The Best Fitness Gifts of 2018

Here at Cooking Light, we talk a lot about eating healthy—but leading an active lifestyle is just as important. And whether you’re an early morning walker or dedicated yogi, having the right workout gear can breathe new life into your exercise routine. So why not treat the exercise buff in your life to something special this holiday season? From innovative gadgets to stylish gym attire, here are the best fitness gifts we’d love to give (or receive) in 2018.

Jumping rope may evoke memories of elementary school recess, but it’s a high-intensity cardio exercise that burns an impressive amount of calories in a relatively short time. Best of all, you can do it anywhere, whether you’re at home or on vacation. Recommended by Cooking Light editor Hunter Lewis, Everlast’s Evergrip Jump Rope comes with an added challenge—each handle contains a removable 1 ½ pound weight designed to work your upper body strength, core, and overall coordination. The jump rope is adjustable, and can be extended up to nine feet in length.

If you love exercise as much as you love food (or if you know somehow who does), then you’ll love sporting one of Bad Pickle’s super-soft, food-inspired tanks. With cute designs and cheeky one-liners like “Butternut squash my vibes,” and “Oh kale yeah!” these tanks are perfect for yoga class, a walk outside, or a core session at the gym.  

With the TRX Home2, you can get a great core workout in no matter where you are—simply anchor it above any door in your home, take it outside, or pack it up and bring it with you on the go. Through low-impact exercises that rely solely on your own body weight, this portable suspension trainer works deep core muscles and also improves your overall strength. The TRX Home2 also comes with a free year of access to the TRX app, which offers helpful instructional videos and more.  

Whether your muscles are sore after a tough workout, or your back is stiff after a long day at work, our bodies often need a little TLC. Triggerpoint’s GRID Foam Roller is the perfect way to to soothe your aches and pains at home. Best part? You can do it while you’re watching TV or waiting for water to boil—which CookingLight.com writer and runner Elizabeth Laseter does with hers. No need to spend loads of money on a massage—the Triggerpoint foam roller’s firm, three-dimensional surface lets you dig deep into muscle knots, effectively relieving tension and stress.

An easy way to hydrate more is using a water bottle that you love, whether it’s a fun color or unique shape. Hydroflask’s Standard Mouth bottle (pictured in Blueberry) checks all the right boxes: it’s made from sturdy stainless steel, it’s BPA- and phthalate-free, and it’s offered in an array of vibrant colors. The curved handle makes it easy to tote back and forth from the gym—but what we love about this water bottle is its ability to keep liquids ice cold, even hours after being out in the heat. 

If you’re an early morning walker or jogger, you need the right reflective gear to keep you safe on the roads or trails. The Zephyr Fire 100 Hand Torch from Nathan makes you visible from every angle, thanks to a bright light in the front and back. The light is also grip-free, thanks to an adjustable strap that secures it to your hand. When we tested it on a run, it felt comfortable and stayed right in place. Another impressive feature of this light is its extra safety feature—there’s a panic button, and believe us, it’s loud.

Hit the gym—and the office—in style with the JEMMA Birdie bag (pictured in Oxford Blue), an all-purpose tote that perfectly fits into an active, working person’s lifestyle. What we love most about the Birdie bag is its impressive amount of storage space, from a ventilated compartment for storing your shoes to a laptop pouch. The bag even has a special sleeve that can fit onto the handle of any rolling suitcase. (Seriously, these guys thought of everything!)

If you’re interested in running, cycling, or simply walking more, the Forerunner 35 (pictured in Frost Blue) is your perfect workout companion. GPS watches of the past were big, clunky, and took ages to connect to satellites. None of this is true for the Forerunner 35, a solid entry-level GPS watch that's sleek enough to mesh with both work and gym attire. Features include a built-in heart rate monitor, activity tracker, and sleep monitor, plus a free app to track your progress.

Perfect for a stocking stuffer, the StrobeLight LED Clip from Nathan (pictured in Tango Red) is small in size but mighty in power. The sturdy clip on this waterproof light attaches to your shorts, belt, or backpack, leaving your hands completely free. You can choose between a steady or blinking light, making it easy for others to spot you from a safe distance.

Highly recommended to us by CookingLight.com editor and avid runner Chris Michel, the Aftershokz Trekz Air aren’t your average wireless headphones—by utilizing bone-conduction technology, they deliver sound to your inner ear via your cheekbones. Your eardrums remain open, allowing you to hear both the music and your surroundings at the same time. It all sounds a bit futuristic, but the these headphones will keep you aware of your surroundings if you’re exercising outside. We took the Trekz Air and its lesser-expensive counterpart, the Trekz Titanium, on a run. While both stayed in place surprisingly well, the Trekz Air was lighter, more comfortable, and worth the slightly higher price point.