Have yourself a sweaty little Christmas now

Star Tribune (Minneapolis) (MCT) - Sure, the economy's sagging _ but your belly and butt don't have to be. There are lots of reasonably priced exercise toys that don't break the bank, but can jump-start your loved ones toward their "get fit or die" New Year's resolution.

ga mats, fitness balls, resistance bands, weighted balls and various kits for less than $35.

Check out CollageVideo.com for great fitness DVDs that will help burn fat, lower cholesterol and aid heart health all year. Over Thanksgiving break, my aunt introduced me to Leslie Sansone's "Walk Strong" video and it really worked up a sweat. CollageVideo offers Sansone, Kathy Smith and scores of yoga, strength, cycling, treadmill and other exercise DVDs for $14.95 to $26.95. You can also order kettlebells, dumbells, medicine balls and more without spending a mint.

If you are looking to give the gift of strength, peek at Power-Systems.com's weighted body bars, which are 4 feet long, weigh 9, 12, 15, 18, or 24 pounds and cost about $28 to $70 each. Use the bars for lunges, canoe paddles and curls and get a great workout.

Another toning gift that packs quite the weight-loss wallop is an Everlast boxing bag kit that comes with a 40- or 70-pound bag, boxing gloves and chain suspension system. It will knock you back $57 to $100 at Wal-Mart.com, Target or Everlast.com, depending on the bag and kit.

Wal-Mart, Target and Sports Authority sell 2-, 4- or 6-pound strength training gloves by Everlast that are great for toning arms and kicking up your heart rate while walking. They cost $10 to $19 depending on weight.

Fitness1st.com offers XVest weighted walking vests for $129 to $299. Weighted vests are great calorie burners. Actress Valerie Bertinelli wears one on her daily walks.

A great gift for anyone wanting a strong back is an angled bench known as the Roman Chair. I bought my husband one last year from Play It Again Sports for $99.99 and we use it regularly to strengthen our lower backs and obliques. It's the best $100 I've ever spent on equipment.

If your budget allows a good splurge, Nintendo's Wii Fit video game is a blast for adults as well as kids. I tried it over the holiday with my 10-year-old cousin, Spencer, and was amazed. It uses sensors to monitor your every movement and can customize a training program. It even lets you create a digital cartoon version of yourself that runs through various games, making you laugh and sweat. The console, Wii Sports game software and motion sensors and handheld device system can set you back $250 to $310. And the Wii Fit balance board and game software is priced around $89. But it may be worth it.

My Wii Fit test drive tested my agility, balance, posture and spit out a BMI based on my weight and age. With the handheld motion tracking device and balance board, I was soon getting performance feedback while running races, doing aerobics, hula-hooping, boxing and working up a great sweat. It may be pricey, but it's fun, interactive and a tool the whole family can enjoy.

Whatever gifts you choose, let's hope they make for a healthy, happy and fun holiday.

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© 2008, Star Tribune (Minneapolis)