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Is the Hype True Do Toning Shoes Really Work? A Fitness Trainers Perspective

By Julie Prince

Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT), Skechers, Reebok… they all are offering them now… tush toning shoes. Since we wear shoes all day long, what if the shoes themselves could help tone our calves, thighs, and gluteus maximuses? That would be great right? Well each of these companies claims that the fitness shoes they offer do just that! But are they delivering on their claims?

These new “fitness shoes” are shaped to roll the foot and body into an unfamiliar walking position. By doing so, the intent is to stretch the Achilles tendon, which in turn will help firm up the calf muscles and tighten the buttocks. The heel of the shoe is lower than the toe (negative heel), and the foot is forced to rock forward with each step; as well, the body must continually struggle to maintain a balance point. This motion counteracts the body’s natural movement, and thus otherwise idle muscles are required for simple walking. The shoes also force you to stabilize more because of the rounded shape of the sole. Sounds like it makes good sense, but is it too good to be true?

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) put together a team of exercise scientists from the Exercise and Health Program at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, to study these new fitness shoes. Their research concluded that none of the fitness shoes showed statistically significant increases in either exercise response or muscle activation; there is simply no evidence to support the claims that wearing these shoes will help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories, or improve muscle strength and tone (AceFitness.org). The shoes range from $100-$245 dollars a pair that’s a lot of money to spend on a pair of shoes with no science to backup the claims. Likewise some experts are even claiming that the shoes may actually be harmful although further testing is needed to prove this claim.

So why do you feel different while wearing these shoes? According to one of the scientists, John Porcari, Ph.D., “…you’re walking on probably an inch worth of cushioning. They [the shoes] feel different, and that’s why when people first wear them they’re probably going to be sore because you’re using different muscles. But if you wear any sort of abnormal shoes that you’re not used to wearing, your muscles are going to get sore. Is that going to translate into toning your butt, hamstrings, and calves? Nope. Your body is just going to get used to it.”

So why are people claiming results? ACE’s Chief Science Offer Cedric Bryant, Ph.D., believes that, “…the shoes may be encouraging a fair number of people who probably wouldn’t put on a normal pair of walking shoes and go out and walk, to do so because they think they’re getting some super toning effect… it’s probably serving as a bit of a motivator to get a group of inactive individuals to at least get up and get moving.”

So, like every other “miracle” weight-loss/fitness solution out there, the truth is these “Toning shoes” are just another myth. If it sounds too good to be true is probably is! If you really want to tone the glutes and hamstrings, you need to do exercises such as the donkey kick, bridge, eat a healthy balanced diet and incorporate cardio into your schedule. The best approach for fitness is a well balanced program that targets all the major muscles and good old fashion sweating!

About the Author:

Julie Prince CPT is the Founder of Fit Women of Orlando; founded in 2009 the group has grown to over 370 local women. The purpose of this group is to provide a safe, fun, inspirational and welcoming environment for women to connect and stay or become healthy. This group offers a variety of activities, running, biking, and Private Personal Training and Boot Camp Style workouts just to name a few--so no getting bored.

To learn more about this topic and how to truly get in shape contact:

Julie Prince
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Phone:

www.fitwomenoforlando.com
Fit Women of Orlando