Personal Training ... On Your iPod

Our Tech & Gadgets Editor Patrick Goss recently ran an article on the best fitness gadgets currently on the market, a list which includes a cross trainer, Nike+ trainers and iPod, a mountain bike and, my favourite, a Nintendo Wii (if you haven't tried Wii sports yet, you haven't lived).

Well, I think I may have stumbled upon another. I've always said that MP3 players could be better utilised to help people get more out of their workouts. And, with with so many people doing themselves a mischief because they don't know how to exercise properly, the need is greater than ever.

The best thing for most people who want to shape up is to hire a personal trainer. A PT will tell you what you should be doing and, more importantly, how you should be doing it. However, not everyone can afford this luxury, while others (mostly us men) don't like to acknowledge the fact that they are in need of direction.

This is where our MP3 players come in. I've been hoping a fitness expert would put together some podcasts guiding the listener through their workout, and on Tuesday I met someone who has gone one better. Fitness expert Nash Jocic gave me a copy of his Ultimate Shape programme (check out www.ultimateshape.com for more information), a series of video clips which you can upload to your iPod, 3G phone or other video device. Simply take it to the gym and there is Nash talking you through your session.

But does it work? Well, to look at Nash you would think so, and I love the idea so I'm going to give it a good go for a few weeks - I'll let you know how I get on. I may - if I'm brave enough - even take some before and after pictures for you. Next time you see a blonde Scottish bloke in your gym who isn't in great shape but really looks like he knows what he's doing... that'll be me.

Have a great weekend,

Ross

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