03 Jan New year, new you: 6 must-have fitness tools

Editor’s note: This is the second in a five-part series on tips to get more fit in 2013. Today, here are six must-have tools that will really work.

Cave men and women stayed pretty lean without high-tech gadgets and fitness apparel, but this is 2013.
We sit on our butts a lot more than cavemen. Why not take advantage of tools that make your workouts more efficient and, quite frankly, fun?
1. MP3 Player – If you haven’t used one, try one. Working out to the right music can really energize your workout.
Be you in the exercise room. I knew an all-state wrestler who listened to Celine Dion while working out, my wife can’t go to the gym without Madonna blaring, my dad likes the music from the Sopranos and I go longer on the treadmill with classic 80s like Tom Petty or Bruce Springsteen blaring.
2. Blender or shaker – Great for mixing up healthy fruit smoothies or protein shakes. Make sure it’s a good one that can crush ice without blowing out the motor.
3. Foam roller – Great for pre- and post-workout stretching and muscle massages. If you’re having muscle tightness or instability, many physical therapists will recommend really breaking down the muscles with a foam roller.
4. Good shoes – I can’t emphasize enough how important having a good pair of running shoes are. Go to a specialty fitness store and get fitted with good shoes – they’re at the base of everything you do.
5. Heart-rate monitor – Know for sure if you’re working out in the correct cardio zone by wearing a heart-rate monitor.
6. Dr. Hoy’s Pain relief gel – If you haven’t tried it, this stuff is great for loosening up stiff muscles and joints. I know of one guy who’s spent over $1,000 on this stuff in the past few years it’s helped him so much.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. Consult a doctor before making any significant changes in your exercise routine or diet. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com