So, it’s that time again.  Someone somewhere is sitting back waiting to be gifted.

And sadly, it’s your turn to ante up that golden gift.

All you’ve managed to do so far is narrow your gift idea down to: Something About Exercise.

Good job!

Step one: check!  Now comes the hard part–sorting through a million ideas for fitness crap online.

Now before you rush off and type ‘Gift for Fit Girl’ or ‘Workout Gifts for Women’ into Amazon’s fancy mega search monster, let me help you.

I’m a fitness fanatic and I’ve purchased

SO

MUCH

CRAP

for exercising over the years.  I’m going to tell you what will earn you a big ‘ol bear hug from your lucky gift recipient.

There are 10 Gift Ideas in this list so you’re sure to find something that works.

This is a list I’ve compiled based on products (fitness programs as well as products) I use and love.

Most of the suggestions are a great gift idea for women (or men) who love exercise but my focus is on women, because that’s what I know.

This post may contain Amazon (or other) affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. You can get more information about that here.

A MEMBERSHIP TO BEACHBODY ON DEMAND

A Beachbody on Demand subscription gives you the ability to do ALL OF THE BEACHBODY WORKOUTS whenever and wherever you are! 

Beachbody has a ton of incredible workouts like Insanity Max:30, P90X3, Piyo, 80 Day Obsession and tons more.

Here’s a video that explains the membership:

PRO TIP

Sign her up for the free trial period and let her try it out.

INSANITY MAX:30 PROGRAM

Insanity Max:30 is a cardio-focused series of workouts by Beachbody.  Each video is 30 minutes long (32 with the cool down/stretch) with Shaun T as your host.  Insanity Max:30 fits Shaun T like a glove.

If the person you’re shopping for loves classic Insanity then they’ll also love this series–it’s fun and gets results.

Here’s a peek at Insanity Max:30

Bonus Fact

Anyone can follow the choreography in Insanity Max:30 and there’s no equipment required.

A HEART RATE MONITOR

If you decide to go with this idea I recommend a heart rate monitor that has a chest strap.

The styles (with a chest strap) record the most accurate heart rate and calories burned.

I’ve used the FT4, FT7 and the A300 by Polar.

Only spend money on the features you need.  The more expensive monitors don’t work better they just have more tech features.

PRO TIP

Polar has come out with some new models of heart rate monitors.  I’m using a Polar M400 now.  It has a lot of extra features that I don’t use all the time (but I still love it).  

The best feature is access to Polar Flow (the FT models won’t sync with Polar Flow).

BODY BEAST PROGRAM

This is a strength-training workout program by Beachbody and hosted by Sagi Kalev. 

>>Check out a review of my favorite Body Beast routine for women.

Here’s a look at Body Beast:

Body Beast is classic weight-lifting. 

Sagi is funny and the series is good (and it works).

PRO TIPS

For women, consider adding on a set of 5, 8, 10, 12, and/or 15 lb. dumbbells to get started with this program.

These are the type (of dumbbells) I recommend (more about why I recommend a specific kind of dumbbells below).

A GOOD SET OF DUMBBELLS OR A PULL-UP BAR

It’s worth it to invest in a good set of dumbbells.  The grip, shape, and covering on the weights all matters.

A grip that’s too rough can cause skin rips and a grip that’s too narrow (in diameter) will cause hands to cramp up.  Dumbbells with rounded ends are annoying because they roll.  (That sounds trivial but it becomes really irritating when they’ve rolled across the room every time you go to pick them up.  It also means you have to store them wedged up against something.)

I prefer hexagonal heads, a decent sized grip, and neoprene/vinyl-covered or solid rubber material dumbbells like these.  

For women, start with 5, 8, 10, and 12 lb. dumbbells (ALWAYS buy them in pairs).  

>>(A Woman’s Guide to Buying Dumbbells is a helpful article to check out if you have more questions.)<<

PRO TIPS

If you decide to purchase a pull-up bar throw in a pull-up assist band, too.

Measure the door frame where the bar will be positioned to make sure you’re getting the right size.

Make sure you look at the weight limit for the bar you’re buying.  You want the person who’ll be using it to be safe.

P90X3 PROGRAM

Tony Horton hosts this Beachbody series of sixteen different 30-minute cardio and strength training workouts.

P90X3 is my favorite series with Tony Horton. 

If you’re not sure about this one you can read about a few of the workouts to learn more: Agility X, The Challenge, Eccentric Upper, The Warrior, Eccentric Lower, and CVX.

PRO TIP

If you purchase P90X3 as a gift for someone then consider adding a pull-up bar, a set of push-up stands, some dumbbells, and/or a pair of workout gloves to help them get started.

A CATHE FRIEDRICH WORKOUT SERIES

I recommend the ICE series for the intermediate or beginner:

and Ripped with HiiT or Xtrain for the advanced athlete:

The awesome thing about Cathe Friedrich is that you can purchase an entire series or just the individual workouts you want out of the series (Beachbody doesn’t do that).

You can find most of her videos on Amazon or on Cathe’s website.

PRO TIPS

Cathe uses an aerobic step and a variety of dumbbells in many of her routines.

I recommend you go ahead and purchase an aerobic step and a few pair of dumbbells (for women, a good place to start is with a pair of 5, 8, and 10’s…I love the colored dumbbells) if you’re buying a Cathe Friedrich series of routines for someone.

Do not skimp on an exercise step.  Get a good one like this exercise platform style.

I have purchased many versions over the years.  You need a wide step with solid risers and a nonslip surface for safety reasons. It matters.  I promise.

I like this one because it’s safe (I designed it) and you can purchase more risers to adjust the height for different workouts.

A MEMBERSHIP TO CATHE ON DEMAND

I LOVE this membership service!  Cathe Friedrich creates advanced workouts of every fitness style you can imagine.

The On Demand membership gives you access to hundreds of challenging routines.

There are 2 subscription options.  

The LIVE option is $9.97/month and gives you access to all of Cathe Friedrich’s live workouts done in her home gym in New Jersey.  These are fun and there’s a ton of variety. 

The second option is Cathe On Demand + Live and is $19.97/month (that’s the one I have) and gives you access to all of her Live workouts PLUS all of her videos (that’s over 300 workouts).

You can cancel a membership at any time.  Let her try it for a month and see what she thinks.

PRO TIPS

*Consider getting a Cathe Friedrich gift certificate if you’re not sure what to purchase.*

Check out Cathe’s pinterest page to see samples of her live workouts.

A MEMBERSHIP TO WANTABLE

Wantable is a subscription program for women’s workout clothes.

From the Wantable experts-

“The Fitness Edit is a personal styling service that allows you to try before you buy. This means you get to try on 5-7 handpicked fitness and athleisure items in the comfort of your own home before paying for them. These items feature the hottest styles and latest innovations from brands like Lukka Lux, Shape Active, Chi Chi, Onzie, and Just Live. Item prices are based on your personal preferences but usually range from $30-$70 each.  The Fitness Edit is a monthly subscription, but you can skip a month or cancel at any time.”

Use the ‘Get Started’ button to fill out the style profile and create an account. Then wait for the awesome fitness apparel to arrive!

Once you receive your personalized selections you try on everything (I usually receive 7 articles of clothing) and keep what you want.

You have 5 days to send back what you don’t want in the enclosed envelope.  It’s awesome!

I currently belong to several subscription fitness apparel programs including Fabletics, Sweatstyle, and Under Armour’s program called ArmourBox.

They all have great products but Wantable is my favorite.

PRO TIPS

Wantable also offers a subscription program for everyday clothes called Wantable Style.  A membership to Wantable Style is a great backup plan if you’re not sure if she needs more workout clothes.

If Wantable doesn’t float your boat my next recommendation is Sweatstyle.  (Another awesome workout clothes subscription program.)

Read, The Top 5 Fitness Apparel Subscription Programs–Your Ultimate Guide, for more ideas.

And one more great gift idea…

WORKOUT PANTS (WITH A COOL GRAPHIC PRINT)

Every woman who loves exercise will love you for buying her another pair of workout pants.

You just can’t have too many.

✔GEARBUNCH is my favorite place to shop for well-made workout leggings that fit perfect and have beautiful graphic designs in a million different prints.

Surprise her with your favorite design or grab a gift certificate–either way she’ll love you for it!

Need a few more fitness gift ideas? Check out these articles:

✔9 Awesome Workout Recovery Gifts for Her

✔6 Tech Gifts She’ll Love (for women who love exercise)

✔Perfect Fitness Gifts for Women Over 40

✔The Best Exercise Equipment Gift Ideas for Women

Happy shopping!