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Hello! I’m Torimune, and I’ve been doing home workouts for over 8 years.
“I want to give a gift to my partner who has become interested in strength training.”
“I want to give something that a friend who is working hard on their strength training will appreciate.”
But when you actually start looking, aren’t there just too many types of workout gear?
Dumbbells, ab rollers, training belts, protein powder…
For someone who doesn’t work out, it’s quite hard to know what is necessary and what would be nice to receive.
In my 8+ years of home training, I have used a wide variety of workout equipment.
Based on that experience, what I want to tell you is:
It is recommended to choose gifts for fitness enthusiasts based on their “strength training experience.”
That is the key.
What someone just starting out and someone who has been training for years would appreciate are completely different.
And one more thing.
“Things they want but don’t easily buy for themselves” are also very attractive as gifts.
This time, I have carefully selected 7 pieces of workout gear that I, with 8 years of home training experience, feel are recommended as gifts.
I will introduce products centered on equipment I have actually used, as well as items I recommend based on my experience.
I hope this serves as a reference for choosing gifts for your loved ones for birthdays, Christmas, Father’s Day, and more.
Conclusion | Choose gifts for fitness enthusiasts based on their “experience”
First, I will summarize the 7 recommended gifts.
Depending on the recipient’s strength training experience, this approach to choosing is recommended.
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For those starting strength training: Push-up bars and ab rollers
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For those wanting to start protein: Protein (REYS is recommended) + shaker
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For those doing bodyweight training: Dips stand and 24kg adjustable dumbbells
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For experienced users already using equipment: Genuine leather training belt and power grips
Fitness equipment isn’t necessarily better just because it’s expensive.
For example, if you give someone who is just starting strength training a pair of dumbbells worth tens of thousands of yen, they might not be able to use them effectively and could feel burdened.
Conversely, if you give someone who already handles heavy dumbbells a pair of light, beginner-friendly ones, they likely won’t have much use for them.
That is why it is important to know what kind of training the person is currently doing.
From here on, I will introduce recommended gifts based on fitness experience.
3 Recommended Gifts for Those Starting Strength Training
If the gift is for someone who wants to start strength training, I would choose something cheap, easy to use, and sustainable.
The goal is to help them accumulate small successes and feel that “strength training is fun.”
Here are three items that can serve as that starting point.
1. Push-up bars | Perfect as a first piece of fitness equipment
The first thing I would recommend as a gift for a home workout beginner is a “push-up bar.”
Push-up bars are small tools used when doing push-ups.
You might wonder, “How is this different from a regular push-up?” but the biggest difference is that you can lower your chest deeper.
When you do push-ups on the floor, the movement stops when your chest gets close to the floor.
Using push-up bars allows you to lower your body deeper than the floor, making it easier to train your pectoralis major while stretching it thoroughly.
I myself struggled with push-ups when I first started training.
I intended to train my chest, but only my arms would get tired.
Is this actually working my chest?
I still remember the feeling I had when I first used push-up bars, back when I was in that state.
My chest is stretching! It’s actually working my chest!
It felt completely different from the push-ups I had been doing until then.
That small success was one of the things that made me start to find strength training fun.
They are also affordable, starting from around 1,000 yen.
They don’t take up much space and are easy to put away when not in use.
Of course, you don’t need to force yourself to go deep at first. It’s fine to use them according to your own strength.
I’m interested in strength training, but I don’t know where to start.
I highly recommend this as a first gift for someone like that.
Check out the push-up bars I recommend on Amazon.
▶ Related Article: What are the effects of push-up bars? My first success story of changing push-ups that weren’t working my chest.
2. Ab Roller | An excellent, affordable gift that lasts a long time
The next thing I want to recommend is the ab roller.
It is a piece of fitness equipment that I have actually been using for 8 years since 2018, and it is still actively used today.
The appeal of the ab roller is that it is simple yet allows you to train your abs with high intensity.
When I first started working out at home, I tried various ab exercises like crunches and leg raises.
However, after I started using the ab roller, the feeling of training my abs changed significantly.
The biggest advantage of the ab roller is that it can be used for a long time by everyone from beginners to experienced users.
At first, you can roll it a short distance while on your knees. Once you get used to it, you can gradually increase the distance, and when you gain more strength, you can try rolling from a standing position.
This way, you can adjust the load according to your own growth.
The price is in the 1,000 yen range. It also requires almost no storage space.
I am still using that piece of equipment, which cost only around 1,000 yen, even after 8 years.
It is rare to find equipment with such high cost-performance.
If you are looking for a gift for someone who wants to train their abs, I definitely recommend considering this.
Check out the ab roller I recommend on Amazon here
▶ Related Article: What are the effects of an ab roller? | 8-year veteran asserts: “Crunches won’t change your abs”
3. REYS Protein + SAVAS Shaker | A practical set to support muscle training
Another recommendation besides workout equipment is a protein and shaker set.
Personally, I think this is quite suitable as a gift.
For those starting to work out, protein is a convenient food to supplement the protein that tends to be lacking in their diet.
However, when buying it for the first time, it is hard to know which manufacturer or flavor to choose.
That is why I recommend “REYS Whey Protein – Mixed Berry Flavor”.
I have been drinking protein for 8 years now, and I have actually purchased and compared 8 different flavors from REYS.
In my protein-drinking life, the most delicious one has been the REYS Mixed Berry.
It has sweetness, but thanks to the tartness of the berries, it has a refreshing aftertaste. It has a rich berry flavor and body, and since it tastes good even just with water, it is easy to keep up with every day.
And for the shaker to include in the set, I recommend the “SAVAS Amazon-exclusive black color”.
This is also a product I personally use and love.
The opening is wide, making it easy to wash all the way to the bottom, and there are no unnecessary parts. Above all, I like the simple design based on black.
REYS protein and a black SAVAS shaker.
Even just combining these two things, I think it will make for a practical gift that shows your support for their strength training.
However, protein powder flavors are a matter of personal preference. If you want to choose a flavor other than mixed berry, please also refer to my review where I compared all 8 flavors.
▶ Related Article: REYS Protein Flavor Recommendation Ranking | Comparing all 8 flavors
▶ Related Article: These Are the Recommended Protein Shakers | “How to Choose Without Fail” for Easy Cleaning & No Clumps
2 Recommended Gifts for People Who Continue Bodyweight Training
For those who are already continuing with push-ups, sit-ups, and the like, I recommend equipment that can take their current training to the next level.
When you keep up with strength training, you eventually start to feel that bodyweight alone isn’t enough.
Getting new equipment at that stage suddenly increases the number of exercises you can do.
④ Dips Stand | A Gift to Expand the Range of Bodyweight Training
If you are looking for a gift for someone working hard on bodyweight training, a dips stand is recommended.
A dips stand is equipment that uses two bars to support your own body weight while you train.
You might think, “Can’t you only do dips?” but that is actually not the case.
The three representative exercises are as follows.
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Dips: Pectorals, shoulders, and triceps
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Inverted Rows: Back muscles such as the latissimus dorsi and trapezius
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Leg Raises: Abdominals
In other words, with a dips stand, you can train a wide range of areas including your chest, back, arms, and abs.
I personally use a pull-up stand with dip bars, so I haven’t purchased a standalone dips stand.
However, if you are starting home training in an environment where you cannot place a pull-up stand, it is a very attractive option.
The one I would like to recommend is the STEADY Dips Stand ST126.
This is a recommended model with a structure that offers excellent stability.
However, for those who already own a pull-up stand with dip bars, it is generally unnecessary. It also requires installation space.
Before giving a gift, I recommend checking what kind of equipment they use at home.
▶ Related Article: Are Dip Stands Necessary? Effects and How to Train Your Whole Body with Bodyweight
⑤ 24kg Adjustable Dumbbells | For Stepping Up to Serious Home Workouts
If you are considering a slightly more luxurious gift, 24kg adjustable dumbbells are recommended.
This is a piece of equipment that would likely be especially appreciated if the recipient wants to continue serious home training.
When I first started strength training, I focused mainly on bodyweight exercises, but after I got adjustable dumbbells, the world of home workouts opened up for me.
Dumbbell presses to train the chest.
Side raises to train the shoulders.
Incline curls and lying extensions to train the arms.
Just having dumbbells really increases the number of exercises you can do.
Therefore, what I currently recommend for beginners to intermediate trainers is the TOP FILM 24kg Adjustable Dumbbell Set of 2.
The reason I recommend this model is the balance between the ease of changing weights and the weight settings that can be used for a long time.
Since you can change the weight just by turning the grip, you can
significantly reduce the hassle during training.
However, dumbbells are large and heavy equipment. You should definitely check if the recipient really wants them and if they have space at home to store them.
Rather than giving them as a surprise, choosing the product together might be the perfect gift.
▶ Related Article: What kg dumbbells should I buy? The recommendation is “24kg adjustable is the only choice” | Reasons and how to choose without failure
2 Recommended Gifts for Experienced Trainers Who Already Use Fitness Equipment
From here on, this is for people who are already training seriously using things like dumbbells.
Experienced trainers have often already gathered the equipment they need to some extent.
That is exactly why I would choose from a slightly different perspective.
Things you want, but hesitate to buy for yourself
Items like that are perfect for gifts, aren’t they?
6. Genuine Leather Training Belt | A slightly luxurious gift that people rarely buy for themselves
Out of the seven items introduced here, the one I especially recommend as a gift for experienced lifters is a “genuine leather training belt”.
A training belt is a tool worn around the waist to help increase intra-abdominal pressure.
It helps stabilize your core during exercises like heavy dumbbell training.
However, people often hesitate to buy a genuine leather training belt.
I was the same way.
Although I had been interested in a genuine leather belt for a while, I could still use my cheap nylon belt, and I was unsure if I should go out of my way to spend several thousand yen to replace it.
I remember agonizing over it for days before buying one.
The one I finally chose is the “ALLOUT Genuine Leather Training Belt”.
My impression after actually using it was
“I should have bought this sooner…!”
.
It has the thickness and firmness unique to genuine leather, and you can feel it pushing back against your abdomen.
It makes it easier to apply abdominal pressure during dumbbell bench presses and Bulgarian split squats, and I am satisfied with the stability of my form.
And another thing I like is the look.
The texture of the black-based genuine leather, the sturdy hardware, and the ALLOUT embroidery.
Honestly, it looks incredibly cool.
Just by tightening the belt, my mindset for working out naturally switches on.
The necessity of such tools might be hard to convey to people who don’t work out.
However, for someone who works hard at training every day, I think it is an item that provides a sense of satisfaction every time it is used.
“Receiving a gift that you had been wanting for a while”
That is quite a happy feeling, isn’t it?
Of course, it might be unnecessary for someone who already has a favorite belt, and it can be difficult to use if the size is wrong, so it is important to check their waist size and belt preferences.
For reference, I am 168cm tall, weigh 67kg, and have a waist of 73-74cm, and I use the M-size wide type and it fits perfectly.
If you are unsure about choosing a size, please refer to reviews that include actual photos of the product being worn.
▶Related Article: ALLOUT Genuine Leather Training Belt Honest Review | Pros and Cons Felt by an 8-Year Home Workout Veteran
I want to give something a little special to someone who is working hard at their fitness training.
In such a case, I would make this genuine leather belt a top candidate.
7. Power Grips | A Practical Item Whose Value Experienced Lifters Will Appreciate
The last item I will introduce is Power Grips.
They might look a bit plain, but for me, they are one of the pieces of equipment that made me feel, “I wish I had bought these sooner.”
Power grips are items worn on the wrists to assist in gripping bars and dumbbells.
They are especially useful for back-training exercises like pull-ups and dumbbell rows.
When I first started doing pull-ups, I had the problem of “my grip strength reaching its limit before my back…”.
My back still felt like it could do more, but I couldn’t keep holding onto the bar. This was quite frustrating.
However, since I started using power grips, that feeling has changed significantly.
Because I can hold the bar with a sensation of hooking it rather than gripping it tightly, I can reduce the exhaustion of my grip strength.
Thanks to this, it has become easier for me to concentrate on my back training than before.
The ones I currently love and use are “ALLOUT Power Grips”.
I like the strong grip of the rubber, which feels like it bites firmly into the bar.
Since the price is around 3,000 yen, it is recommended for those who want to choose a practical gift without spending as much as they would on a genuine leather belt.
However, you should check if the recipient does pull-ups or dumbbell rows.
For those who already have power grips or prioritize training their grip strength, they may not be as necessary.
“I want to make their daily training even a little more comfortable.”
I think it is a pretty good item to give with that sentiment in mind.
▶ Related Article: Are Power Grips Necessary for Pull-ups? | The Reason I Went from Only Feeling It in My Arms to Engaging My Back
[By Budget] What Are Recommended Gifts for Fitness Enthusiasts?
I have introduced 7 products so far.
But besides the recipient’s experience level, budget is also important, right?
So, let me organize them again by budget.
For a low budget, go with push-up bars or an ab roller.
Even with a gift around 2,000 yen, you can give something that is quite practical.
It is especially recommended for those who are just about to start working out.
If you are just starting out, tools that are easy to use can sometimes be more helpful than expensive equipment.
For a budget of 3,000 to 10,000 yen, choose based on practicality and a sense of specialness.
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A protein and shaker set for fitness beginners
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Power grips for those doing pull-ups and similar exercises
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A genuine leather belt for those already doing heavy-weight training
These are options you should choose based on the recipient’s situation.
Personally, I find the genuine leather training belt particularly appealing in the sense that it is something they might not buy for themselves.
For around 20,000 yen, adjustable dumbbells are also a candidate.
For those who want to start home training in earnest, 24kg adjustable dumbbells are equipment that can be used for a long time.
However, since they are large in both price and size, it is recommended to choose them while consulting with the person themselves.
Since it is a special gift, you want to choose something that they will continue to use.
3 points to avoid failure when giving fitness goods as gifts
Finally, here are three things to check before purchasing a gift.
1. Check the equipment they already own
The more someone loves fitness training, the more likely they are to have their own preferred equipment.
In particular, they may already be using their favorite products for power grips or training belts.
Since they might not have a chance to use a similar piece of equipment if you give it to them, it is a good idea to casually ask what kind of tools they usually use.
2. Check the size, weight, and installation space
Training belts and power grips come in different sizes.
Also, dumbbells and dip stands require storage space.
Especially with large equipment, usability depends on the recipient’s living environment.
I understand the desire to make it a surprise since it’s a gift, but for large equipment or items where size is important, it is less likely to go wrong if you consult with them beforehand.
3. Match it to the strength training the recipient is currently doing
This is what I think is most important.
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If they are just starting to work out, push-up bars or an ab roller.
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If they are working hard on bodyweight training, a dip stand or dumbbells.
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If they are already using equipment extensively, a genuine leather belt or power grips.
Choose something that will make the recipient happy right now.
It might seem obvious, but it is the most important thing when giving a gift.
Summary | Choose a gift for a fitness enthusiast that supports their hard work
In this article, I, with over 8 years of home workout experience, introduced 7 items I recommend as gifts for people who love strength training.
Fitness gear isn’t something that will necessarily make someone happy just because you choose an expensive item.
What’s important is to think about what kind of training they are currently doing and what would help them continue more enjoyably.
In my own experience of continuing home workouts, I have had many times where a single tool made my training more comfortable or made working out more fun.
That is exactly why I think fitness gear is well-suited for gifts.
“You’re always working so hard on your training.”
If you can choose a gift that conveys that feeling, it would be wonderful, wouldn’t it?
I hope this article serves as a reference for choosing a gift for someone special.
Thank you for reading until the end this time as well!
*This article contains Amazon Associate links. As an Amazon Associate, Torimune earns from qualifying purchases. The products introduced are those I have actually used myself or have judged to be recommendable through my many years of home training.
