Best gadgets to help you get fit in the new year

The Apple Watch continues to be the lynchpin of my fitness goals. It keeps me motivated, logs my exercise and activity, and keeps an eye on aspects of my health that might otherwise go neglected.

I've tried dozens of other smartwatches, and while many were good, none came close to the breadth of offerings that the Apple Watch brought to the table (or, more accurately, my wrist!).

For iPhone owners, there's nothing better.

I sure love swinging kettlebells, maces, and clubs around, but they're very unforgiving. Knock yourself in the head or your leg with a lump of steel and you're going to know about it. A bag -- a tough one -- filled with water is a lot more forgiving, but no less challenging.

Also, if you're exercising indoors, it's a heck of a lot less damaging if you drop it on the floor.

I also love the fact that I can empty the Hydrocore, pack it down, and take it with me when traveling.

Looking for workout ideas? Check out Mark Wildman's YouTube channel.

Seems old-school, but Crossrope has brought the jump rope into the 21st century with precision engineering, and, of course, a cool app.

This kit comes with a set of precision handles (they are indeed lovely), two different weighted ropes 0.5lb and 0.25lb), and a carry pouch. 

There's also a comprehensive app offering loads of exercises, workouts, and challenges.

Super kit!

The TRX is not cheap, but I've had a couple of sets, and after years of use, abuse, and neglect, they're still going strong. And TRX has made the leap into the 21st century by developing a very comprehensive app that offers workouts and challenges, as well as logging your workouts.

What I love about the TRX system is the versatility: I can use it at home, in a hotel room, or even outdoors. That way, there are no excuses not to train.

All the benefits of owning a bike and going to a riding club, but in a workout device that you can fit into an apartment. 

The Peloton isn't for me, but I've spoken to a number of owners who absolutely love their bike, and feel that even after months of ownership that it continues to deliver value and fun.

Not sure if it's for you? Take advantage of the 30-day home trial.

One thing that really worked for me when I was getting fit and losing weight was jumping on the scale every morning, not really paying attention to the readings, and then looking at the data in the app every couple of weeks to see how I was doing.

And smart scales don't need to be expensive.

I've been a big fan of the Withings brand (previously Nokia, previously Withings again). The hardware and software are good and last many years.

As much as I like my AirPods Pro, they're just not suited to hard exercise because they pop out of my ears a lot (and since I exercise a lot outdoors, it can sometimes take some time to find them again). This is why I've made the switch to the Sennheiser CX Sport. 

They're light, comfortable, sound good, have a decent microphone, and are good at resisting sweat and other moisture.

I also love the color --  it makes them easy to spot.