Better yet, plenty of MP3 players available today offer some great workout-worthy extras, such as pedometers and calorie counters. Even an FM tuner is a great extra, since it'll let you tune into the TVs at the gym...and tune out of the sometimes mind-numbing repetition of physical activity.

Some of my favorite choices for fitness include the Sony S2 Sports Walkman, a cigar-shaped player with a built-in pedometer and the ability to calculate calories burned. It even includes clip-on headphones to keep ear adjustments to a minimum. For iPod Nano owners, there's the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, which features a Bluetooth pedometer and some very handy fitness tracking software for recording results. If you're on a budget, check out the 2GB RCA Jet, which includes sport headphones, an FM tuner and both an arm- and wristband--all for just $65.

Of course, there's no reason to confine yourself to the treadmill and elliptical machine--the great outdoors makes the perfect gym. If cycling is your preferred training method, the Oakley Thump Pro is a great choice--it's a pair of sunglasses with the MP3 player and headphones built right in. And for water babies who like the low-impact sport of swimming laps, there's the Finis SwiMP3, a waterproof player that uses bone-conduction technology to relay sound waves to your ears.

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7.3 Very Good

1. Sony NW-S205F

The NW-S200 Walkman proves once again that Sony knows what it's doing in the hardware department; fitness-minded users should take a close look at this flash MP3 player. But make sure you're comfortable with SonicStage before you commit.

Read review of the Sony NW-S205F.

Price: $n/a (check latest prices)

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7.7 Very Good

2. Nike + iPod Sport Kit

Maybe it's not the reason to buy a Nano, but the useful Nike + iPod Sport Kit and the data-centered Nike+ Web site will appeal to runners who already own a Nano.

Read review of the Nike + iPod Sport Kit.

Price: $27-30 (check latest prices)

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6.7 Good

3. RCA Jet S2002

If you're looking for an inexpensive MP3 player for the gym, the RCA Jet--FM tuner, armband, stopwatch, and all--is a solid choice, but the interface will take some getting used to.

Read review of the RCA Jet S2002.

Price: $69-84 (check latest prices)

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7.0 Very Good

4. Oakley Thump Pro

If you're an active user looking to combine your love of music with your zest for outdoor activity, the Oakley Thump Pro MP3-playing sunglasses could be a great fit.

Read review of the Oakley Thump Pro.

Price: $n/a (check latest prices)

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5.7 Average

5. Finis SwiMP3

The SwiMP3 could add some fun to your swim routine, if you can afford it--just beware of potential nausea-inducing inner ear imbalance.

Read review of the Finis SwiMP3.

Price: $n/a (check latest prices)

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