Everyone loves to be spoiled on the holidays. Whether it’s a cookie before dinner starts, an extra serving of your favorite sides, or a not-so-little splash of brandy in your eggnog, the holidays are designed for over indulgence. In keeping with the spirit of treating yourself, we’ve put together a holiday gift guide for weightlifters.
Over indulgence and weightlifting are two terms that might not always go together. Maybe the Olympic lifter in your life has been wearing the same shoes for a bit too long, or using the same lifting belt so much that the Velcro’s worn down to its last few sticky nubs. Or maybe they could just use some new swag that showcases their love of weightlifting.
Whether you’re shopping for an Olympic lifter or you are a weightlifter looking to spoil yourself, check out some of our suggestions below.
Shoes
One of the most important pieces of personal equipment in weightlifting is what you put on your feet. Designed to increase a lifter’s stability and help create a strong base, lifting shoes are intended for serious weightlifters. If you’ve made strides for a while in normal gym shoes and are looking to step up to a more serious level of lifting, these may do just the trick.
Best Shoes For Men
A consistent weightlifting shoe that offers the Adidas TORSION System through the mid-foot with a .75" TPU based heel.
A lightweight, but durable heel and an ankle-supporting upper tongue strap paired with leather/mesh materials make for a supportive, yet breathable lifting shoe.
Best Shoes For Women
A lightweight lifting shoe that utilizes Nike Flywire, a .75" TPU heel, and large single mid-foot strap to support performance.
This very lightweight shoe has a .79″ heel along with a mid foot strap to keep your foot secure.
Great Overall Option
A weightlifting shoe that offers a sythetic weave outer construction, 1" TPU heel, and BOA lacing system.
Highlights of this specialized shoe include a 1″ heel and a BOA lacing system that allows for full tightening with the turn of a crank located on the tongue.
Best Shoes for CrossFit
A lightweight versailte lifting shoe with .6" heel made of high density EVA foam.
The Adidas Powerlift 3.1 features a slightly lower heel than some of our other picks here, making it more suitable for cardio activities.
Lifting Belts
Another integral part of any weightlifter’s ensemble is a lifting belt. Designed to provide support for the torso while allowing for flexibility, these belts help experienced lifters maintain their form while lifting heavier loads. The shelf life of these will vary depending on a number of factors, including material, frequency of use, and care. If you’ve noticed a bit of wear and tear in your favorite Olympic lifter’s belt, a fresh one may be a great option for a holiday gift.
Best Nylon
Rogue is one of the top brands in the weightlifting world, and their 4” nylon belt is a very solid option for lifters, equipped with plenty of velcro to keep it secure.
Best Leather
The Rogue Ohio leather weightlifting belt has a quality finish and stainless steel buckle to ensure durability and trunk stability. It's a top pick for powerlifters and those who need to maximize core support for big lifts.
For folks looking for a classic leather option, look no further than Rogue’s Ohio Lifting Belt. Much like the state from which it gets its name, this is a belt that holds something for everyone.
Tape
Giving a weightlifter tape as a gift is sort of like giving someone socks for a gift; it may seem simple, but who doesn’t need more quality socks? There are a ton of athletic tapes on the market. When looking for weightlifting tape in particular, you want to find something that helps with grip but maintains a level of flexibility. Also, a tape that easily wraps around the thumb is key for folks utilizing the hook grip. Not sure if the Olympic lifter you’re buying for uses the hook grip? Just ask. Chances are they’ll be more than happy to talk about it.
Best Thumb Tape
Average Broz's Tape is designed specifically for weightlifters to help improve grip and prevent torn calluses while working out. Cut to a 1” width, it’s a bit narrower than most other tapes, making it ideal to wrap around thumbs.
Measuring at 1” by 20’, this is one of the thinnest athletic tapes on the market, making it very well suited for thumb wrapping associated with the hook grip. This adhesive tape is sturdily built, and available at a reasonable price point.
Best Athletic Tape
Johnson & Johnson offers a strong, straightforward athletic tape. With 100% cotton backcloth, this tape is designed to allow sweat to escape while maintaining its integrity and supportiveness.
For folks looking for a large supply of sturdy, classic white athletic tape, check out the offering from Johnson & Johnson.
Barbells
For the Olympic lifter with a home set up, a shiny new barbell is just as good a present as a shiny new car. Ok – that’s not right. It’s even better! Who needs transportation when you can lift at home?
Best Overall
This barbell is approved by the IWF, features five needle bearings in each sleeve, and has a moderate yet grippy knurling which is perfect for Olympic lifts.
Made to match the International Weightlifting Federation’s guidelines, Rogue’s Olympic WL Bar is a durable, yet competitively priced piece of weightlifting equipment.
High End Option
The Eleiko IWF Weightlifting Competition Bar offers a strong tensile strength of 215k and durable construction features to match this bar's lifetime warranty.
Every weightlifter dreams of having an Eleiko at their disposal. If cost is not an issue, this is one of the most premium models of barbells on the market.
Budget Option
The Titan Fitness Barbell is a great cost efficient option for the recreational lifter that works out at home.
For folks just starting out in their home gym, Titan’s barbell is a solid, affordable option.
Knee Sleeves
Used for joint protection, warmth, and sometimes style, knee sleeves are a super common accessory for weightlifters. They’re also very commonly a super smelly accessory for weightlifters, and one that probably should be replaced more frequently. This makes them a great, moderately priced gift!
Best Overall
A 7mm knee sleeves that offers support and mobility for weightlifting. These sleeves are IWF approved.
These IWF approved knee sleeves are a very solid, professional grade option for weightlifters. Available in six sizes, there’s a sleeve for everyone on your list.
Fun Design
Lifting The Dream has a wide variety of stylish, fun knee sleeves. This donut design will have you thinking about your post workout snack while you push through the toughest reps.
Lifting The Dream is a small company founded by a Crossfitter who was looking to bring some unique and fun designs to the fitness world. We love donuts and knee sleeves – so this donut-themed knee sleeve is sort of a no-brainer.
For Warmth
Mava Sports has a knee sleeve that’s short on style but long on function. Designed to keep your joint warm while you work, these lightweight sleeves won’t really do much for your PR, but might help out during a warm up routine.
Accessories
Every dedicated gym rat needs a few key accessories. We’ve compiled a few very useful stocking stuffers to round out your gift giving needs.
Protein Shaker
A 22oz bottle with compartments for powders, pills, or snacks. Dishwasher safe and BPA-free, this is a reliable piece of gym equipment.
Chances are, the person you’re buying for already has a protein shaker bottle. Chances are also that that protein shaker bottle could probably stand to be replaced.
Gym Lock
A uniquely colorful padlock that offers over 10,000 unique combinations.
An essential item for anyone who goes to the gym.
Gym Towel
A three pack of microfiber towels designed to be super absorbent and quick drying, available in a variety of colors.
Wipe that sweat and save the environment! These microfiber towels are designed to dry quickly, so you can pack them up at the end of a workout and not soak your bag.
Duffel Bag
The Under Armour Undeniable Duffle 3.0 Gym Bag is functional, durable, and has a simple design that can be spiced up with various color options and unique patterns.
Under Armour’s Undeniable Duffle is a large enough to pack all your gym stuff and more. It’s available in a wide variety of colors.
Your Biggest Fan
A powerful 3 speed fan with a pivoting head ideal for providing circulation to a garage, basement, or anywhere with limited air flow. Wall mountable.
Folks let’s face it – your basement gym gets sweaty. Here’s a big old fan that will help air it out.
Callus Removal Kit
A simple tool designed to help wear down your calluses and keep them under control. Pack also comes with a salve for moisturizing.
File this one under: items that all weightlifters should use, but often don’t. The SandBar kit comes with a salve to help keep those weightlifting hands moisturized.
Literature
Knowledge is power. Train the brain as well as the body with some books about Olympic lifting.
Greg Everett’s Tome
A comprehensive look at the world of weightlifting from one of the sport's most prominent gurus.
Greg Everett is one of the most respected voices in the world of Olympic weightlifting. Learn from the master with comprehensive guide. Information on training regimens, lift analyses, error corrections and so much more.
Analyze Your Lifts
Useful and actionable advice from USA Weightlifting coach Daniel Camargo.
Written by a USA Weightlifting National Coach, this book presents an easy to follow format to help analyze your lifts and improve them.
Gift For Coaches
Knowledge and experience from Tommy Kono, one of the most storied lifters in American history.
Unfortunately, Tommy Kono’s books are not widely available at the moment. Here’s hoping for a reprint in the near future. Until then, snap up a copy of this weightlifting legend as an unforgettable gift for your coach.
USA Weightlifting Swag
Olympic lifting is a hardcore sport filled with passionate folks. For some, it may seem anathema to showcase their adherence to such a largely thankless activity. Fortunately, that’s what holiday gifting is all about – giving someone something they might not typically get for themselves. Whether it’s an extra nice t-shirt or a high quality pair of shorts, there’s plenty of swag to go around.
Editor’s Note: BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting. The two organizations maintain editorial independence unless otherwise specified on partner content.
T-Shirt
100% ring spun cotton t-shirt featuring everyone's favorite Olympic lift.
Hoodie
Performance Shorts
Step up your lifting gear with these women's performance lifting shorts.
Headwear
A versatile, casual, classic baseball cap with the USA Weightlifting insignia.
Become a Patron of Lifting
Support USA Weightlifting with a donation in you or your favorite lifter's name.
USA Weightlifting is a non-profit! If you’re shopping for the Olympic lifter who has it all, consider a donation to USA Weightlifting in their name!
