Mother’s Day Fitness Gift Guide: 10 Gift Ideas From a Mom and Fitness Expert

Old Navy has expanded its activewear lines over the years and its newest one, StudioSmooth, is another great option. This line is best for those practicing yoga or Pilates thanks to its ultra-soft and smooth fabric. It also includes compression and plenty of stretch so you’re supported and can move with flexibility throughout your whole workout. I even like wearing the leggings for running errands and the cropped full-zip jacket to throw on after a workout class. The best part is these items are affordable, stylish and come in various colors and sizes (because Old Navy is all about being size-inclusive).

If your mom is a fan of lower-impact workouts because she’s recovering from an injury or prefers this pace, consider getting her a Pvolve Sculpt Anywhere Travel Bundle. Jennifer Aniston’s favorite Pvolve workout can be done at home or even while traveling with this kit. The kit includes: the P.band, P.3 Trainer, Light ankle band, gliders, a heavy resistance strap and a travel case. You can also purchase a digital membership to stream workouts at home ($24.99/month) so your gift recipient can get the whole Pvolve experience (CNET’s favorite workout subscription app for low-impact workouts).

Inexpensive and athleisure wear are rarely synonymous but Hanes has made it happen with the Hanes Moves activewear line. I recently tried various pieces from the collection and I was impressed not only at the quality and selections but at how comfortable they felt to move in. Another plus is this activewear line’s affordability compared to some other brands on the market. I’ve used them during running and strength training sessions to put them to the test and they’ve held up even after several washes. The ⅞ leggings are $20 and the crop sports bra is only $17, to put it in perspective. 

Lululemon recently came out with its Glow Up collection with everything from leggings and tops to onesies in colors like magenta, black, true navy, washed denim and more. The clothing is designed to provide sleek, smooth support during your favorite workouts. The waistband in the leggings is particularly meant to keep you feeling snug. The mother figure in your life who wants bottoms that don’t roll down at the waist will appreciate this pick. 

If your gift recipient is a mom like me who likes having a hands-free bag when she’s out on a walk or run, the Sprints Sling It Crossbody bag is a solid contender. Sprints created one of the best hands-free and bounce-free crossbody bags I have ever tried. The bags come in a variety of colors and they’re spacious enough to hold your smartphone, ID, credit or debit card, keys and gels if you use them during a run. To keep it in place, the Sling It has a second strap called the “sayonara strap” that keeps the bag snug in the center. I’ve used this bag during runs and casual strolls and it stays in place and provides easy access when I need to reach for something inside.

I’ve tested various running shoes and I was impressed by the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB. This is the shoe you give the mother figure in your life if they are serious about running and trying to chase a PR (personal record) at their next race. Not only is this shoe stylish and well-cushioned, but it is lightweight enough that I can only describe it as cloud-like. The mesh upper also lets your feet breathe while running so you won’t feel overheated. 

I’ve run several times with these shoes and each time I’m surprised at how it feels like I’m wearing nothing on my feet, thus allowing me to run faster. I have hit new PRs each time I’ve worn these and would recommend them to anyone aiming to break their finish record time on race day.

If your mom isn’t a fan of the short-short running shorts, then the Janji W’s Pace Short is a good middle ground. Not only do these shorts come in two lengths: 5 and 7 inches, but they are designed to stay put thanks to sili-dot grippers purposefully placed around the inside of the base of the shorts. The side pockets are also deep enough to store your smartphone and keys, and the inside pocket lets you store other smaller belongings. The light compressive material will also keep you supported during a run, walk or even bike ride. 

The right earbuds can make a difference during your workout. If your mother figure works out hard and wants to make sure her earbuds stay in place, my top pick is the Beats by Dre Powerbeats-Pro 2. These individual earbuds can be wrapped behind your ears and stay put during the most intense run or lifting session at the gym. I’m also impressed by the battery life of these earbuds. The site says it has a 45-hour battery life but I have barely charged them for more than a month. 

These earbuds also have noise cancellation, heart rate monitoring and are sweat- and water-resistant. I’ve used them during walks, runs and at the gym and I have never had an issue with the sound quality, connection or them staying put.

If your mom is trying to step up her strength training at the gym, the Adidas Dropset 3 Trainers are a good option. This is particularly a top pick if she is getting into strength training and only has running shoes in her closet. The Dropset 3’s are ideal for beginner or even advanced lifters. I’ve used these shoes while squatting, deadlifting and doing free-weight exercises and felt stable each time. 

A lifting shoe is different than other sports performance shoes, so you want to make sure the sole is flat, stable, flexible and has a wide fit in the foot area with a sturdy outsole. This shoe meets this criteria and comes in various colors so you’re bound to find something your mom will like.

Not every mom has access to a gym -- some prefer to work out at home. Nike recently came out with its own dumbbells, kettlebells, weight plates and other strength training equipment. The dumbbells, also known as Nike Grind, are made up of some recycled materials (about 20% of the rubber) from Nike’s footwear manufacturing process. The knurled handles make it easy to grip so they don’t slip out of your hands even at high reps. The kettlebell was designed with the athlete in mind and is made out of cast iron with wide handles for easy-gripping. The wider base also gives it more stability during your workouts so your gift recipient will feel strong each time they use it. 

Although it's not a fitness product, active people who like to work out outdoors prioritize sunscreen. I particularly love SuperGoop's PLAY Everyday Face Lotion SPF 50 and EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Plus. SuperGoop's face lotion doesn't clog your pores or leave a white overcast and is lightweight while protecting your skin from UV rays. I've worn this every day and before runs and walks. It stays put without running down your face. Elta's UV Active Broad-Spectrum sunscreen is another solid option because you can use it on your face and body (it's also one of our favorite sunscreens). It goes on smooth, feels moisturizing, and even at your sweatiest, you remain tear-free.