Maybe I'm biased, but personal trainers are VIPs in my book. They're constantly pushing us to our limits, helping us become our strongest, most powerful selves (even if we're cursing their names in the moment...). Whether it's the holiday season or you just want to say "hey, thanks for kicking my butt," I've rounded up a list of PT-approved, must-have gym equipment items that make the best gifts for personal trainers. Read on to find a special something for the PT in your life, no matter your budget.
12 of the Best Gifts for Personal Trainers
Best affordable gifts
According to Rosie Borchert, NASM-CPT,
resistance bands are a no-brainer. Not only are these small-but-mighty bands versatile for a wide range of exercises, they're also affordable and portable, making them one of the best gifts for traveling personal trainers. You can buy REP bands in pairs, the full set (which includes one of each band, ranging from 3X-Light to X-Heavy), or build a custom set for your PT.
"While the REP resistance bands are durable, this type of product has a certain shelf life if you’re using them often, so I'm always happy to have more," Borchert says. "I keep some in my car, in my home gym, in my gym bag, backpack — they’re everywhere!"
A foam roller might not seem like the most thrilling gift for personal trainers, but this one has a few tricks up its sleeve. While the exterior looks like (and can be used as) a traditional foam roller, it actually houses a ridged roller and a handheld mobility stick — yep, three recovery tools in one! Thanks to the compact design, this pick makes a great space-saving gift for traveling personal trainers.
In my humble-yet-professional opinion, foldable mats are the only floor mats worth using. The ease! The portability! The durability! Whether you're hitting the deck for a burpee or thrusting a KB, this sturdy REP mat won't slide around under your feet. Plus, the four foldable sections mean you can customize the shape of the mat to give yourself a little added height or cushion for certain movements (think: rear-foot elevated split squats).
If there's one thing every PT could use, it's a quality gym bag. This REP bag has a no shortage of zippered pockets and compartments for optimal organization, as well as a water bottle holder and a ventilated section for sweaty gym clothes or shoes. There's even a zipper compartment with a USB port so your trainer's phone can keep up with their busy schedule.
These REP sandbags are another pick from Borchert. "I love how versatile sandbags are for functional fitness," she says. "Plus, they’re easy to transport when you want to train someone in a park or at the beach. I also appreciate that the bags come in a wide range of colors — the camo and army green options would be a great gift for anybody. Yes, your fitness equipment can be as stylish as you are!"
Choose from seven different colors and four sizes, ranging from small (5-25lbs) to extra-large (125-200lbs).
Best strength training equipment gifts
While it's definitely a splurgier item, this rack from Monica Henrichs, CSCS, is her top gift recommendation for any PT who is working out of their home or building out their own gym—or maybe it's a treat-yourself splurge, for any trainers reading this.
"The Ares 2.0 Power Rack is my absolute number-one wish list for personal trainers," she says. "If you have the space, this is the piece that does it all. It's a squat rack, lat pull-down, and low row machine, as well as a functional trainer for any cable work you can imagine."
Henrichs' second wish list item is the Nighthawk Adjustable Bench, which is a piece of must-have gym equipment for any PT. "It's compatible with our bench leg roller and (spoiler-alert) an upcoming leg extension/leg curl attachment. For high functionality and a small footprint, it's a slam dunk," she says.
The Nitehawk bench features a durable steel frame, which comes in five different colors, and cushy-yet-grippy padding. Plus, you can adjust between seven back positions (ranging from 0 to 85 degrees) and four seat positions (ranging from -5 to 20 degrees) for maximum versatility. And powerlifters, fear not: the 16.7-inch height also complies with International Powerlifting Federation standards.
Adjustable dumbbells make a great gift for personal trainers because they're so easy to store and transport. Especially if your PT likes to train alfresco, they'll be stoked to receive the Quick-Draw set, which easily transitions for super-quick weight changes with the flip of a switch.
The sets come in four size options, ranging from 5lbs up to 60lbs. You can also tack on additional 10lb plates to further customize your weight options. Best of all, Quick-Draw dumbbells are extremely durable (weight droppers, we're looking at you), and feature a flat-bottom shape so they won't roll away.
What's portable, effective, and screamin' yellow? The TRX suspension trainer, of course. This iconic piece of training equipment is perfect for bodyweight strength movements, balance exercises, functional movements, and so much more. With a small footprint and packable design, your PT can set this system up with ease, whether it's attached to a tree in the park or a rack in the gym. And, when you need another gift idea down the road, there are also plenty of TRX add-ons you can choose from, like gymnastics rings or a rip trainer.
Best conditioning equipment gifts
Another awesome portable gift for personal trainers is the REP Adjustable Plyo Box, which switches between three heights (16", 20", or 24") with a quick turn of the solid steel spring pins. Weighing in at 40lbs, your PT can load it into the car or stow it away in their home gym setup with ease. And, while it has a slimmer footprint than bulkier plyo boxes, that doesn't make it flimsy — with a weight capacity of 400lbs and a slip-resistant rubber top, this baby can go the distance.
Fair warning: depending on the weight you choose, this is one gift you might just regret giving your PT. Ranging from 5-70lbs, these highly-slammable, sand-filled balls are awesome for conditioning days and building power. They're thick and durable, and use a grippy shell that won't slide out of your (inevitably sweaty) fingers. Gift one ball individually or bundle a set.
