Fitness PR Division

January 1st is the big day we all make that fitness pledge, "A new year, a new you." Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve we forgive ourselves from the over eating and over indulgence and promise ou bodies we'll make amends on the first day of the new year. So when I came across Fitness Journal's, "Reverse New Year's Challenge," I was intrigued.

What exactly is a reverse New Year's challenge? It's when you make your New Year's resolution to be in shape by January 1st not on it. That's a pretty tough challenge considering all of the holiday parties you'll be attending this month whose hostesses are most likely not thinking about your waistline. This is the time of year for fruit cakes, baklava, cookies and other fattening treats, not to mention the high carb alcohol that's likely to be making appearances at festivities everywhere.

However, I think the idea is genius. What a great way to really test your will power and be ahead of everyone else come New Year's Day. You'll no longer sound so cliche making the same promises as millions of other people, resolving to exercise more and eat healthier. In fact, I'm sure you'll raise a few eyebrows when complimented on how great you look as you proudly tell them it's due to your reverse New Year's resolution. Imagine having the figure you want now and not waiting to get started weeks from now?

I think it's a pretty interesting concept, but will it catch on? We'd love to here what you think in the comments.

Cycling enthusiasts everywhere are awaiting Garmin's newest line of fitness tracking computers, Edge. Catering uniquely to both recreational and competitive cyclists, these handy little GPS-enabled devices will quickly become your personal trainer, helping you to achieve optimum results from your cycling routine.

The Edge has four devices to choose from Edge 205 and 605 for recreational cyclists and Edge 305 and 705 for competitive cyclists. Regardless of the Edge device you choose, it is sure to bring you to the next level assisting you to achieve your personal best each time you head out on your bike.

Edge 205 ($269): Attaches to the handlebars of your bike, GPS-enabled, automatically measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned and altitude, and records this data for your review.

Edge 605 ($430): Built in basemap and microSD card slot for adding map detail and storing workouts, courses and saved rides. Add preloaded street map data with MapSource City Navigator and get turn-by-turn directions on a sunlight-readable, color display. Edge 605 also automatically measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned and altitude.

Edge 305 ($379): This GPS-enabled device automatically measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent with barometric altimeter to pinpoint changes in elevation, and records this data for your review.

Edge 705 ($541-$709): This device comes in 3 versions: With heart rate; with heart rate, speed and cadence; and with heart rate, speed/cadence and data card with street maps. The built in receiver is strong enough to receive and hold a satelite signal under trees and near tall buildings. It also automatically measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, pin-points a change in elevation and records this data for your review.

All four Garmin Edge devices mentioned above will be available in January 2008; see the Garmin website for further details on each product.