 |
Personal Training & Nutrition
|
|
 |
Search Articles |  |
 |
6:00 am – 5:00pm
|
 |
HOT TOPIC: Do Toning Shoes Actually Work? |  |
|
Toning shoes, wellness shoes, or shaping shoes, are the new fad and we’re sure you have seen them being advertised. But are they really firming thighs and butts, making people fitter and improving posture? Firstly, it must be pointed out that these shoes are generally designed for walking. However, some manufacturers do make versions for running as well as sporting activities. Also, to gain the results claimed, you need to wear them all day. Keep in mind these shoes are more expensive than normal runners and not something you would call fashionable. The concept of these shoes is it creates an uneven platform on which you walk. The idea is that your body needs to try to balance itself which the manufacturers claim make your muscles work harder while you walk. There has been mixed results from research on these shoes as to whether they really improve the muscle activity in your legs. According to podiatrist Jeffrey Ross, M.D., spokesman for the American College of Sports Medicine and assistant clinical professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, "What you have to remember, because they have a rocker bottom and negative heel, if you have a tight heel cord or Achilles tendon, it can put tremendous strain on muscles," Keep in mind, for the best results, they are to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. We seem to think that as with all gadgets and gizmos that this is actually where your results are coming from. The research coming from the shoe manufacturers state that there is a 28% increase in glute (butt)muscle activation and 11% increase in calves and hamstrings. However, independent studies based on calorie expenditure and muscle activation shows NO noticeable difference in either tests. They did concede that the purchase of new shoes (any shoes in fact) can motivate someone to get out and get active. As these shoes are quite new and are getting some mixed reports from wearers there are no long term studies to show possible side effects ie: worn discs in the back or over stretched Achilles tendons. From a practical point of view, there are more benefits to wearing normal runners and less chance of injury in doing regular exercises for these areas than buying these shoes. So before you go out and buy these shoes, think about whether you are better off investing in a good pair of runners or maybe joining a class or getting a personal trainer. After all, there is no better way to lose body fat than through regular exercise and eating well. |
||