Fitbug, the world's original online personal health and wellness coach, kicks off the New Year with a special $49.99 offer that will help consumers achieve their health goals

(London/Chicago, January 2012) -- Fitbug (www.fitbug.com), the world's original online health and wellness coach, is kicking off the New Year with a special offer to help people achieve their resolutions for a more active, healthy lifestyle in 2012.

For just $49.99, Fitbug is offering its unique tracking device and a two-year membership to the company's proven online coaching service that creates customized activity and healthy eating programs. This limited-time offer is a fraction of the cost of a similar program provided by other online services such as Fitbit, and far less than a typical gym membership. More than 100,000 people have already used Fitbug to help achieve their health and wellness goals.

"Our goal at Fitbug has always been to help people make small changes that over time deliver big health benefits," said Paul Landau, founder and CEO of Fitbug. "During the past seven years, we've proven that we can eliminate fad diets and demanding exercise regimens, and instead offer personalized weekly targets and a good dose of motivation to get results. We want to offer our support to people who are motivated this New Year to take steps towards healthier living, and make sure that cost isn't a barrier for them."

Fitbug provides each individual with a "Bug," a reliable little device that fits in a pocket and records every step taken, calories burned, distance covered and more. The Bug then plugs into a computer and connects to Fitbug's unique coaching website, which uses the information to create personalized weekly activity and healthy eating targets. By following this customized program, users can easily integrate changes into their daily lifestyle.

Fitbug recognizes that the need for access to its coaching and custom program has become particularly important in the U.S., where obesity rates have risen dramatically over the past decade. Currently, about one-third of all U.S. adults are considered obese.

"Fitbug helps people do the basics right and make incremental changes that are realistic and sustainable," Landau said. "Even small, healthy changes can have a huge positive impact on how people look and feel, and can play an important part in preventing and managing a broad range of chronic diseases and conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, and even some cancers -- all of which can affect a person's quality of life."

Based in London, Fitbug has also worked with workplace wellness programs in Europe and the U.S. to develop goal-oriented online games and leagues, as well as corporate challenges, providing fun, successful ways of motivating groups of employees to get active. The company last fall opened a new office in Chicago to spearhead its U.S. operations.

To join the Fitbug revolution, simply go to www.fitbug.com to purchase the program. After receiving the Bug in the mail, users simply clip the device to their waistband or carry it discretely in their pocket and go about their day. It only takes a week for Fitbug to collect the data it needs to start recommending personalized activity goals and healthy eating plans. Over time, users track progress against daily and weekly goals that are continuously updated and can participate in a variety of online communities for motivation.

The New Year's offer - just $49.99 for a two-year membership and the Fitbug tracking device - is a substantial discount from Fitbug's regular price of $89.99 for a Bug and a one-year membership. By comparison, a similar program at Fitbit would cost about $200. (This includes $99.99 for a device and a two-year premium membership at $49.99/year.) Many individuals pay $500 a year, if not more, on a gym membership, many of which may charge extra for personalized coaching.