Get Healthy Gadgets & Websites

Are you always on the lookout for the next gadget and gear to make your life easier?
Well, if not, I am. Here are some that I have discovered over the past year ... some I shelled out cash for, others are still on my list of must-haves.

NEC Fitness Phone 232e
I know it seems unnecessary – and maybe it is, but a phone dedicated to keeping me in shape? Well, believe that. The phone features software that calculates BMI, heart rate, and can server as a calorie counter. I first read about the phone on Engadget, which is also a great spot to find other tech news and info. You can go directly to NEC’s website for more information.

Online Fitness contests or groups
I like support when I work out…from real people … or at least ones from the internet. I just signed up for Glamour magazine’s better body challenge. They do what all the other tools here mention from food diary to workout logs and also give advice on how to get on track and reach your fitness goals. Shape Magazine also has some great tools too on their site. If you choose to sign up, there's a fee, but you can get a lot of free advice right on their site - and only 1 or 2 issues behind.

Polar F11 Watch
Most of the items in my list of fitness tools are ones that I use regularly or have tried and liked, but this one looks very interesting and definitely something I am going to check out. The watch retails at $299 but has everything that the phone has--downloadable workouts, etc. have – all in a watch. Polar is a well known and trusted name in the heart rate monitor products. When you register on their personal training website, you gain access to articles, workout plans, food and workout logs.

Dance Dance Revolution – Play Station
Even if you don’t want to go to the gym…spend 4 days a week doing cardio workouts on this and you’ll be ready to work out in public in no time.

Diet Power
So far this software is pc only, I think…which is the one main drawback, as I’ve switched to mac mostly. Every diet book recommends keeping a food journal – this one can be backed up, emailed home for updating and then back to work…

Iamplify
Downloadable Workouts for IPOD – Iamplify has everything from pilates to cardio to weight training. They are working on adding more self help content as well.

PALM PILOT I don’t have a Palm Pilot or handheld PC yet, but after seeing the cool programs available to people in need of workout motivation, I might have to rethink the purchase. There’s everything from Body for Life’s fitness tracking solution to a very simple food log. Check out: Pocket Body for Life for more details. The Treo is a great option if you want an all in one communciation & organization device. It's been called too bulky by some users, but right now it's the best that's out.

Ipod
This device is the one that gets me through every workout. I have noticed a severe drop in my energy if I'm not listening to music. I can make my own playlists, put books on tape...and I can go anywhere. I highly recommend getting an ipod or any other music player for that matter. It makes the time pass so quickly and you really feel a difference in your exertion level.