Nike | fitness equipment | Angelina Jolie

It's the first Monday after the holidays. Shhhh -- can you hear that? It's the sound of your new holiday flab begging you to wolf down another pound of cookie dough and avert your gaze whenever a fitness center appears on the horizon.

Well guess what, slackers? It's a new year, and time to take a cold, hard look at yourself in a mirror (preferably under the glare of unforgiving fluorescent lights). Hmmm, do you see Angelina Jolie staring back at you?

Assuming the answer is no, we know a great way to soothe your post-holiday regrets and kick-start a healthy lifestyle that will get your heart racing. The Nike Free XT Quick Fit+ Women's Training Shoe.

Sure, it'll take a little willpower to get going at first, but the XT Quick Fits make it just a little bit easier to chase your fitness goals, and then take your workout to a whole new level when you're ready.

Nike developed the XT Quick Fits around a basic concept: Athletes have been training barefoot for centuries; as a result, it made their feet stronger. So, according to Nike, they "fused nature and technology to develop a shoe that mimics the natural mechanics of your foot. Because when your foot's in control, it's free to get stronger."

By designing a shoe that mimics barefoot movement, Nike ended up with a piece of fitness equipment that's both versatile and flexible. Start off walking a mile, maybe. Then try some light cardio. Then some drills. Toss in some weightlifting, and eventually you'll discover a six-pack where those holiday pounds used to be.

Go ahead, make an investment in yourself. Happy New Year!