As a personal trainer, I always find it touching when a client gets me a gift. Whether it be a birthday gift, for the holidays, or just appreciation, here are the 11 perfect gifts that any fitness coach would love to get.
Top 3 Gifts for Personal Trainers:
- Best Overall – Slate Protein Coffee
- Runner Up – AERLANG Massage Gun
- Best Budget Pick – BlenderBottle Shaker Cup
Us personal trainers are not that complicated. We’re fitness lovers. We like workout gear, supplements, and anything else to help push our fitness forward. That being said, more and more fitness products are on the market every year.
Don’t waste your money on something your trainer won’t use or like. I would love each of these gifts, so let's dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Best Overall – Slate Protein Coffee
Pros
- 20 grams of protein
- 0 grams of sugar
- 175mg of caffeine (roughly 2 cups of coffee)
Cons
- Only 2 flavor options
As personal trainers, we’re typically up bright and early to train our first clients. And with that, we love our caffeine. Combine that with our second love: protein, and it’s a match made in heaven.
These bad boys are packed with 20 grams of protein, 175mg of caffeine, and have 0 grams of sugar.
I really don’t think there’s a better gift than these Slate Protein coffees. They make excellent Christmas gifts or any special occasion really. If your trainer loves coffee, they won’t be disappointed with these.
2. Runner Up – AERLANG Massage Gun
Pros
- Less than $50
- 6 different attachment heads
- 1 year warranty
Cons
- Could be stronger
Gone are the days of $200 massage guns. I purchased one of these $35 massage guns about a year ago, and I am surprised with its quality and durability. I honestly expected much less, but I loved this massage gun so much that I bought two. One is for my house, and one is for the gym.
This massage gun has an LCD touchscreen, 6 attachment heads, 20 settings, and a one-year warranty! Us trainers beat our bodies up, so most would appreciate this recovery tool.
Don’t waste your money on a ‘name brand’ massage gun – your wallet will thank you.
Not sold? Here are the 15 Best Massage Guns of 2024
3. Best Budget Gift – BlenderBottle Shaker Bottle
Pros
- Cheap but high quality
- 28 oz capacity
- Dishwasher safe + BPA free
Cons
- Some reviews report leakage issues
This is the perfect budget gift for trainers. We’re always crushing protein shakes post-workout and can always use more shaker cups. They typically start smelling after much use, so updating your shaker cup stock is nice.
This protein shaker is BPA-free, has a 28 oz capacity, is inexpensive, and dishwasher-safe. It could also double as a water bottle. This shaker won’t break the bank, and your fitness trainer will appreciate you helping them get their protein shakes in.
4. Best Foam Roller – Amazon Basics High-Density Foam Roller
Pros
- Different length options
- Inexpensive but high quality
- High density
Cons
- Could be too firm for beginners
A foam roller is a pretty standard piece of gym equipment these days. I have these Amazon options at my gym (18-inch is my preference). They’re pretty firm, inexpensive, yet high quality.
I’ve had mine for over 2 years, and there aren't any noticeable signs of wear and tear.
We beat our bodies up, and foam rolling helps sore muscles recover from hard training sessions. Foam rollers are, luckily, pretty cheap. So, this is also a decent budget option if you know your trainer could use an extra recovery tool.
5. Best Protein Powder – Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
Pros
- 24 grams of protein
- 5.5 grams of BCAAs
- 20+ flavor options
Cons
- Slight variance in macro profiles between the flavors
Personal trainers are synonymous with protein shakes. As long as they tolerate dairy well, you can’t go wrong getting your trainer some protein powder.
There are tons of protein powders on the market. Gold Standard is a high-quality whey protein powder that is fairly inexpensive. It is packed with 24 grams of protein per serving and contains 5.5 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs to help with recovery further.
Read more: Best Protein Powders for Weight Gain
6. Best For Small Gyms – Dumbbell Fractional Weight Plates
Pros
- Use these to add 2.5lbs to your existing dumbbells (ex. 15lbs can become 17.5lbs)
- Clips on easily
- Adds variety to your weight choices
Cons
- Rubber bands can break
These fractional weight plates are a relatively new fitness invention on the scene. My dumbbells go in 5-pound increments from 5 lbs to 100 lbs on my dumbbell rack. But sometimes jumping from 15 to 20 pounds is too much for my clients.
This is where the fractional plates come in – they can make a 15-pound dumbbell a 17.5-pound just by clipping on some plates. They’re super easy to set up, and I’ve used them daily as a personal trainer.
They’re especially good for a home gym where space is tight, and you might not have all the dumbbell options you’d like.
7. Best Electrolyte Supplement – Jocko Fuel Hydrate Electrolytes
Pros
- Optimal electrolyte ratio + vitamin C, B6, B12 helps hydration
- D Ribose + Theanine for added energy and mental clarity
- Tastes good and mixes well
Cons
- Limited flavor options
Hydration is key for cardiovascular performance, and an electrolyte supplement is crucial for hydration. I’ve been really pushing my cardio and testing different brands on the market, and Jocko reigns supreme.
Jocko Fuel has the perfect ratio of electrolytes – many don’t have nearly enough sodium to replace what's lost in sweat. Jocko has the optimal amount of sodium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins C, B6, and B12.
If you know your trainer does a lot of cardio, this is the perfect gift for them.
8. Best Pre-Workout – Pre-Jym Pre-Workout
Pros
- Formulated by a doctor
- Solid dosing of ingredients
- No proprietary blends
Cons
- Not good if sensitive to caffeine or beta-alanine (the tingles)
Us personal trainers are often up early training our clients, and sometimes we need that little extra boost to get our own workouts in. We have fitness goals we’re trying to reach, too. That’s where Pre-Jym comes in handy.
One of the things I appreciate about this pre-workout is you know exactly the level of ingredients you’re getting because they don’t hide behind proprietary blends.
You’re getting 300mg of caffeine, 2g of creatine and beta-alanine, and 6g of both BCAAs and citrulline malate.
Trying to gain muscle? Here are the Best Hypertrophy Programs
9. Best Gym Bag – Adidas Unisex Duffel Bag
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Plenty of pockets
- Option for customized branding
Cons
- Prices vary depending on color
Every coach needs a gym bag. This Adidas bag is great because there are multiple color combinations and unisex options. It comes with plenty of storage space and also a lifetime warranty.
This is another great, budget-friendly gift with the potential for some customization. Adidas purposely leaves open space on the outside of the bag. So, if you want to make this gift special, consider adding custom embroidery. Maybe their logo or branding could be a nice gesture or personal touch.
Want more options here? Check out the Best Gym Bags of 2024.
10. Best Recovery Tool – Thera Cane Massager
Pros
- Great for nagging knots and upper back/neck tightness.
- Qualifies for 3 ships free from Rogue.
- Inexpensive but high quality.
Cons
- Might not be enough pressure for super muscular traps.
Sometimes, the pressure from a foam roller isn’t enough to work out that kink in your neck or upper back. That’s where the Thera Cane from Rogue Fitness comes into play.
Due to the leverage of the Thera Cane, it’s a great way to dig into your upper back muscles without having to roll around on the ground. I love this thing. I’ll use it at my desk while I’m reading through emails.
If you know your trainer is recovery-focused and has a foam roller, but not one of these, I’d buy this as a thoughtful gift.
11. Best Gift For Your Trainer When You Have No Idea – Rogue Fitness Gift Card
Pros
- $25-$500 options.
- Allows them to get whatever they need.
- Qualifies for ‘3 ships free’.
Cons
- A bit boring
No idea what to get your trainer? Make a gift basket, or maybe they already have everything else on this list? Then, a gift card to Rogue Fitness is a great gift idea. Rogue is a universally known brand, famous for their high-quality craftsmanship and solid equipment warranties.
I have a ton of equipment from Rogue. I guarantee there will be something your trainer wants from Rogue, and you can splurge on them however much you see fit.
You should check out the Best Gifts For Gym Lovers for more gym gift ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I give a gift to my personal trainer?
Giving a gift to your personal trainer is not obligatory, but it can be a thoughtful gesture to show gratitude. Consider your trainer's preferences and your budget when deciding on a gift. A handwritten note or a small, meaningful gift can go a long way in expressing your thanks.
How much should I give my personal trainer for Christmas?
A thoughtful gift or a tip equivalent to a session's cost is a common Christmas gift for trainers. Consider what feels right for you and your trainer, showing appreciation for their hard work.
