As an aside, I’m quickly becoming a fan of receiving gift cards, and especially pre-paid credit cards. With it, you get to shop anywhere you like instead of being bound to a single store like a traditional gift card.

However, watch out for the inactivity fee charge though. The MasterCard prepaid credit card I received for Christmas starts charging $2.50 per month at the 6-month mark after activation.

There are plenty of health and fitness products to consider – and completely ignore - in the today’s marketplace.

Here are 10 ways to spend your holiday gift cards on losing weight and getting healthy:

1. Pedometer

Ever wonder how many steps it takes to get from the office to your car? Wearing this handy device keeps track of these and other steps throughout the day for you. Health experts recommend being active enough to take about 10,000 steps (approximately five miles) most days of the week for healthy adults and more steps if your try to lose weight.

Pedometers vary in cost depending on features, but generally start at about $20 for a basic model.

2. FitDecks

FitDecks are innovative deck-of-cards workouts that vary in difficulty and fitness goals. New FitDecks have been developed by former Navy SEAL Phil Black and present a different kind of challenge for those who are bored with the usual cardio exercises. “Core Blast” or “Plyometric” Fitdecks promise to ramp up the intensity while providing a massive calorie burn for $10 or less on popular online shopping sites.

3. Resistance bands

Don’t have any space in your apartment or home for an exercise studio? Resistance bands can be utilized in any type of workout and are portable enough to take with you on your travels. New resistance bands come in different color-coded strengths and are a convenient way to exercise and strengthen your body.

4. Workout gloves

Weight training can mangle your hands over time. Workout gloves provide protection, cushioning and can aid in maintaining a safe grip when using equipment.

5. Gym bag

Someone who works out on a regular basis or plans to start an exercise program will appreciate a new gym bag. A gym bag should be big enough to fit these items: towel, water bottle, cellphone, change of clothes (especially a fresh pair of socks) and an extra pair of shoes. It’s time to graduate from the reused plastic grocery bag that smells like 2% milk.

6. Kettlebells

Another great space saver for home workouts is the old, but versatile kettlebell. You can use them anytime, anywhere and get a great workout every time. Here’s one of my favorite videos demonstrating some of the exercises you can do using kettlebells.

7. Personal training

Do you need a serious kick in the you-know-what or someone to ensure you are using the correct exercise form? This is a great choice for anyone just starting out as well as the intermediate and advanced individuals who are looking to reach specific goals or fitness milestones.

8. Gym Membership

You made the commitment to starting an exercise program so now it’s time to choose a gym and execute the plan. To be sure a particular fitness club is a good fit for you here are specific guidelines a gym should meet before signing on the dotted line.

9. Home Gym

If a traditional gym isn’t for you then set up a home gym with smaller equipment. You can still have very effective workouts all in the privacy of your own surroundings. However, when it comes to getting a helpful spot or using the latest equipment, a commercial gym is the place to be.

10. Exercise books, DVDs and videos

Available for nearly every type of workout and health and fitness topic – there’s a glut of information out there. If you’re looking for a little guidance and brute honesty then check out our fat loss book reviews. Just promise you won’t let those gift cards go to waste;)