Jacob Jones with Fitness Together in Cottonwood Heights said he believes people who do anything to stay healthy are a lot better than people who do nothing. The key is accountability — and making sure you stay active, he said.

Some people swear by devices such as Wii Fit, where you can use your Nintendo to do activities such as yoga and strength training. Others love the new Nike + iPod Sport kit that monitors the distance, pace and calories burned during your runs and other workouts.

Patty Cocchiarella, the founder and creator of the Meal Measure portion-control plate, said people have even found success with her product. It's a simple device that allows you a quick look at how many vegetables, how much protein and how much starch you should eat at a meal.

People just stick the plate atop their regular plate and scoop in correct amounts of each food group. Cocchiarella said she has heard from diabetics, and even her own garbage man, that her Meal Measure device has helped with weigh loss.

"If people make up their minds and use it, then it becomes a success story," she said.

And that is the key, according to Jones, with Fitness Together. Nothing will work unless a person wants it to.

At his gym, he encourages people to keep a daily accountability journal of their food intake and exercise. Working with a trainer can also add a level of accountability to a person's workout and can also help in determining the right workout for an individual, he said.

Jones said he would encourage people to try working with a trainer for a month to get a good jump-start on their workout.

"There is really nothing, not even medicine, that can replace consistent exercise," Jones said.

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com