Video:Fitness Gadgets

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Transcript:Fitness Gadgets

Whether you're trying to stay in shape or get slim there are plenty of portable gadgets and gizmos to maximize your workout, and well, let's face it, make it more fun!

Let's start with the basics.

Heart Monitors

People who don't normally exercise should consider picking up a heart monitor. It will keep track of your heart rate and help ensure that you don't overdo it. They're also ideal for pregnant women who need to monitor their heart rate for the baby's sake. Heart monitors come in all shapes and sizes. You can also find some with interesting additional features. The Timex Bodylink system, for example, uses a small GPS receiver and heart rate monitor to track speed, exertion levels and distance, oh, and tell the time.

Fitness Gadget to Gauge Distance

If you want to know how far you've run or walked, a pedometer should do the trick. But bear in mind, that means no more kidding yourself on that "five" mile run. Sharper Image's talking pedometer is lightweight, it clips on and it even talks and plays music. It will tell you how many steps you've taken while playing music in time with your step. That feature, however, might get a little annoying.

Measuring Fat

If you're a glutton for punishment, pick up a body fat monitor. Although their accuracy is debated, they will give you a body fat index and allow you to see trends in your overall fat levels.

Music Fitness Gadgets

And, don't leave home without your music. To many, it's a must, and thankfully there are lots of great options on the market now. From the ubiquitous iPod to an MP3 player built into sunglasses, like these Oakley Thumps. Cool! Just make sure you get the model with the storage space you need, and get yourself a good set of head phones to improve sound quality.

While these gadgets won't turn you into a world-class champion, they can provide a healthy dose of useful information.

I'm Brett Larson, About Gadgets.