Giving the gift of health: a guide to workout gadgets

The workout warrior can be the hardest person to buy for. New shoes or clothes can get boring, but if you delve into the world of technology, the gift ideas get more interesting. The Southeast Missourian asked local fitness experts to recommend high-tech gadgets for the health nut on your Christmas list. Scott Givens of HealthPoint Fitness in Jackson, Sandy Duncan with Fitness Plus and Kim Jones, owner of Curves in Jackson, suggest their favorites.

Wii Fit

I'll get him a: Wii Fit

Because he's an: Older person who wants to become more active.

The experts say: This offers fun, low-impact exercise options in the privacy of his own home. He can work out alone or invite friends for group fitness.

Although it does cost: About $200 for the Wii, and about $100 for Wii Fit. Both are available at discount department stores, toy stores, electronics stores and through a variety of online retailers.

Bodybugg

I'll get him a: Bodybugg

Because he's: Someone who is serious about controlling and managing his weight. He wants as much information about his workout as possible.

The experts say: This device not only tracks caloric expenditure, heart rate, steps taken, sweat levels, body temperature and heat flux, but it also has an Internet component that allows for comparison and analysis. The bodybugg also allows real-time access to daily activity through a smart phone. Phone coaching is also offered.

Although it does cost: $200 or more and is only available at www.bodybugg.com or www.24hourfitness.com.

Polar Watch

I'll get him a: Polar Watch

Because he's: Someone who wants to improve his fitness while monitoring his heart rate and keeping track of caloric expenditure.

The experts say: This will help him see exactly how his body is reacting to his workout. It also provides him with a summary of his last workout and lets him know his age-based targeted heart rate zone. This is also good for someone who is hitting a plateau in their weight loss or fitness regime, allowing them to specifically target areas. Also, if he should decide to concentrate his workout to one sport like biking or running, there are different models that provide more specific features.

Although it does cost: $100 or more and is only available at www.polarusa.com and specialty stores.

Smartphone apps

I'll get him an: app for his smart phone

Because he's a: Person on the go who wants to lose weight and become more fit through diet and exercise.

The experts say: These offer anytime access to dietary and exercise information. Apps such as Lose It! set goals and establish a daily calorie budget. Food and exercise can be recorded and a searchable food database make for easy calorie tracking. The From Couch to 5K workout training coach app will help him get into shape using the C25K system, a series of 30-minute interval workouts over nine weeks. The ultimate goal is to be able to run 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles, without stopping or walking.

Besides, it only costs: $2.99 for From Couch to 5K, and nothing for Lose It! Similar apps are also available at comparable prices. See specific providers for availability and pricing.

Pedometer

I'll get him a: Pedometer

Because he's: Someone who is just starting to get active and wants to see if he is getting enough exercise through his normal daily activity.

The experts say: This will monitor his steps to see if he is reaching the recommended 10,000 a day for good fitness. Although pedometers have been around a while, there have been improvements and some feature a variety of options such as mp3 players, heart rate monitors and more.

Besides, it only costs: About $10 for a basic model and $50 for a version featuring all the bells and whistles. They are available at discount department stores.

Workout DVDs

I'll get him a: Workout DVD

Because he's a: Beginner who wants the advantages of gym workout class but isn't ready to commit to a membership.

The experts say: These offer an array of training options, such as yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, Zumba and more. They offer specialized workouts that target one muscle group or the whole body. Also, there are DVDs geared to children, pregnant women, senior citizens and other groups. The workout offered can be effective, fun and a good first step in becoming more active. Also, they are great for people who want to supplement what they do at the gym.

Besides, it only costs: About $10 per DVD. Fitness DVDs are available at discount department stores, video stores, electronics stores and toy stores.

Garmin watch

I'll get him a: Garmin Watch

Because he's a: Serious fitness buff who is often training outdoors for a variety of races.

The experts say: This not only tracks his workout time, heart rate and caloric expenditure, but can be bundled with other Garmin products to monitor his walking/running speed and the distance he covers during a workout. The watch wirelessly sends information about his workout to his home computer so he can study his vital statistics closer and target areas for more training. If he is training for a triathlon, it allows him to transition between sports without resetting. It even offers a feature to allow him to compete against his previous workouts or a virtual partner.

Although it does cost: About $130 or more and is available at www.garmin.com or Garmin stores.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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