toning shoes....the facts, not the anecdotes

c2sky

Yesterday, Yahoo posted an article that Reebok has a settled a suit, to refund customers on toning shoes, based on false advertising claims.

I have posted information about this before from one of my personal training certifications. The only way these shoes MIGHT have helped, is that they got people walking, who THOUGHT they were getting "more bang for the buck", or more excercise in each step. Some people claim that "toning" shoes do make their legs feel different at first. Well, yes, they do, but so does any shoe that's different. Try wearing high heels for a few hours. Your legs will feel different. I'm sure this post will spur lots of anecdotes and testimonials, but below is an article with an OBJECTIVE, SCIENTIFIC, HOOKING ELECTRODES UP TO THE MUSCLES, study, from a leading certifying and research organization.


http://www.acefitness.org/certifiednewsarticle/720/will-toning-shoes-really-give-you-a-better-body/

kneeki

The advertisements in the stores always made me do a double take. Then I realized it was a shoe advertisement.

I'm easily distracted by butts. =]

johnwhitent

Fitness has to be earned, worked for, no free lunch! But I like it like that. Don't know that the connection is really right but nonetheless I am currently hearing in my head "Get your money for nothing and your chicks for free!" That's about as likely as getting toned legs from a pair of shoes! (No offense intended if you bought them, we've all had our moments.)

Kikilicious84

I think that overall since they got more people working out...It was a pretty smooth move.

I don't have any but I know several people that made a purchase and as a result started working out. They went from sitting aroung to walking to zumba and in some cases Crossfit.

In those cases I consider it a WIN!

johnwhitent

I think that overall since they got more people working out...It was a pretty smooth move.

I don't have any but I know several people that made a purchase and as a result started working out. They went from sitting aroung to walking to zumba and in some cases Crossfit.

In those cases I consider it a WIN!

Nice perspective and a great point. I hope that is widespread.

DannyMussels

I knew a lady who owned...a stairmaster, elliptical...ab-circle pro...umm...i think another thing or two.

Never saw/heard of her to use any of them at all. But she bought those damn shoes too.

For the most part I can guarentee you walk 1 mile a day, you'll get a better body and be healthier. Wear normal running shoes, and you won't be stuck lookin like frankenstein.

That, and stop eatin fast food, and buying $200+ shoes, thinkin it'll counteract your bad choices.

TrekkerCynthia

and stop eatin fast food, and buying $200+ shoes, thinkin it'll counteract your bad choices.

LOVE this!!

martinbeks

I bought them when I was a waitress and I still wear them every day for my walking workouts. Does my butt feel tighter? I don't know, but they're really comfortable, and they were easier on my knees and joints. $100 well spent. End of story.

Espressocycle

I have a pair of MBT shoes that operate under a similar principle. I don't think they do a thing for fitness, but they are a lot easier on my knees. If I'm doing a lot of walking I will wear them for comfort and endurance.

JennsLosing

im glad you posted this...i stumbled upon an article last night with a link to the site to get your money if you bought any of the easy tone shoes/ clothing. Yes, i fell for the hype and purchased a pair of traintone shoes...most uncomfortable things i have ever worn, and they didnt do crap! Needless to say, i filled out the form last night and sent it in to them.

kneeki

c2sky

uh, yeah............. but you have to admit, her calves aren't much.

CrisN99

uh, yeah............. but you have to admit, her calves aren't much.

She has calves? LOL

Romans624

My hubby & I hated the Shape-Ups. Felt totally unnatural and was painful after a little while of walking in them.

kneeki

I demand pictures of your man in Shape-Ups!

A man on the internet demands it!

Beastette

Those things are creating injuries left and right. Thank you for posting this. I know folks who think they can RUN in them. I also know an older gent who wears his to circuit class...and I mentally call him the Spice Boy.

If you want a great butt, do lunges, dead lifts, and squats with proper form. That's hot. P.S. Those chicks in the ads are MODELS. They shouldn't be a fitness ideal...and probably don't control their weight with those shoes on.

ninerbuff

I don't see women like this wearing undies like that with these shoes!!!

ninerbuff

Here's the facts: Everyone has a different gait when they walk. Expecting a shoe that's been "cookie cut" to fit every gait will cause issues for many. And that's why lawsuits are going on.

Losing weight and getting fit is DAMN HARD WORK. That's why not everyone can do it.