As a personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise, I believe the best gift you could give someone is the gift of strength. Not only does strength assist with activities of daily living (everything from doing laundry to getting out of bed will feel infinitely easier and maybe even enjoyable), but you’ll enjoy a reduced risk of several diseases and overall mortality, according to large bodies of research. Now that’s something to celebrate.Once you get a sense of how your giftee enjoys spending their free time, offering them the perfect gift to get them active — or get them to happily stay active — will be a breeze. From bigger-ticket items like recovery foot massagers to store under the tree to resistance bands to stuff in their stocking, here are the best fitness-forward gifts for the active person in your life.A pair of ankle weights pretty enough to wear in publicBala Bangles are some of the most giftable ankle weights you can buy. Unlike their more utilitarian counterparts, these beginner-friendly beauties come in stunning colorways with elongated silicone weight panels, perfect for a walk in the park with the way they could double as jewelry (if you squint hard enough). Out of all my ankle and wrist weights, these are by far my favorite for how easy they are to take on and off during faster-paced workouts. They're available in three different weights. Promising review: “I love the extra weight of the bangles while working out. It gives me that extra push. I also love when I’m doing yoga or wearing on a walk. Highly recommended for anyone wanting that extra boost of strength.” — amanda spicerA Pilates ring with limitless usesFor the playful Pilates queen — or even just the person looking to move their body in novel ways — don’t miss this fitness ring for a boutique fitness studio-style workout. Its flexible design offers light resistance for a range of strength-based movements, activating everything from the chest to the adductors of the inner thigh. Non-slip foam handles offer cushioning and support for extended strength sessions they’ll want to come back to week after week.Promising review: “Little gem of a tool. You wouldn’t expect it to do much, but it truly does. It really helps you build the mind muscle connection with parts of your body that you normally don’t even think about. I love it!” — DenisseA foot massager to put some pep in their stepAs an avid runner, weightlifter and personal trainer, taking care of my feet is a priority for enhanced circulation, recovery and performance. Since getting the Human Touch foot and calf massager several months ago, I’ve felt lighter on my feet with less overall pain (the body is a kinetic chain, after all). It may not be the prettiest gadget your giftee will ever own, but it’ll give them a pep in their step they never knew they needed. Plus, that added heat function is such a treat for their feet during cold weather while boosting the efficacy of the massage.Promising review: “Single best item I have ever purchased from Amazon. I have used it nearly every day for 1 year and it is still going strong. It has many different massage combo settings, intensities and heat. Great arch and neuropathy pain relief for me. I wish I could give it more stars.” — KKSA 4-pack of resistance bands with over 20,000 reviewsHear me out: Resistance bands are the way to go whether you’re looking to activate a muscle group or achieve failure (and as a result, hypertrophy or muscle growth). Gift the active person in your life this comprehensive set of four resistance bands coated in a cotton and latex blend, which feels infinitely more comfortable against the skin than its rubber counterparts. Plus, they’re far less likely to roll down, allowing your giftee to maintain momentum in their workout. Highly portable and just plain fun to use, these are a total blast to gift and experiment with. Promising review: “Love these bands! So comfortable to use. They don’t slip and feel soft. No pinching like the other kind. They are the perfect size for leg workouts. They seem like they will be very durable. I like the labels on them so I don’t have to remember which color is stronger.” — TrudiA step in the right directionWhen I bought this aerobic step platform four years ago, I didn’t realize just how much of an impact it would have on my pursuit for enjoyable low-impact, high-intensity exercise. Harking to the Richard Simmons and Jane Fonda days of yore, your giftee will have an absolute blast stepping up their cardio routine on this non-slip step. Plus, it makes for a solid multipurpose stool for the likes of tricep dips, Bulgarian split squats, skater hops and even access to higher shelves throughout their home. Promising review: “I love this Tone Fitness aerobic step platform so much that I bought a second one! It’s sturdy, lightweight, and perfect for step aerobics, squats, and strength training. I use two together for elevated squats while holding a hanging dumbbell, and the stability is excellent. The non-slip surface feels secure during high-intensity workouts, and the removable risers store neatly inside the step itself, making it easy to adjust height and keep everything compact. Great quality for the price and a must-have for a home gym setup.” — The Magic HaulA skipping rope that’ll have them jumping for joyAllow them to channel their inner child with this aesthetically pleasing skip rope available in display-worthy hues. It’s got a handy LED display to help them track their stats, weighted balls for added resistance, an ergonomic non-slip handle for easy gripping (even when dripping sweat!) and an adjustable length to best suit their size. If they’re looking to boost their cardio in a way that gives "recess at lunchtime," this is the ultimate gift to get. Promising review: “I absolutely love these cordless jump ropes! They’re lightweight, easy to adjust, and give me the perfect cardio workout without worrying about tripping or hitting the ceiling indoors. The handles are comfortable with a great grip, and the weighted balls make it feel just like a traditional jump rope. I can use them in my living room, on the patio, or even at work during breaks — no space issues at all. Such a game changer for my fitness routine. Highly recommend!” — KESHA JOHNSONA stretching strap to melt away aches and painsDaily stretching is one of the simplest ways to boost flexibility, promote recovery, ward off injury and generally feel more comfortable in your body, pain-free. This strap makes it all happen by extending their reach, making it a smart and savvy gift for the person in your life with limited mobility. It’s durable, non-slip and portable enough to pop in their bag.Promising review: “I bought this stretching strap after using one at physical therapy. It performed just as well as the one at PT. It is made of sturdy nylon like a tie-down strap used on a truck. The loops are double-sewn. I've only used it a few times but I am confident it will last a long time. In every way, it has performed like the strap used by the professionals.” — Professor DiabolicusA couple dice to turn fitness into a gameAllow them to make a game out of their next workout with this set of exercise dice. One of them indicates the workout (from crunches to jumping jacks), and the other one suggestions repetitions or time intervals, making every new workout an exciting surprise. They come in a mesh carry bag, making them the ultimate hotel room or gym buddy.Promising review: “This dice set was the perfect gift for someone who likes to work out! It can also be fun to incorporate in daily workouts! Would definitely buy again, it’s a great concept.” — AliceA viral water bottle to keep them hydratedEvery gym bunny or weightlifting warrior needs a proper water bottle they’ll actually want to use — no matter their level. This viral Owala water bottle with over 95,000 Amazon reviews hits every high note, and looks beautiful while doing it. It’s got a spout for either sipping or swigging, double-wall insulation to keep drinks ice-cold for 24 hours, a protective lid to prevent spills and a carry loop for easy portability. Its numerous colorway combinations make it particularly giftable and even display-worthy. Promising review: “Overall, this is a heavy-duty water bottle and works incredibly well for insulating both hot and warm water. Even when dropped on wood, cement, tiles or concrete, it retains its shape albeit a few small dents on the bottom. My wife and I will continue to use our Owala bottles and will buy new ones when the time calls. As long as Owala is still in business, they've earned our trust and we will continue buying from them.” — AGCA foldable mat they’ll want to bring everywhere and anywhere If they’re the type to bring their yoga or stretching routine on the go, they’ll wonder where this three-pound Shark Tank-famous foldable yoga mat has been all their life. Unlike a standard yoga mat that rolls up (which, let’s be honest, is tricky to lug around), this one folds neatly like a pile of sheets. This way, it also doubles as a yoga block, a meditation seat and a step stool. It’s got just enough cushion to support their joints without compromising balance and stability, along with an easy-to-clean surface that’ll allow them to keep it looking and feeling brand new.Promising review: “I’ve tried many fitness mats over the years, but the Stakt Mat has completely changed the game for me. The foldable design is genius — it makes it so much easier to store and provides added support for my knees. It is super lightweight but still feels sturdy and premium. I am really excited about this mat!” — Corey