“Dear Fitness Guru- Is this new hot gift item the “FitBit” actually worthwhile or just another gimmick?”

Chandra, that is very good question. I looked into the FitBit. Here’s the scoop from the web site: “The Fitbit accurately tracks your calories burned, steps taken, distance traveled and sleep quality. The Fitbit contains a 3D motion sensor like the one found in the Nintendo Wii. The Fitbit tracks your motion in three dimensions and converts this into useful information about your daily activities.” And all for the low, low price of $99. Does it do all those things? Dunno. I haven’t tried it.

But, Chandra, it reminds me of a story.

Years and years ago, when I was but a youngster, I was in an acting class taught by a wise and Yoda-like figure, Fred. My friend Robert, a successful actor, was turning his sights on writing. He came in one day very excited and announced that he had just bought the most fantastic screenwriting software ever. It kept track of the characters and created the format of the screenplay all with just a few clicks of the mouse. Extraordinary and it only cost him $150. Fred asked “does it come with the story for you?” Robert replied, “well, no.” “Then it does me no good” said Fred.

Everybody wants a FitBit. I want a FitBit. I want something that is going to help me get healthy and stay fit and reach my goals. But, in the end, for most people, that FitBit is $99 that is going straight into the back corner of the sock drawer.

January is the Crazy Month. It’s the month when we suddenly turn our attention to ourselves, create our Resolution and re-invent ourselves. Health clubs go nuts because thousands and thousands of people come pouring through the doors; sign a contract to deduct a sum of money from their checking accounts for the next two years; exercise like fiends for four to six weeks; and then go right back to the same old, same old that they were doing before the big Resolution hit.

We live in a time and a society where everyone wants to believe there is a FitBit for everything: the invesment banker who can bring results that are mathematically impossible; the million dollar mortgage when there is little to income; the four week weight loss plan where you don’t really have to do anything but drink a couple of shakes and watch the fat drip off. And all of it is hype. The FitBit might do those things, but it is not going to inspire you to get more sleep, drink more water, eat less processed foods and exercise more often. You have to make those decisions for yourself. There are no easy answers or effortless results. None.

Sorry to be such a bummer. But if you think that I am somewhat cynical, understand that the attitude comes from two and half decades watching people throw their money at this problem only to become discouraged at the lack of results. They blame themselves rather then blame the strategy and decide that they are not worthy of the results that they crave. And they go right back to the habits that got them into trouble to begin with.

But you still want to invest in your well being and that is noble. So where should you put your money so that it will be well spent? Here is my list of Top 5 Must-Haves:

1. A heart monitor. I have discussed the merits of this brilliant tool over and over again. Suffice it to say, if you want results, it is first on the list.

2. A jump rope. That’s pretty simple. It’s a piece of rope. Take it with you anywhere and you have all the cardio you need.

3. Sneakers. Something nice that supports your foot and ankle (though, with all this barefoot running talk that’s circulating these days, I have to admit I’m rethinking this one).

4. Pedometer. Try to achieve 12,000 steps per day in order to maintain a healthy weight. You’ll be surprised by how little you walk.

5. A Journal. If it’s not written down, it doesn’t exist. You can keep track of what you are eating; when you are eating; when you are excising and for how long; how you feel before and after exercise; and what results you feel you are seeing from the work.

There are other things that I would add to the list. But that is your essential package.

So as you venture forth into the next decade, beware the person or company that is selling you results in a bottle. You probably end up with a rash and an empty wallet.

Remember: the most important thing is the Resolve to actually begin to change your life and then taking the appropriate steps to do so.