One piece I bought not to write about, but because my husband Torben and I simply wanted to be able to do step-ups at home. I went with the Reebok Step Platform, for its clever adjustability to 6-, 8- and 10-inch heights and since I found it on sale for under $50 (usually $79.99; 866-271-5859; www.reebok.com).

I couldn't return the BOSU Balance Trainer I got for review, because I couldn't get Torben off of it. The inflated half-ball, on a sturdy base, can be used in place of a step in aerobics, as well as for balance and core exercises, calisthenics, plyometrics — plus it's just fun to stand on. So off went my check for $139.95. (888-785-2678; www.bosu.com)

My brief experience with a Russian-style kettlebell was enough to convince me I needed to own one, for the throwback, full-body exercises you get from swinging it around — even if they can be dangerous. I can't tell if my current backache is simply another episode in a sporadic series or the result of poor form with my new 18-pounder, which cost me $99.95, plus $14 shipping and handling. ($89.95-$179.95; 800-899-5111; www.dragondoor.com)

Of course, what suits us may not work so well for others, and vice versa. So here are some other interesting products I tried in 2002:

For someone who loves new gadgets, and doesn't mind spending time to figure out how to use them, the Acumen Eon 201 Body Fluid / Heart Rate Monitor aims to increase the effectiveness of workouts by monitoring and quantifying effort and results. Besides offering a plethora of heartrate-monitor features, it uses body weight and ambient air temperature and humidity (it comes with a gauge that measures both) to estimate fluid loss as well as the percent of body weight lost in fluids. It reminds the user to replace lost fluids to help prevent the effects of dehydration. The fluid-loss feature was developed by John Putnam of Tacoma, and you can e-mail him directly with questions at hydracom1@att.net. ($179-$279; for retailers, 800-852-7823; www.acumeninc.com)
 

'MOLLY'S CANCER' Ten years ago this weekend, I wrote here in Pacific Northwest magazine about my breast-cancer experience: diagnosis, decisions, reactions of family and friends, treatments, recovery. I still get requests for back copies of that issue, so starting today, the article is more readily available online, which includes the original article with Betty Udesen's photos, plus previously unpublished images and an update from me. Also, because cancer diagnoses and treatments have evolved in the past 10 years, we've added a list of current resources for people looking for help.

Also for technology lovers, the Timex Ironman Speed + Distance System measures the user's speed (walking, running, cycling, rowing, skiing) by using GPS technology, connecting with global positioning satellites via a transceiver worn on the upper arm. ($200-$225; 800-448-4639; www.timex.com)

For those who like to carry around a little extra weight in another manner, two new brands of heavy shoes are designed to be worn during walking routines or daily activity to increase your daylong exercise. Nikken CardioStrides look like basketball shoes and have the added weight hidden in the soles. ($195; 206-932-6706; www.5pillars.com/wellnessgrowthbalance) Heavy Air shoes look more like running shoes; the shiny weights, in 1-, 1½- and 2-pound sizes, attach to the back of the heels (and are quite a conversation starter). ($159.95; 805-969-9007; www.heavyair.com)

The PowerLung offers resistance when breathing to develop the muscles around the lungs, which is intended to improve oxygen uptake if used for 4 minutes twice a day. The Breath-In model works the inhalation; the Sport (for performance or competition) and Trainer (for fitness or recreation) models add exhalation resistance as well. ($39.95-$89.95; 888-502-0888; www.lungpower.com)

"The Oasis" is the first in a planned series of Yoga At Your Desk CD-ROMs. The 20-minute streaming video shows three demonstrators in a peaceful desert environment doing a sequence of yoga movements in and around a chair. ($19.95; www.yogaatyourdesk.com)