Get fit and stay hip in 2017

Fitness fanatics and exercise rookies alike will get a kick out of these goodies. With 2017's arrival, now's the time to give your friends and family a little pre-emptive nudge in the right direction, because "get in shape" has to be one of the most popular New Year's resolutions.

Flipbelt zipper

Forget clunky fanny packs and impractical armbands. This easy-to-wear tubular belt made of stretchy fabric can hold your phone, keys, ID, cash and other stuff that comes in handy when you're working out or on a run. Upgrade from the classic model to the zipper version, which features a wider pocket and extra security, so your belongings stay where they belong - on you, not on the trail. It's available in multiple sizes. I recommend getting one size bigger than you think you need.

Fitbit surge

This wearable fitness tracker is loaded with bells and whistles - most importantly, GPS tracking. It's also tricked out with a wrist-based heart-rate monitor (no chest strap!), timer, stopwatch, smartwatch features like text and call notifications, and a range of multisport modes to record running, hiking, biking performance and more. Even when battery-draining GPS is activated, the device's longevity is pretty impressive, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge. The Surge is comfortable to wear, but at a width of more than an inch, it's a bit big - a feature I don't mind when I'm on the track checking split times on the display face. But I could do without the hefty girth from a fashion standpoint. Vanity aside, I love it.

Apollo kayak

For city dwellers without a roof rack on their cars, kayaks aren't the most practical toys. Their size makes them difficult to store and transport. But kayaks are a boatload of fun too. The solution? Swedish company Point 65 makes modular kayaks that break apart into manageable segments. My husband and I have paddled on Wisconsin lakes and up and down the Chicago River on our sit-on-top tandem, a stable vessel made up of three segments that snap together to form one long kayak. You can leave the middle out for solo excursions. When it gets choppy, the boat can take on quite a bit of water. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably get one of Point 65's modular sit-in kayaks for added stability, but the sit-on-top Apollo works just fine for leisurely paddles.

Million mile light

In winter days, it's harder to see and be seen when running outdoors. That's when this tiny-but-effective clip-on light comes in. Powered by motion, not batteries, the 1.5-ounce device emits a bright pulse of LED light with each stride. $19.99 at amazon.com.

Rearviz mirror

Anything that makes riding a bike less dangerous is a great gift - make that a potentially lifesaving one. This easily adjustable, arm-mounted mirror helps cyclists see cars and other bikers behind them without having to turn their heads and take their eyes off the road. The convex mirror allows for more peripheral vision, and the light, water-resistant armband makes for a comfortable fit. I like to wear mine close to the wrist, just above my sport watch.

Chicago Tribune