Kim Cattrall, Teri Hatcher and Madonna have all recently been singing the praises of Gyrotonic, invented by Hungarian dancer Juliu Horvath. Not being a fan of contraption-based workouts (especially hugely expensive ones), I hadn't given the system a try. But then I found out that a) originally, the workout was done simply sitting on a stool and b) Gyrokinesis classes (for that is what they are called) are becoming increasingly widespread.

'Gyrokinesis was actually the origin of the Gyrotonic technique,' explains instructor Elaine Puren from Studio 74 in London. 'The equipment was devised in order to help people understand the movements more easily, using weights and pulleys to create resistance.'

It has taken a while for Gyrokinesis to gather momentum, but its popularity is growing fast, with classes available up and down the country. Expect a dynamic, fluid sequence of circling and spiralling movements, aligned to your breathing pattern, to improve strength, suppleness and posture, release tension and increase energy levels. And you do have to get up from the stool occasionally. Visit gyrotonic.com to find a studio or teacher near you.

Both ends burning?

If trying to keep up with the new year resolutions you set yourself is all too much, let me prescribe The Overload Solution (Piatkus, £9.99), a book for those of us who wake up as tired as we went to bed, soldier on through whatever life hits us with and beat ourselves up when we fail to cope with it. As far as natural health expert Jane Alexander is concerned, scented candles, the odd yoga class and a macrobiotic sandwich at lunchtime aren't going to cut it. But she does come up with practical and insightful ideas so that life no longer feels like one big 'to do' list.

Undercover story

You knew you needed proper trainers. You knew (if you're a woman) you needed a sports bra. But did you know you needed 'sports underwear'? You do now. Falke, makers of those sports socks with cute little Ls and Rs on them, has launched a new range of sports undies (sorry, a 'base layer') for both sexes. The kit is designed to give support, allow free movement with minimum friction, and regulate body temperature and moisture control (yuck!). It's great for layering and comes in four levels of thickness (Ultralight to X-treme) and lots of good colours. With G-strings, boy-leg knickers, crop tops and bras for women; briefs and boxers, singlets and Milk Tray man-style long johns for men. For stockist information, call 020-7493 8442 (falke.com).

Carry a tune

All you new year runners and walkers out there, clutching your Christmas iPods, stop it. It isn't good to be clenching your hand around something when you are in motion. It cramps your style. So get yourself a Tune Belt iPod armband and you can still have music on the move - whether you're training for this year's marathon or doing your 10,000 steps.

· Tune Belts are available for all iPod models, from £11.99, from podzone.co.uk, John Lewis and branches of Sweatshop.