Can you really tone your body and lose weight just by swapping your soles? Lately I’ve noticed an emerging new trend in shoes, fitness footwear.  I had to put Sketchers® slogan: “Get in shape without setting foot in a gym” to the test.  Excitedly opening up my new kicks I was pleasantly surprised to find a dvd and booklet inside too.  But would these thick wedged sneakers hold up to their claims?  There were many questions to be answered:

How do Shape-ups work exactly?
Shape-ups are designed to improve fitness by changing the way you walk. The two main features are a unique soft kinetic wedge insert and dynamic rolling bottom to simulate walking on soft sand, and we all know how hard that is! When walking in them you will feel your heel sink to the ground as you step, roll forward as your weight shifts to its center, and push off with your toes. This motion will activate your muscles as you stabilize your step resulting in stronger leg, glute, back and abdominal muscles.

How long does it take to feel Shape-ups working?
I could literally feel the difference the minute I started walking in them.  At first I only felt the muscles stabilizing in my calves but within a block my legs, glutes, back and abdominals joined the party too.

How does all of this promote weight loss?
The extra use of the leg muscles tones and strengthens the muscles in the legs, back and abdomen. The increase in muscle activity and strength may also improve overall aerobic conditioning and lead to improved circulation, reduced body fat, increased exercise tolerance, and improve overall health.  Studies have estimated that for each pound of muscle that you add to your body, you burn an additional 35 to 50 calories per day. Researchers have also found that regular weight training boosts basal metabolic rate by about 15%. This is because muscle is ‘metabolically active ‘ and burns more calories than other body tissue even when you’re not moving.  Plus walking is already a great form of endurance exercise!  You can read more about Shape-ups clinical case studies.

How do Shape-ups improve posture?
Because they create a slightly unstable stride as you walk your body will compensate by activating muscles to center your body, which in turn improves your coordination and posture.

Why are the soles so thick?
After doing some research of my own, I’ve found there are at least five layers that make up this rocker shoe.  The Upper section of the shoe provides support and comfort.  The Sockliner or insole provides arch support, cushioning, it’s antibacterial to prevent odor and the material wicks away moisture.  The Midsole is made of a firm polyurethane frame designed to stabilize and support the foot.  The Kinetic Wedge is what makes them so darn thick, it a super soft foam material designed to absorb shock to protect your body while activating core muscles.  The Outsole is durable rubber designed to contribute to your natural walking motion propelling you forward.

How comfortable are the Shape-ups?
Although the Shape-ups felt a bit heavy upon removing them from the box, once I put them on they did not weigh me down one bit.  As I took my first step in them I noticed was how soft and cushy they were, as if I were, well, walking on soft sand!

Do they only come in the sneaker style?
Nope, there are a lot of different styles and colors of these wedged wonders.  From sandals to boots, they’ve got the fit fashionista in you covered.

Well, we all know I love my cardio but I must say these powerhouse shoes really feel like they do what they are designed to: promote weight loss, tone muscles and improve posture.  I plan to give them a few months to see how the long term benefits hold up.  Let me know if you’ve tried them yet, I’d love to hear your feedback!

Yours in health, fitness and funky gear,

Kardio Kate

Posted in Main at January 12th, 2010 by Kardio Kate
Tags: new, trend, Weight loss
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