Treadmills and elliptical trainers are some of the best aerobic exercisers available for weight loss 2012, and Consumer Reports picked its top models this month (reviews to come).
But if you already have a treadmill or an elliptical, or want to start more simply, select a pedometer (around $30) or a GPS watch (around $200) or both.
Consumer Reports rates equipment as follows:
Top 3 pedometers: Mio Trace Acc-Tek, or get the tried and true Omron HJ-112 and the Yamax Digi-Walker CW-701.
(I especially like both Omrons)
Top 3 GPS watches: Nike+ SportWatch GPS, the Garmin Forerunner 210 and the Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS Speed + Distance T5K267F5.
(I especially like the Garmin)
These are less expensive than a treadmill: I tell my patients to get 3 pedometers, because inevitably one is lost, and one is always somewhere you meant to put it on, but forgot. They’re invaluable, especially when you’re trying to get to 10,000 steps!