7:00am Saturday 27th December 2008
Soon the Christmas feeding frenzy will be over and you'll be left looking at your trainers with a sense of dread.
But with a little planning, you could make those New Year health resolutions a little more manageable.
Fitness equipment has come a long way since wobbly exercise bikes and plastic multi-gyms. Beautifully designed equipment, fun workout programmes and quirky gadgets are flying off the shelves this year.
So to get your heart rate up, see if you can get Santa to pop one of these fantastic products under the tree. Then you can burn off those calories while watching the Dr Who Christmas special.
:: TRIXTER XDREAM EXERCISE BIKE To the uninitiated, the Xdream doesn't look too different from your typical static bike, apart from a small screen in front of you.
Do not be fooled, this is a killer. The bike simulates a mountain biking 'racing' experience and allows you to choose 400 different programmes, which take place on terrains ranging from an arid desert to densely forested highlands.
So if the 'race' follows a muddy track uphill, then you're going to feel some tough resistance when you peddle.
It's similar to following a computer game, and you do find yourself absorbed in the race, which keeps boredom levels at bay and increases motivation.
Plus, to move to the next level, you have to win the race (and as your performance improves so does the performance of the other 'virtual competitors), which means even if you're ready to drop you don't want to give in, as your efforts will have been for nothing.
VERDICT: It claims that you can burn up to 55% more calories than on a standard bike. Expect to sweat and feel the burn with this one!
The Xdream costs £5,999 from Harrods or direct from 0844 979 4567/www.x-biking.com or www.xdreamfitness.com.
It's also at selected Virgin Active health clubs: 08451 304 7474/ www.virginactive.co.uk.
:: THE WATERROWER The rowing machine is a piece of gym equipment I've always been happy to avoid (although I come from Cambridge where you can't move for men with oars). What is the attraction? They're jerky, unsatisfying and hard to sit down on with dignity.
Which is why I was surprised to find myself sitting in the middle of John Lewis, early one December morning, expressing squeals of delight at The WaterRower.
This smooth, beautifully designed machine is a joy to use. As you pull the handle, the sound of rushing water in the connected drum transports you to a virtual river.
In terms of toning and fat burning, experts say that the rowing machine is more effective than running or a bike. And for the first time, as my body entered into a full arm, leg and tummy workout, I began to understand why.
VERDICT: All that could be added to this gorgeous wooden gym enhancement is the sound of an angry cox screaming instructions. It's a terrific all-round fitness tool. Available at selected John Lewis stores (08456 049 049/www.johnlewis.co.uk), priced £970.
:: IJOYRIDE Although it claims to simulate horseback riding, I think the iJoyride crosses over into far more exciting territory.
Sitting on the saddle-style seat of this pretend horse, the energetic jiggling of the small machine inevitably makes you rather hot under the collar.
The makers of the iJoyride claim that this horse riding exerciser will tone up your core muscles, inner thighs and buttocks.
But while sitting on this vibrating stool is certainly good for a pelvic wiggle, I doubt any form of exercise that involves sitting down can make a dramatic improvement to your physique.
VERDICT: This machine is more likely to improve your love life than trim your waist, but it's great fun. Available at selected John Lewis stores (08456 049 049/www.johnlewis.co.uk), priced £399.
:: HUMAN TOUCHBOARD I can water ski, paraglide and use a pedalo. But one thing I've never been able to master is surfing. The Human Touchboard offers all the toning benefits of this water sport without having to leave the house.
While I stand and look at the raised platform suspiciously, my instructor says to me: 'This is a machine for people who don't really want to exercise'.
And suddenly I'm hopping on, enthusiastically.
But contrary to his cynicism, I can genuinely feel some benefits. Pitching, rolling and yawning, the board is intended to simulate the same actions used in surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. As the board begins to jostle under foot and I try to keep my balance, I can feel my thighs tensing and my buttock muscles struggling to offer some support.
Pressing the button again, the rocking motion becomes stronger and unconsciously I spread out my arms and begin frowning with concentration. I think I'm hooked.
VERDICT: Although I doubt an exercise regime based solely around this machine would undo any deep mince pie damage, it'd certainly be a fun addition to an active lifestyle. Available at selected John Lewis stores (08456 049 049/www.johnlewis.co.uk), priced £399.
:: WATER WORX This new German multi-gym is a far cry from those flimsy, grey plastic affairs that tend to grace the fitness catalogues.
Made entirely from leather and wood, it looks more like a gorgeous, climbing frame for adults.
Instead of a stack of weights, this machine uses a cylinder of water to provide resistance. While this may not be suitable for body builders, those of us looking to tone up (while pretending to be at a gym on the side of an alpine ski resort), will love the design.
Unfortunately, despite its versatility - the movable structure will help you do everything from stomach crunches to tricep curls - you might need a muscled young German fitness instructor to help you lift the heavy parts.
VERDICT: Beautiful to look at, but slightly impractical. Perfect if you have a strong butler and view of the mountains. Available at selected John Lewis stores (08456 049 049/www.johnlewis.co.uk), priced £2150 - includes delivery and installation.
:: AB COMPACTOR It's cheaper than gym membership and can be done sitting down, which gives the Ab Compactor a head start before you've even broken out in a sweat.
For something that looks like a cross between a pogo stick and a small vacuum cleaner it does a surprisingly good job of toning the stomach.
The machine itself is fairly rudimentary, which is what you would expect for the price. But you can adjust the resistance settings if you fancy a harder workout or for once you get used to the lower strengths.
There are also a variety of positions you can use the Ab Compactor in so you can either exercise all of the stomach or focus in on particular problem areas such as the obliques.
VERDICT: The Ab Compactor isn't going to turn anyone into an all-over Adonis but it makes a real difference to the stomach which is one of the trickiest areas to tone up - and all this while you're sitting in front of the television. Available at Argos stores (www.argos.co.uk), priced £14.99. Hurry in now and you'll find it on sale for £9.79.
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