Go-go gadgets to get your butt into gear this year

Some of this year's fitness equipment is hi-tech.

Powerplate is a free-standing platform with handles that vibrate 30-50 times a second, allowing natural, involuntary muscle contractions that are said to use up to 97 per cent of muscle fibre, instead of the usual 40 per cent, and condense an hour's work out into 10 minutes. It was conceived as a rehabilitation aid.

'It's about intensity not duration,' says Liam Fitzpatrick, Powerplate trainer in Asia. 'You can stand on the vibrating platform for squats; have one foot on and one off for lunges; or both hands on for push ups.'

Madonna is said to be a fan - and it sells at Madonna-like prices. A large one costs $US10,000, and a small one $US4,000.

For those keen on weight loss, Apex Fitness has introduced the Bodybugg, which is strapped to your body and tracks the number of calories you burn by monitoring heart rate, temperature and sweat.

Adidas has developed a running shoe with a microprocessor that checks the impact on your feet and adjusts the cushioning accordingly. And the iGallop is a free-standing exercise machine that simulates horse-riding. It's said to 'improve cognitive skills, balance, posture and strength and is especially effective for mobilising joints and building muscles'.