The 25 Best Products For Fitness Beginners
The new year is an ideal time to introduce a friend to fitness or encourage a blossoming interest in the world of exercise. These gifts are not only exciting to receive but incredibly practical, given that these are things that you probably wish you had owned when you first started working out.
While you're showing your loved one the ropes, make their new health journey more seamless and easier than ever with products that help with every aspect of fitness, from fueling to recovery. And maybe pick up some of it for yourself while you're at it, because who doesn't need a little more protein powder or an extra pair of compression socks?
Fitbit Luxe
The first step is often just that: a step. By giving your newbie fitness pal a tracker, they'll be encouraged to keep doing what they're doing, to move more, and to be more conscious of their daily habits. It's an awesome gift to welcome them into the world of health, as well as very stylish — and you can challenge them on the Fitbit app with steps each week!
Fitbit Luxe ($150)
POPSUGAR Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is so gorgeous, your loved one won't want to roll it up. With a print this minimalistic and pretty, it'll become a mini sanctuary, whether she's at the studio or in her living room.
POPSUGAR Yoga Mat ($30)
Vega One Nutritional Shake Protein Powder
Vega is a high-quality, tasty, and very accessible product. Not only is it nutritionally dense and delicious in even the most basic of shakes (you can literally mix it with water; ideal for a newbie) — but it's also vegan, and you can get it in many grocery stores. These single packs make serving sizes even simpler.
Vega One Nutritional Shake Protein Powder ($34, originally $40)
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo
Something this beginner may not know just yet: dry shampoo is a fitness fanatic's BFF. This is a trusted brand, and small enough to toss into a gym bag.
POPSUGAR Sliding Core Discs
These are also perfect for at-home glute and core workouts. These sliding core discs can go underneath your hands and feet to elevate low-impact exercises such as planks and mountain climbers.
Yes to Coconut Face & Hand Cleansing Wipes
Another perfect addition to their gym bag? Cleansing wipes. These are inexpensive and they smell amazing!
Sweat Cleansing Towelettes
Another cleansing wipe option for the active gal who's always rushing off to the next activity and needs a little freshening up, these are perfect for wiping your makeup off quickly before a sweaty workout and can also be used as a post-workout cool down.
Sweat Cleansing Towelettes ($7)
POPSUGAR Mini Resistance Band Pack
These mini resistance bands with encouraging messages are the perfect gift for workout newbies. These bands come in different levels of resistance, which is perfect for different workouts for each muscle group.
A Studio Class Gift Card
What's your favorite class? Take your friend with you! One of the best ways to introduce your friend to the life-changing world of health and fitness is by actually bringing them to class. I've used this as a gift for the beginners in my life, and they've agreed that it's the gift that keeps on giving (and a totally memorable experience for you both). Suggestion: plan a brunch for a post-exercise celebration!
SoulCycle Gift Card (Prices vary)
CamelBak eddy+
We love this water bottle for so many reasons — and your friend will too! Made from recycled material, this water bottle is spill-proof and leak-proof. The straw makes it super easy to grab a gulp of water in a fast cardio class, while the handle makes it easy to carry (and keeps it from rolling away if it falls over!). It's also super lightweight, so it won't weigh down their new gym bag.
CamelBak eddy+ ($16)
POPSUGAR Neoprene Dumbbell
We all start somewhere, and for many of us, it's with a light set of dumbbells to keep in our room to practice our biceps curls so we're not embarrassed in class . . . or maybe that's just us? Regardless, these will help make all those at-home workouts easier and allow your friend to build strength to take on even heavier weights!
Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Soaking Solution Relax & Relief
Let's be real: that first cardio class is going to leave them feeling pretty sore. Do them a solid and teach them the wondrous ways of an epsom soak.
PakRat Running Belt
As a beginner runner, I have clear, vivid, haunting memories of an early run with a fanny pack. It. Was. Awful. Surefire way to avoid the dreaded bouncing and chafing, but still carry your essentials? A waist pack like this one. No bounce, comfortable fit, and ample storage.
PakRat Running Belt ($16)
POPSUGAR Neoprene Kettlebell
Perfect for glutes and core days, use this 15 lb. kettlebell to increase intensity with your lunges, squats, and rows.
TriggerPoint Foam Roller
A fitness newbie might not even know what foam rolling is — make sure you introduce them to this imperative piece of equipment in the early stages to prevent injury and pain that might otherwise sideline their burgeoning fitness career.
TriggerPoint Foam Roller ($35)
POPSUGAR Yoga Block
Yoga blocks are great for both yoga and any post-workout stretch. This cute block offers support and balance as you try out new yoga poses, deep stretching, and meditation and is a great gift for those interested in exploring yoga workouts.
Popsugar Yoga Block ($13)
Athleta Savvy Grip Sock
Whether they're new to barre, Pilates, or megaformer classes, these sticky socks will help keep their feet planted firmly on the ground and ensure balance and stability for even the most complicated moves.
Athleta Savvy Grip Sock by Tavi Noir ($14)
POPSUGAR 3 in 1 Resistance Band
This versatile 3-in-1 resistance band is great for all workouts. It comes with varying levels of resistance to fit the level of intensity you are hoping to achieve. It is ideal for front-arm raises, curls, kickbacks, and overall strength training.
Hoka Women's Kawana Shoes
For a running shoe that can easily be turned into a street style shoe, get them the trendy Hoka sneakers. These cushioned running shoes are taking over TikTok for their style and comfort. They also come in a variety of fun colors that will make you stand out in your workout class or just when you're strutting around the streets on your day off.
Hoka Women's Kawana Shoes ($140)
Alo Yoga Faux Leather Airbrush High-Waist Leggings
Alo Yoga prides itself on creating clothing that can be worn in the studio and on the street, and they definitely succeeded with these leggings. For the active girl who's so stylish, you have no idea what to get her: go with these. Just trust us.
POPSUGAR Wrist and Ankle Weights
These wearable weights are a great way to ease into the fitness lifestyle. These can help with sculpting and toning, and are so light and comfortable that you won't even notice the additional weight in your workouts.
Lululemon Go Getter Bag 2.0
One of the best gifts you can give your favorite workout partner is a gorgeous and useful gym bag. Lululemon makes really excellent, practical designs each season, and this bag is no exception. With lots of functional pockets, padded pockets for electronics, padded handles and water-resistant, easy-to-clean material, this will be a long-lasting companion.
Lululemon Go Getter Bag 2.0 ($158)
Gymshark Flex High Waisted Leggings
These are the booty gains leggings. Soft, comfortable, sculpting, and flattering all the right regions — they'll be a fit girl's new best friend. Perfect for leg and glute days.
Nike Women's React Miler 2
The Nike Women's React Miler 2 is one of Nike's highly rated road running shoes. It offers chic colors as well as stability and comfort while avoiding any bulky feeling or weight.
Nike Women's React Miler 2 ($130)
POPSUGAR Jump Rope
Jump ropes are the perfect mix of cardio and nostalgic fun, and this POPSUGAR jump rope is the perfect fit for that. The 9-foot length and secure-grip handles are great for a well-rounded workout.
POPSUGAR Jump Rope ($13)