The 8 best fitness gifts from Nike

When gift shopping for fitness lovers, imagine a clothing item, accessory or piece of equipment that will help keep them motivated and confident, even on tough days. For any athlete tackling a fitness routine, having the right gym gear can help keep workouts fresh and enjoyable.

Nike offers a range of fitness gifts—from moisture-wicking clothes to resistance bands to weight-lifting shoes—to help the fitness enthusiast in your life get the most out of their workout. Check out these eight essential gift ideas for fitness lovers, no matter what their workout of choice is.

Unless the gym lover in your life logs every workout in their home gym, a duffel bag is a daily essential. For folks heading to their favourite gym or Yoga studio—especially if it's right before or after work—they're going to need a spacious gym bag with compartments for toting their gear.

Nike gym bags range in size from 25 litres—big enough for a change of clothes and pair of shoes—to more than 95 litres, with space for shoes, clothes, toiletries and even a basketball. Nike training duffel bags are packed with features like a separate shoe compartment and elastic bungees for a Yoga mat, making it easy to carry all the necessities.

The Nike Yoga Mastery Mat is grippy and lightweight. While it is designed for Yoga, it's equally useful for at-home workouts, core training and Pilates mat classes. At 5 millimetres thick, the mat provides a balance of cushioning and firmness for a grounded sensation.

Made from a blend of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and natural rubber, this Yoga mat has anti-odour properties and feels cool to the touch even as an athlete heats up.

(Related: How to clean a Yoga mat in 7 quick steps)

Whether you're shopping for an avid trail runner or power lifter, technical clothing that can help keep athletes cool and dry is a must. Nike Dri-FIT tops, T-shirts and tank tops are made from fabric that wicks moisture away from the skin so it can quickly evaporate. Find T-shirts with a classic Nike Swoosh or cropped tank tops with mesh panels for extra breathability.

Bike shorts are well-suited for a range of workouts, from CrossFit to Yoga. The tight, non-bulky fit encourages unrestricted movement and moisture-wicking Nike Dri-FIT material helps keep athletes cool. Nike bike shorts come in high-waisted and mid-rise options, as well as inseam lengths ranging from 3 to 7 inches (7.5 to 18 centimetres (approx.)).

Staying hydrated is an essential part of a healthy fitness routine. Sporty water bottles from Nike make it easy to hydrate on the go, with built-in straws and push-pull squeeze tops—no need to unscrew the cap. Many Nike water bottles are designed with ergonomics in mind, so they'll feel natural and comfortable in your hand.

For fitness lovers who love to see how their body is responding to a workout in real time, fitness trackers are a must-have accessory. The Apple Watch Nike is fitness tracker and running partner at the same time, with the built-in Nike Run Club App to track runs, walks or hikes.

If the fitness enthusiast on your list already has an Apple Watch, consider picking out a new watch band to keep their watch looking fresh. Nike Sport Bands and Sport Loops come in a range of colours and styles.

Rest is crucial to any fitness routine and there are an array of Nike products that can facilitate muscle recovery. The Nike foam roller has a textured exterior that helps ease tight muscles and work out trigger points. At 33 centimetres long (approx.), it is lightweight and portable. To help target smaller muscle groups, try the Nike roller bar or recovery ball.

(Related: The top benefits of foam rollers, according to experts)

For a versatile pair of gym shoes, look to the Nike Metcon series. These training shoes have a breathable mesh upper and a flat, durable sole designed for stability while weightlifting. They are also cushioned and responsive underfoot, with Nike React foam that provides comfort and support during short sprints or cardio intervals. A built-in tab locks down the laces to help athletes avoid stepping on or tripping over their shoe laces.

Words by Hannah Singleton