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I’ve never been a fan of New Year’s resolutions.  To me, a resolution is simply a promise you fully intend to break when it’s convenient…or one you can’t guarantee you’ll be able to keep.  This year, however, I went against better judgment and agreed to a joint resolution with a friend: I would serve as a guide in his personal struggle to lose weight.

Now, this guidance has taken several forms since 2012 began.  I’ve helped him construct some basic workout routines, I’ve suggested a few new recipes, and I’ve introduced him to the pros and cons of both free weights and machine-based exercises.  I refused to be an ever-present taskmaster when we made this agreement though, so I’ve suggested a few devices over the past month that may help him meet his goals.

The first gadget I recommended was a heart rate monitor.  Maintaining a steady heart rate is an important part of maximizing cardio workouts, so even the simplest model provides invaluable information.  Some heart rate monitors include built-in alarms as well, automatically notifying you when you reach the preset upper and lower limits of your target heart range.

Next, I suggested a personal training assistant.  Available as both stand-alone devices and smart phone apps, these gizmos often feature workouts designed by professional athletes and medical professionals.  Some also include unlockable rewards for completing individual programs and interactive tools for tracking your progress.  The Biggest Loser SLIMCOACH, for example, includes a 1-year membership to the MYTRACK online health community and provides access to nutrition planning and monitoring tools.

Last, but not least, I encouraged him to pick up an MP3 player.  Listening to your favorite tunes while working out is a great way to stay focused, and having access to your own personal music library sure beats listening to the deafening whirr of treadmills and elliptical machines at the gym.  Some MP3 players, like the Motorola MotoActv, even feature many of the same functions as a traditional heart rate monitor or personal training assistant.

What tools do you use to reach your fitness goals?