The best fitness gadgets and tech to get you into shape

Get svelte after the holidays and lose those pounds with our list of the best fitness gadgets and technology out there.

Gorged on Girl Scout Cookies? Overindulged on onion rings? Simply need a little tummy tightening before you sport your swim trunks? Whatever the case may be, technology can help you drop pounds, tone, manage your diet, or act as your personal trainer. Heck, some of our picks will even act as your best bud, offering encouraging words and full-on support. Here are 10 of our favorite apps, gizmos, and games that will make getting into shape after the holidays easier and, unbelievably, more fun.

Gadgets

Nike+ SportWatch GPS Powered by TomTom ($200)

This GPS watch in conjunction with the shoe-based Nike+ Sensor lets athletes accurately capture location, route information, distance, pace, calories burned, run history, and heart rate, among other things. After your run, plug into a USB port on your laptop and your run data is instantly transferred to www.nikeplus.com where you can track your progress and trash talk with other Nike+ members. Thanks to its simplified user interface with only three buttons, it’s also easy to operate while your sprinting about the town.

BodyMedia FITTM Mobile ($250)

The BodyMedia FIT Armband BW is a welcome update to the company’s lineup, adding Bluetooth so users can monitor their health wherever they go. This BodyMedia system includes free apps that let you view your personal dashboard on an iPhone or Android phone. This includes “near” real-time caloric burn and activity data, personalized workout goals based on your desired caloric burn, and the functionality to log your food. The ability to access this info throughout the day no matter where you are allows you to make healthier choices. Via the armband, it even tracks steps taken, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency.

vPlayer ($100)

There is no doubt about it: Music is a great motivator. So what’s a swimmer, snorkeler, or water-aerobics fan do? Check out the SwiMP3.1G, for starters. This waterproof MP3 player uses bone conduction to transfer sound vibrations from your cheekbone to the inner ear, making for a less muffled, more realistic auditory experience than other underwater players.

Ironman Global Trainer GPS Watch ($170)

Leave it to Ironman to pack everything an athlete could possibly need into a wristwatch. This GPS-enabled Global Trainer displays your pace, speed, distance, and more in real time. In fact, it will even measure location with altitude ascent and descent distance rates, so you know how tough or easy your trail is. Different modes — such as Multisport and Performance — are tailored to your workout. And with a 20-workout memory, this watch isn’t going to forget if you slack off, so best keep moving.