Fit to Burst

Yes, we're finally back at long last. All those bank holidays, we thought the Christmas break would never end. Sadly, we were wrong, and here we are, back at our desks, our newly-grown paunch resting despondently on our laps. We've eaten so much pate, port, chocolate, nuts, cheese and cured meats that we're fully expecting to get Gout. And while a bout of gout may mean we can spend another week lying on the sofa watching crap films, we think our liver would appreciate it if we at least made some effort to do the customary New Year detox.

Which is why we've kitted ourselves out with a "The Bug" from Fitbug. It's a pedometer, but a pedometer with a difference...

It records all sorts of data, such as steps taken and kms walked and sends that information to the Fitbug website via a USB connection to your computer.

The tattle-telling Bug records your data for a week and the Fitbug "online health and well-being club" creates a programme for you to follow that will help you get fit, maximise your energy and lose weight. There's no diet on sale, although you can get advice about healthy eating, and the idea is that the site provides you with incentive to keep at it.

Membership starts at £9.95 a month plus £49.50 for The Bug starter pack which includes a CD-ROM for getting you all set up. Nearly £50 for a pedometer is pretty pricey as far as we're concerned, even if it is a flashy one, but £9.95 a month is a far sight cheaper than your gym membership (and if you commit to a year's membership you get the pedometer starter pack free anyway). You can also join fantasy football style leagues (Fantasy Footfall) with friends and family to see who's doing the best.

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