shape-up shoes

I have a pair of Shape-up Shoes as well. I got them just before Christmas. I can sure tell when I am walking in them that there is a huge difference. I wore them to Jazzercise and I didn't think I was going to make it through class. I am going to have to build up to that. :flowerforyou:

Whenever you do any type of activity, your muscles are activated in a series of patterns and sequences based on the *specific* needs of the activity. Any change in the conditions of that activity will cause a different response. If the stimulus is different enough--as it is in the case of these shoes--you will feel it. Muscles may become more easily fatigued at first or one might even notice some soreness, depending on the individual.

However, the "new" sensations provide absolutely NO evidence of any actual "training" or "toning" taking place. It's just a temporary response to a new condition. You would get the same experience walking on any uneven or unstable surface.

The question, then, is: is the "stimulus" enough to result in any real change in muscle strength or "tone"? (As opposed to just learning how to walk in these shoes). Basic exercise physiology says "NO"--for the same reason why electro stim pads, cardio exercise, all those goofy "ab blaster" type device, thighmasters, etc don't work. Ultimately, there is not enough resistance to bring about any long-term changes. Theoretically, there might be some improvement in balance and stability, but it remains to be seen whether or not that has some practical application or is anything more than a transient effect. The same with any claims that "increased muscle activation increases calorie expenditure".

I actually looked at the studies displayed on their website and I must say that the research evidence is, well, sketchy.

At best.

The use of EMG to show "increased muscle activation" is a standard smokescreen tool. ANY different muscle movement will show "increased muscle activation". Some of the crummiest ab informercial products have used the same type of research. And of course, they do not provide abstracts or any details which could be used to evaluate the research. I found it ironic that the one study that did show some data actually showed that, at walking speeds greater than 1.8 miles/hr, it appeared that there was little or no increase in the "muscle activation". compared to normal athletic shoes.

Again, it's not like this is a new idea--this concept has been tried in the past. It just takes a few years to raise a new crop of consumers who haven't heard of it before.