (safely) promotes longevity or at least keeps us in the know about our personal health. Case in point: Lumen, the device that tracks your metabolism. Fairly easy to use, blow into the pocket-sized device and it measures C02 levels to tell if you’re burning carbs or fat.

According to a 2022 report from the Mayo Clinic, metabolic flexibility is a way to prevent hyperglycemia after eating and helps blood glucose get delivered to the glycolytic tissues and the brain. While this is a little more science-y than we want to get into for a gift guide, we can say the daily scores received from Lumen can provide insights to dips in energy, weight gain, and other things worth discussing with your doctor.

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There is no feeling like wrapping yourself in something warm and cozy after an intense workout. Fortunately, Aritzia offers a sea of stylish lounge options that are great for layering over workout clothes when you’re heading home from the gym or hot yoga class

According to Plattner, the Boxy Zip Hoodie is one of the best gifts for someone who loves to work out. “This is my favorite pre and post-workout zip-up to throw on and off!” she said. “It comes in so many different colors and keeps me warm!”

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The dry brush is a simple yet powerful self-care tool that is especially effective after a major sweat session. According to the experts, the correct use of this small brush could also improve circulation.

“Dry brushing is a holistic tool that I use within my own wellness journey. Not only to exfoliate
and restore my skin, but also to increase blood flow to that area of my body,” said Bedford. “This has been a game-changer with dry skin, skin elasticity, and the decrease in the appearance of cellulite.”

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The NordicTrack T Series Treadmill isn’t only an Amazon best-seller but more than 22,000 customers give it 5 stars. One of our commerce editors owns one and swears it’s perfect to complete your home gym. Namely, this model boasts a Smart OneTouch control, which auto-adjusts your speed and incline. It also comes with a 30-day iFit membership.

For more options, check out our guide to the best treadmills. You can’t go wrong with an on-trend under-desk treadmill, either.

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For the guy who won’t let rain or snow stop his morning run, gift a pair of these cold-weather leggings. They have four-way stretch, are moisture-wicking, and have a dual layer of fabric to provide warmth without extra weight. They can be worn alone or beneath a pair of men’s joggers, and are available in a myriad of colors.

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For just $15, treat the runner you know to something as practical and convenient as ever: the TRIBE Water-Resistant Cell Phone Running Armband. No more holding their device when they run — it’s time to swing those arms naturally with each stride.

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Our brothers and boyfriends love to work out, so when we’re in doubt of what to purchase them for the holidays, we opt for an Under Armour Compression T-Shirt. For just $30, how could you go wrong? They feel as good as they look, too. The breathable design also makes it a great choice for golfers!

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The Niceday Elliptical Machine is a top-rated piece of equipment that’ll help you feel good on cardio days. With 16 resistance levels and a quiet magnetic drive system, any fitness lover would adore this newly minted machine. It’s low-impact too, making it a great choice for seniors.

For more options, check out our guide to the best elliptical machines.

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The CFX Resistance Bands are a three-pack that’ll fare well for any fitness lover. Not to mention, each one has a different resistance level. They’re the ones we grab for leg day IRL, too. Plus, at just under $15, this simple but useful gift won’t break the bank.

“For all of those people who complete at-home workouts, booty bands are a necessary tool. Therefore, it is important to get the right product for your at-home workouts,” shared Bedford. “The Vergali Non-
Slip Booty Bands have elevated my workouts and increased the intensity of my fitness.”

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To maintain your fitness goals, the Etekcity Smart Scale is one of the best — and affordable — investments you can make. Namely, it pairs with your smartphone and helps provide insights to your body mass index (BMI), progress, and more.

For more options, check out our guide to the best smart scales.

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Recovery tools are just as important as workout gear, and they also happen to make wonderful holiday gifts for the wellness-obsessed people in your life.

Using only compressed air, this wearable device massages your leg muscles to improve circulation and reduce swelling, helping you heal more quickly after injuries or strenuous exercises. This one from FIT KING also comes with a handy carry case, so they can travel with it too.

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Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.

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For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

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