Best workout equipment under $50
CAP Barbell weight medicine ball
A medicine ball is a dynamic piece of equipment that doesn't take up a lot of space and can be used to spice up tons of different exercises -- from push-ups to wall sits to partner workouts. Plus, these from CAP Barbell are durable and come in a variety of weights, all of which are under $50. The heaviest is 12 pounds ($43) and they go down in weight and price from there. (The two-pound version, for example, is $17.) The fitness guru in your life will surely enjoy incorporating a new medicine ball into their routine. If you're lucky, you may even get invited for partner day!
Adding some core sliders to a workout routine is bound to make full-body exercises feel even more challenging. The great thing about this piece of equipment is that it's cheap and portable so you can take it to the gym or carry it with you while traveling. Synergee's Core Sliders are inexpensive and are dual-sided, so you can use them on carpets or on hardwood floors.
Using a pair of core sliders makes it easy to turn your mountain climbers, knee-ins, lunges, planks and hamstring curls into a full-body workout. They're also low-impact so they're suitable even if you're just getting back into an exercise routine.
A stability ball is an affordable piece of fitness equipment that can be used for core workouts and modifying other exercises. They come in different sizes, which you can choose according to your height. They don't take up much room, so you can store one in the corner of any room without it getting in the way.
Fabric mini resistance bands
Mini bands are a friend and foe to most anyone who uses them. However, we're pleased to inform you that they don't have to pinch leg hair, slip down pants or snap without notice -- as long as you secure the fabric kind for your favorite workout buddy (and yourself). These fabric bands come in three resistance levels, plus they're easy to clean and reuse, affordable and even come with a one-year warranty. You're bound to score some major points by gifting these.
Doing cardio doesn't necessarily mean you have to hop on a treadmill or elliptical machine. Jumping rope can help get your heart rate up quickly and is an inexpensive way to squeeze in a quick workout. Renpho's Smart Jump Rope is the perfect gift for someone on your list who isn't keen on traditional cardio.
When you connect the Smart Jump Rope to the Renpho Fit app (available for iOS and Android), you can track your reps, calories burned and the duration of your workout. The LCD screen on the handle can read your skip time and total number of skips even when you aren't using the app. This makes for an ideal portable form of exercise even while traveling.
Ziva Premium Steel Kettlebell
This kettlebell earned the top spot on CNET's list of best kettlebells, and the 10- and 15-pound options are under $50.
Best workout clothing under $50
You could always gift the fitness guru in your life a pair of super expensive workout leggings, or you could opt for a pair of Sunzel pants that look and feel fancy, but are a fraction of the price. These workout tights are comfortable, hold up after being washed and, perhaps most importantly, they're not see-through. Most styles even come in multiple colors, sizes and inseam lengths too. We won't tell anyone if you try a pair for yourself first.
Bombas Reflec-Tec All-Purpose Calf Socks
If you're shopping for a loved one who prefers to get their workouts in when everyone else is sleeping, these Bombas Reflec-Tec socks are the perfect gift for them. The stylish socks are designed to reflect light from all angles, keeping the wearer visible (and safe!) during their nocturnal workouts. Plus, they wick away sweat and are cushioned in all the right places so athletes avoid soreness and blisters after exercise. We're prone to the peach, but these sweet socks come in other colors too -- bright yellow and then more subtle black, white and gray.
Quick dry crew neck T-shirts
When it comes to workout clothes, ideally they're comfortable, affordable and do a great job of wicking away sweat when necessary, since workout clothes are for non-workout times too. This five-pack of shirts checks all of those boxes. There are plenty of color and size options (small to 5X), making them a thoughtful and useful gift for the fitness guru in your life.
Best workout accessories under $50
When I tested reusable water bottles, the Corkcicle Sport Canteen was one of my favorites, not only because of its design but also because I found it to be versatile enough for home and gym use. Corkcicle offers plenty of colors to choose from, the distinctive bottle design makes it easy to grip, and the quick-sip cap prevents spills. The bottle does a good job of keeping water cold, too.
Goodr A Ginger's Soul Sunglasses
Any form of outdoor exercise requires good visibility. When the sun is at its brightest, protecting your eyes is key. That's why Goodr's A Ginger's Soul Sunglasses are an ideal present for the outdoor fitness enthusiast in your life.
Whether they like running, hiking, biking or walking, it's important to have a solid pair of sunglasses on hand while exercising outdoors. Goodr sunglasses are non-reflective and provide UV400 protection that blocks 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, they have no bounce so they're great for plenty of high-intensity activities. There are also plenty of styles to choose from so you're bound to find the right look.
Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves
If your giftee is a powerhouse when it comes to squats and deadlifts, these neoprene knee sleeves are a must. They offer a great combination of compression and support, helping to better distribute pressure and giving you that extra oomph for serious weightlifting.
If you're looking for an affordable protein shaker, look no further than Smartshake's Revive shaker. CNET named it one of the best protein shakers on the market, and for good reason. The Smartshake Revive Shaker is made up of BPA- and phthalate-free plastic and holds 25 ounces of liquid. It also has a compartment around the base where you can separately store protein powder while you're on the go. This keeps your dry ingredients separate from the liquid in the bottle in case you aren't planning on mixing it right away.
Unlike traditional protein shakers, this one doesn't have a shaker ball. Instead, it has a mixing net at the bottom of the cap which provides a quiet and smooth shake every time. If you're shopping for a friend who lives off protein shakes, they'll appreciate the design and functionality of this shaker.
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