From sophisticated activity trackers and chest-mounted cameras, fitness experts say gifts for people trying to get in shape or stay that way include everything from high-tech toys to basic workout gear.

Runners, yoga instructors and other fitness pros say there is something for everyone hoping to rev up a workout.

"My big recommendation is one of the many popular motion sensors," said Shirley Archer, a Florida-based fitness and wellness expert.

Archer, author of the book Fitness 9 to 5, has used several fitness bracelets that can track everything from steps walked to miles run or hours slept.

"They do a great job of raising awareness of how physically active a person genuinely is," she said.

To boost or fine-tune cardio training, Mark Kelly, a California-based physiologist, recommends interval training apps, such as Android's Stopwatch or Seconds Pro, which track recovery as well as exertion.

"You can list the exercise you are doing," said Kelly, CEO of Principle Centered Health, Inc. "HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) formats often come pre-loaded."

Connecticut-based running coach Tom Holland believes a wearable camera would be the ideal gift for serious runners seeking to record their races.

Gregory Chertok, a sports psychology consultant for the American College of Sports Medicine, favors basic fitness gifts. "Simply, I love the hand grip," Chertok said. "It's not a high-tech device, but a strong grip will enhance performance on lots of strength and resistance training programs."

Michele Olson, professor of exercise physiology at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama, said a good pedometer is an ideal gift for anyone trying to get fit.

"Pedometers work," she said. "They give sort of neutral feedback and are simple and not overwhelming with technology."

Reuters