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5) A HEART-RATE MONITOR

Heart-rate monitoring might sound a bit technical, but there are two great reasons to use it. Firstly, it can help you ensure that every minute spent working out is worthwhile. That doesn't necessarily mean cracking the whip, either - you could be working too hard and may be better off training for longer at an easier level. Secondly, it's a great feedback device, providing information on calorie expenditure, fat calories used and average intensity during your workout. Most devices comprise a wristwatch, where the data is displayed, and a chest strap that collects heart-rate data.
Which one and why<br>
Which one and why
 The new Polar F55, £120 (above), is one of the most innovative heart-rate monitors around - it can be used for gym training as well as cardiovascular workouts. The Keeps U Fit feature assesses your fitness and prescribes different types of exercise to help challenge you, like a long, low-intensity workout, a medium-length, moderate workout and a short, intense one. After three weeks, you re-test yourself and the monitor recalculates your programme for the next three weeks. In the gym, you can store the weight and number of reps and sets you do for up to 17 different resistance training exercises, to save you carrying one of those workout cards around. It's also water resistant, has a stopwatch and alarm and comes in two colours and wrist sizes.
For stockists, call 01926 310330; PolarElectro.co.uk.