What is it? A tiny device, worn like a lapel pin, that coaches you about good posture, as well as tracking steps, distance and calories.

Why use it? Around 7.6m working days are lost to work-related back pain each year, according to NHS statistics. Learning good posture - and reminding yourself not to sit for long periods - is key to protection and prevention.

How does it work? Lumo Lift uses super-sensitive sensors to detect your core and upper body position, as well as other nuances of posture. And when you slouch, it vibrates gently to remind you to stand - or sit - tall.

How much does it cost? £79.99 from Amazon and Apple stores nationwide

Find out more: www.lumobodytech.com

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What is it? A wristband that tracks your activity during the day and sleep quality at night.

Why use it? A healthy regime doesn't stop when you go to bed at night. Poor quality sleep increases risk of impaired mental faculties by up to 50 per cent, according to a recent US study. Learn more about your sleep quality and you'll be able to address any problems.

How does it work? The Flex boasts a sensitive sensor - a MEMS 3-axis accelerometer, to use the fancy technical term - to record your steps, distance, number of active minutes and calories burned throughout the day. And at night, it records the length and quality of your sleep. Set the alarm and its internal vibration motor can wake you silently in the morning.

How much does it cost? £69.99 from Currys

Find out more: www.currys.co.uk

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What is it? A blood pressure monitor that's worn on the wrist.

Why use it? Around 16m people in the UK currently have high blood pressure, putting them at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The condition rarely has any symptoms - so the only way to know if you're affected is to take regular measurements.

How does it work? This is a top-end wrist monitor that uses a unique sensor system to ensure the monitor is in the correct position for the most accurate reading. It takes multiple blood pressure readings throughout the day, which can be stored and shared with your doctor. There's room for two individual user profiles.

How much does it cost? £59.99, from Boots stores nationwide

Find out more: www.boots.com

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What is it? A bracelet and accompanying app that tracks sun exposure and offers protection advice.

Why use it? Around 13,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with skin cancer every year - that's 37 new cases each day. The simplest ways to protect yourself? Limit your sun exposure and know which sunscreen to use - as well as how much and how often.

How does it work? The really rather lovely jewel houses a UV sensor that measures your sun exposure throughout the day and communicates with your phone to offer real-time advice on which SPF cream to use, when to reapply and when to move into the shade. So it's basically a faux diamond bracelet that nags you!

How much does it cost? £79 from Netatmo

Find out more: www.netatmo.com

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What is it? An activity tracker watch that sets personalised daily goals and reminds you when to move.

Why use it? Setting yourself challenging but attainable goals is a great way to ensure your health and fitness regime stays on track and doesn't become monotonous.

How does it work? Powered by a quartz movement, the Vivofit learns your activity level then uses that information to greet you with a daily goal each morning. It displays steps, distance, calories and sleep quality - and reminds you when to stretch your legs. After an hour of inactivity during the day, a red bar appears on the screen, prompting you to move.

How much does it cost? £90 from Watch Shop

Find out more: www.watchshop.com

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What is it? Fitbug Orb - a movement and sleep tracker that can be worn as a bracelet or clipped to your underwear or a belt.

Why use it? Most of us walk between 3,000 and 4,000 steps each day, according to NHS research. But to reduce risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, we should aim for at least 10,000. So counting the number of steps you take - and aiming to reach that all-important five-figure daily number - can make a big difference.

How does it work? One of the newest and cheapest fitness trackers on the market, the Orb works via a free mobile app, which connects at the click of a button. You can look on-screen to see how many steps you've taken and calories you've burnt in a day. But that's not all: it monitors sleep quality, too.

How much is it? £49.95, from Tesco, Dixons Travel, PC World, Carphone Warehouse and Argos

Find out more: www.fitbug.com

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What is it? Headphones with a built-in heart monitor. 

Why use it? Your heart rate is one of the most basic metrics for measuring fitness levels and tracking improvements. And listening to music while you exercise can increase endurance levels by up to 15 per cent, according to reseach from Brunel University.

How does it work? These nifty little ear buds use a brand new Intel sensor to measure your heart rate from the arteries in your ear using infra-red light,. They don't need batteries; instead, they draw power from your smartphone while you walk, run or cycle to your favourite music.

How much is it? £129.99, from Amazon

Find out more: smsaudio.com

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What is it? A simple activity tracker and personal alarm, that can be worn round your neck or kept in your pocket or handbag.

Why use it? Personal safety is always an important consideration - particularly if you're out exercising on your own. So an activity tracking device that doubles as an easy-to-use safety alarm can boost both fitness and peace of mind.

How does it work? It may be relatively inexpensive, but the PD-724 still uses state-of-the-art 3-axis technology to accurately measure distance, steps and activity time, as well as calories and fat burned. The alarm is easily activated by pulling a strap. There's also a stopwatch function.

How much is it? £24.95, from John Lewis

Find out more: www.johnlewis.com

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What is it? A GPS sports monitor that helps improve your running style.

Why use it? If you're gearing up for a big run, such as a half-marathon or marathon, a personalised training schedule will help ensure you meet your goal. So a gadget that compliments that schedule - and tells you where you are - could well come in very handy.

How does it work? Featuring cutting-edge Epson technology, Runsense measures your stride length and learns your running technique to keep track of your distance and pace, even if the GPS signal is lost. The sensor also monitors your heart rate from your wrist.

How much is it? £259.99, from Epson

Find out more: www.epson.co.uk

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What is it? A high-end Swiss-made watch and activity tracker.

Why use it? Wearable technology can be super-stylish, too - and looking good while you exercise could provide all the extra motivation you need to succeed.

How does it work? Yes, it's first and foremost a beautiful watch - but this sought-after timepiece is also a sophisticated tracker and accelerometer. A built-in digital system detects every move when you walk, run or swim (yes, swim!) and calculates your daily activities, distance covered and calories burns. It also monitor sleep quality.

How much is it? £320, from Withings

Find out more: www.withings.com

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