For folks with busy work schedules, time is a rare commodity and, often, the biggest obstacle to staying consistent in the gym. After all, hitting your favorite workout class each day can feel like another item on your growing to-do list.
Our team has gathered a list of the best fitness and wellness gifts to help busy professionals stay active while saving precious time.
- Best for Streaming Classes: Peloton Cross Training Bike+
- Best for Strength Training At Home: FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
- Best for Runners of All Levels: NordicTrack x24 Treadmill
- Best for Fitness Tech Fans: Oura Ring 5
- Best Accessory for Home Gyms: FLYBIRD Foldable Weight Bench
Peloton Cross Training Bike+
Peloton Cross Training Bike
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Peloton
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved this machine’s special features, like a camera that tracks movement and offers feedback, plus the workouts (available with a subscription).
- Who it’s for: Those who want a fitness machine that offers a variety of features and workouts
- What makes it different: Peloton IQ, which utilizes a camera to give individualized feedback
Pros
- Extremely quiet
- Peloton app has excellent class options
- Peloton IQ offers real-time feedback during strength workouts
Cons
- Requires paid Peloton All-Access Membership
- Requires clip-in shoes
A busy work schedule can certainly cut into your workout time, especially for those who like to attend fitness classes. The Peloton Cross Training Bike+ is a great at-home option for folks who love to stream workout classes but don’t have ample time to drive to and from the gym. “The workout I did was great, it was called the House Ride, where you listen to house music while doing the workout,” our tester Pete said. “The workout also did a good job of providing both cadence and resistance suggestions that keep you engaged throughout the workout.”
FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
FLYBIRD Adjustable Dumbbells
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Amazon
- What We Like: These adjustable dumbbells replace 5 sets of weights
- Who It’s For: Folks who want to build strength and save space
- What Makes It Different: Adjustable dumbbells save both space and money, as they’re more cost-effective than individual dumbbell sets
Pros
- Replace 5 sets of dumbbells
- Comes with free storage tray
- Easy change weights that take minimal adjustment time
Cons
- Some folks may want a broader range of weight options
- Adjusting the weights takes more time than picking up a second set
Buying multiple sets of weights for your home gym can take up a lot of space. Plus, narrowing down which sets you need can be challenging. If you want to build strength at home, FLYBIRD’s adjustable dumbbells are a versatile option. I live in a small city apartment, and it’s great to have dumbbells that range between 5 pounds up to 25 pounds each on hand—they fit well in a small corner near my desk. I use them for chest press, overhead press, and a single 25-pound weight for goblet squats.
NordicTrack X24 Treadmill
NordicTrack X24 Treadmill
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at NordicTrack
- What We Like: The 12-15% incline is great for hill repeats or race simulations
- Who It’s For: Serious runners, trail and hiking enthusiasts, and professionals who want time‑efficient home workouts
- What Makes It Different: The unique incline range can help build strength and cardio fitness
Pros
- Lifetime motor warranty
- Fantastic range of incline and decline
- Compatible with Strava, Garmin, and Apple Health
Cons
- Limited onboard programming, works best with iFIT subscription
- Pricier than other treadmills we’ve tested
- Treadmill buttons are tricky to press while running, per our tester
Thanks to the NordicTrack X24’s impressive incline range (-6% to 40%), any runner is sure to develop their endurance with this machine. Whether you’re training for a hilly race or trail run, this machine does a good job of simulating real-life terrain, thanks to the integrated iFIT system (though the subscription is an additional cost).
Oura Ring 5
Oura Ring 5
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Oura Ring
- What We Like: This ring monitors your sleep, recovery, and stress levels for optimal performance
- Who It’s For: Busy professionals who want to be mindful of their health in the office and gym
- What Makes It Different: Unlike other trackers, you can easily wear this ring in a business professional setting
Pros
- Sleek design that’s versatile in any setting
- Tracks both fitness and overall wellness, including stress
- 6 to 9 days of battery life per charge
Cons
- Subscription model involves an extra cost
- You need to measure your finger before buying, though they have their own sizing guide
- You can find less expensive fitness trackers
Most business professionals know that data tracking is a key part of performance—your health is no exception. For those who want to make educated decisions about their wellness, consider the Oura Ring. Our team especially likes the Oura Ring for folks working in an office. Most fitness watches don’t match too well with business attire; but the Oura Ring is a subtle wearable that combines fitness tracking with more formal vibes.
FLYBIRD Foldable Weight Bench
FLYBIRD Foldable Weight Bench
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Amazon
- What We Like: This weight bench folds up and adjusts, making it versatile and easy to store
- Who It’s For: Busy adults looking to save time and complete their workouts right at home
- What Makes It Different: Whereas most home benches are flat, this sturdy model allows incline/decline adjustments
Pros
- Adjustable to both incline and decline
- Has a slim gap, minimizing pinching during incline exercises
- 800 lb weight max
Cons
- This bench is sturdy but not ideal for plyometric exercises, as it’s only 28.6 lbs
- Taller folks may want a longer back cushion
Weight benches are a must-have piece of home gym equipment. From bench presses to Bulgarian split squats, a weight bench comes in handy for just about any exercise, but some models can take up quite a bit of space. This foldable weight bench from FLYBIRD gives you all the exercise versatility you need without taking up too much space in your home. I have my own FLYBIRD bench, and love using it to steady myself during tricep kickbacks.
Why Home Fitness Equipment Matters to Professionals
The best workout equipment is the kind you’ll use consistently. After a day of meetings or a long commute, making a pit stop at the gym can easily fall to the bottom of your priority list. Instead, having some easy-to-use, space-saving pieces of gym equipment at home can eliminate the barrier to entry, helping you stay consistent with your workout routine.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
If you’re shopping for the fitness fan in your life or browsing for your own needs, you can find the ideal gift for just about any exercise preference or modality. Building out your home gym, even a little, can help you stay consistent with your exercise routine even when work gets hectic.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best gift for someone who likes workout classes?
For those who enjoy attending workout classes but can’t always fit them into their schedule, the Peloton Bike+ is an excellent option. Not only does it offer at-home indoor cycling classes, the Peloton app includes a bunch of different streamable workout classes of all modalities.
What’s a good fitness tracker?
There’s no shortage of good fitness trackers on the market. For someone who works in an office or enjoys getting dressed up, we recommend the Oura Ring. Other fitness trackers, well, look like fitness trackers and may not be suitable for every professional setting. The Oura Ring is a more subtle, versatile option that works in any setting.
What to gift someone who enjoys working out?
There are plenty of options for the fitness lover in your life. To help find the best gift, consider their favorite exercise modalities. Someone who enjoys weightlifting may benefit from a pair of adjustable dumbbells. Or, if they love digging into the details of their health data, a fitness tracker may be ideal.
