Is finding the perfect gift for the fitness lover in your life getting you all worked up?

No sweat. Some of the biggest trends leading up to the holiday season fit right into gym rats' sweet spot. Sales of athletic apparel, for example, are on the rise, providing a much-needed boost to the sluggish category.

According to NPD Group, total apparel dollar sales grew 1 percent in the 12 months ended in September, reaching $207 billion. Activewear represents just $34.9 billion of that pie, but sales in the segment increased 8 percent.

Wearable fitness devices also are attracting interest, with NPD reporting that awareness of them has more than doubled in less than a year.

"Wearable tech is set to be [at the] top of the Christmas wish list for fitness fanatics this holiday," said Rachel Arthur, global senior editor of digital at trend forecasting firm WGSN. Smartwatches and activity-tracking bands are "particularly top of mind," she said, as they're both stylish and in tune with consumers' New Year's goals.

"These kinds of devices are an easy win for gift giving this time of year," she said.

For a list of athletic-inspired gift ideas, click ahead.

For a video featuring some of the hottest gifts, click here.

—By CNBC's Krystina Gustafson
Posted 19 Nov. 2014

Fitbit Charge
Price: $129.95

If you're shopping for someone who's focused on results, consider a Fitbit. The trackers cover a range of capabilities and prices, so you can find one that best fits your budget.

For $59.95, you can snag the Fitbit Zip, which tracks the wearer's steps, distance and calories burned. For $129.95 you can get the new Fitbit Charge (left), which also monitors floors climbed, active minutes and sleep.

Black & Decker fruit and vegetable juice extractor
Price: $49.99

Fitness isn't just about staying active—it's also about making sure you're getting the right nutrients. As such, visitors to fitness sites often search the Web for juicers, Experian Marketing Services' Bill Tancer said.

Although there are plenty of options on the market, Black & Decker bills this particular model as perfect for "health- and budget-conscious consumers." It includes a dual-locking safety mechanism, and for those who prefer their juice to go down smooth, a pulp collector.

Nike Free 5.0 Flash custom running shoe
Price: $150

What could be better than a gift that lets their personality shine? Nike's iD line allows shoppers to customize their fitness footwear, from the infamous swoosh down to the laces.

Skullcandy earbuds
Price: From $20.99

Even for a true fitness lover, it can be tough to get through a long workout without the right playlist. Whether it's rap, rock or electronica, help your loved one power through that last rep by letting them jam out to their favorite songs.

Athleta Warm Up Gym Bag
Price: $79

Gap's Athleta brand is taking the "athleisure" world by storm. After opening its first store about three years ago, its footprint has already expanded to nearly 100 locations. By giving her this trendy gym bag, female fitness fanatics will be excited to hit the locker room.

Gaiam Custom Fit Adjustable Balance Ball Chair
Price: $79.98 on Amazon.com

Just because someone loves fitness doesn't mean they have the time to crank out an hourlong workout each day. Help them out by purchasing this balance ball chair, so they can work out their core while working up a spreadsheet.

Tern Link C7 folding bike
Price: $453.45 on bikeinn.com

City living often means zero storage space for a bulky bike. For the cyclist trying to squeeze everything into a one-bedroom apartment, this folding bike will let them keep up their workout regimen, without causing them trip over their equipment.

Garmin Forerunner 15 smartwatch
Price: From $169.99

According to The NPD Group, the key to a successful wearable fitness device is simplicity. This easy-to-use GPS watch tracks a runner's distance, pace, heart rate and calories burned. It also syncs to Garmin's online fitness community to give runners a daily activity summary.

Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Full Zip
Price: $99

With a women's business worth around $500 million, Under Armour's fitness goal is to more than double the category's sales to make it as big, or bigger, than its men's business.

To do so, it's tapped bombshell Gisele Bündchen to better market its women's products, including this slim fleece that wicks sweat.

Lululemon Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve shirt
Price: $64

While Under Armour makes a play for the women's market, Lululemon is hoping to expand its sales by tapping into the men's business. In fact the company, whose brand name is basically synonymous with women's yoga pants, will open its first men's store in Manhattan on Black Friday.

If you're shopping for a male gym rat who likes to stay on-trend, try this shirt. It includes an "anti-stink technology," which prevents odor-causing bacteria from growing on the fabric.