Consider this fair warning that swimsuit season is officially only two months away.
That means that it's time to shed your Snuggie and greet the green world again. Take up a new sport or dust off your old routine. You can stay motivated and take control of your workout and fitness goals with the help of some of these new gadgets and apps.
Nike + Fuelband
Track your daily activity. The device monitors your movements and counts the calories you burn. Set a goal and stay motivated throughout the day. The LED display on your band moves from red to green as you inch closer to your daily goal. Download your progress and share with friends. By using a USB connection, you can sync your Fuelband to your Apple devices and keep track of your progress. Available online at nikeinc.com or at the Apple Store at University Park Village. ($149.95)
Gaiam Restore Green Roller
Marketed as a total body exercise piece, the simple design has a multitude of functions. It can be used to self-massage trigger points, elongate and align your spine, increase circulation, and relieve stress. It includes a 15-minute DVD with fitness instructor James D"Silva teaching you how to use the roller for gentle exercise routines as well. Portable and packable, it is bound to make your workout more relaxing. Available at Target stores ($20) or online at Gaiam.com.
SkyCaddie GPS SGXw
This gadget gives you access to a library of courses. Each one has been surveyed, and thousands of points have been recorded so you can accurately measure your distance from the flag, no matter where you're lying. It also includes a club selection advisor. Most of our local courses will be included in its library, plus it's perfect for traveling with worldwide course information. An annual subscription fee of $40 keeps you up to date, and this model comes with Wi-Fi. Available at skygolf.com or at Edwin Watts. ($349.99)
Fitbit Aria Smart Scale
Finally a scale that measures more than just your weight. This one measures your body-mass index as well as your body-fat percentage. Now that is information you can use. The secret lies under the glass. Electrodes embedded just below the surface send small electrical signals through your body to achieve these measurements. The data stored in the scale can even be transferred to your computer or iPhone wirelessly. Available online at fitbit.com or locally at Staples or Best Buy. ($129)
Garmin Forerunner 10 GPS Fitness Monitor
There are plenty of GPS watches on the market, but the newest model by industry leader, Garmin, comes in at an unbelievable price point. The Garmin GFR includes a basic GPS function, and no heart rate monitor, but it is very user friendly and high quality. Runners can rely on the high-sensitivity GPS, and use it to plan, upload, and share their runs. This less bulky model is also water-resistant to 165 feet. Available at rei.com, lukeslocker.com or in store. ($129.95)
