Even the most dedicated jogger, walker or aerobics junkie can lose motivation. And we all know what happens if you’re not motivated (hello, Haagen-Dazs!).

ShopSmart, the shopping magazine from the publisher of Consumer Reports, has come up with dozens of new ideas to jump-start your workouts.

“There are some really fun options that are completely free. Our guide covers everything from the best fitness phone apps and podcasts to cushy sneakers that will get you running again,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor in chief of ShopSmart. “And if you decide to spring for a personal trainer, we tell you how to get the most for your money. So no more excuses! We’ve got the skinny on everything you need to know to get started.”

Below is a sampling of ways to enhance your workout and help you get in shape this year.

Web Sites

Learn a new workout or just track what you are doing on these helpful Web sites.

• FitToday.com is a free Web-based diet-and-fitness journal to help track eating by calories, carbs, fat, fiber and protein. See how you measure against RDA recommendations.

• SparkPeople.com is a free way to create personalized diet and fitness plans. Get access to YouTube-powered videos of a certified trainer demonstrating new moves or a top chef preparing a healthful meal.

• NikeRunning.Nike.com is free to access but compatible equipment costs extra. Best for training for a race, the Nike+ sensor ($19) will sync with your iPod or Nike SportBand to track your time, distance, pace and calories burned.

Podcasts

Download these onto your smart phone or your computer and check out iTunes for even more options.

• iTrain.com costs 99 cents and up. The site offers 300-plus workouts including cycling, ballet, boxing, stretching and strength training for beginners to experts.

• Nutrition Diva on QuickandDirtyTips.com is a free way to get inspired with fun cooking tips and other info shared by professionally trained chef Monica Reinagel during weekly audio podcasts.

• YogaToday.com is free for one class a week, $3.99 for any class you like or $9.99 a month for unlimited access to 180 classes taught by certified instructors, ranging in skill level from beginner to guru.

Apps

There’s an app for everything, and ShopSmart recommends these great ones to help you get fit.

• iMapMyRide/iMapMyRun is free or $4.99 for an ad-free version and is best for tracking rides and runs. It uses your Blackberry or iPhone’s GPS to measure distance, time, pace and speed and then syncs to MapMyFitness.com to create a training log, view past map routes and chart new ones.

• Health Cubby has a free trial for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Using accountability and good old-fashion competition to help you stay on track, the social-networking app connects you with others working toward similar goals.

New Gear

Can’t afford a gym membership? Invest in some relatively inexpensive items to get a great workout at home or outdoors.

• Accelerometers cost $45 and up. It’s like a pedometer but measures more than just steps, capturing every move throughout your day and measuring intensity (reaching for the remote isn’t the same as running). Some even track the calories you burn.

• Balls, Bands and Other Toys cost between $5 and $90. Spend just a few dollars for an item with get-fit potential. Many come with DVDs or instruction sheets to show you how to use them for best results. Great options include a set of stretchy resistance bands ($5 for a single band to $40 for a set), a jump rope ($7.50 to $45), a pair of hand weights ($10 to $50) and an oversized stability ball ($9 to $90).