So who made the standard New Year’s resolution to work out more regularly, lose weight, get in shape, or anything else related to that category? Ok, now how many of you have stuck with it? Uh huh, just as I suspected. Well I have good news for you. Now it seems you can tone muscle just by…wait for it…walking! I know, it’s astonishing, right? The thing is, you don’t have to be one of those nerdy speed walkers in the full body spandex suits. You don’t even have to make it an actual workout, walking circles around a track, over and over again until you’re practically dizzy. Best of all, you don’t have to resort to ridiculous plastic surgery procedures to make yourself look like a life-sized Barbie doll the way Heidi Montag has done. What is wrong with that girl? She’s only 23, and she’s nipping and tucking like she’s 50 and trying to salvage what few youthful looks she has left. Hell, there are 50-year-old women out there who look better than she does because they’ve simply taken care of themselves. Then again, exercising and eating right isn’t going to get you the H cup boobs she’s said she wants, or the vacant, porn star stare she’s cultivated—or sculptivated—for herself. She’s loony. So yeah, avoid the scalpel, or the fat vacuum, and just lace up a pair of the new sneakers that are all the rage, the ones that are supposed to tone your legs and butt while you just go about your daily routine. Take these Skechers Shape Ups, for instance.
Skechers has come out with several varieties of its Shape Ups. This one is called the Jump Start. It’s supposed to mimic walking barefoot. I gotta tell you, I love shoes. Obviously. And I love a good high heel. But if I’m just hanging around the house, I’m barefoot as much as possible. You won’t find me lounging in any of those high heeled slippers with the feather vamp adornments. Whose idea of comfortable is that?! Anyway, I’m a little skeptical that these can feel as good as going barefoot, but they’re pretty popular, so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. They have a kinetic wedge and foam midsole that are supposed to provide some sort of exercising effect when you walk. Shape Ups are made from a leather and synthetic upper, along with a sculpted rubber sole. The side panels are breathable mesh to keep your feet cool and dry. The tongue and collar are padded for comfort, and the shoe laces up so you can customize the fit. This white/silver/blue is pretty, but it also comes in white/silver/pink, and white/silver/yellow. Try them out for $104.05 at Zappos.com.
Budget Saving Alternatives
Other than the usual appeal of getting fabulously toned legs and a tight butt just by wearing the right shoes, if you’ve had a baby recently, you probably don’t have time to actually work out, and you’re also probably doing a lot of running around. You’re also lugging around a, what, ten-pound baby, not to mention all the accessories in a big diaper bag? You know, that’s something I forgot to mention the other day—babies cause weight gain. Why so many people are in such a hurry to have them, I’ll never understand. Anyway, put that extra weight to use, put on a pair of Reebok EasyTone Reeinspire Walking Shoes, and firm up without even thinking about it. Reebok has patented this sole, which is supposed to emulate walking on sand. You’ve probably heard that walking on the beach is a good way to exercise your legs, right? Reebok has tried to bring the beach to you, without all that pesky sand in your shoes. The company says the EasyTone improves muscle tone in the calves, hamstrings and glutes (that’s your butt, for those who don’t know), up to 28%. Not a bad figure for just walking around doing your daily routine. The synthetic leather upper is designed for durability, while the rubber sole provides comfort and shock absorption. The footbed is cushioned for support, too. And the shoe is treated with an antibacterial substance for “moisture management.” That means, when your feet sweat, your shoes won’t get all stinky. Just tell it like it is, Reebok. What I like about this shoe is that it looks more like a regular athletic shoe, and not so much like a moon boot. It’s just $99.95 at Endless.com.
Now, how you can you not want a pair of shoes called Getupandgo? Seriously. Easy Spirit provides all the same toning features as the other two shoes, but at a more budget-friendly price. The uppers are leather, with mesh panels for that oh-so-important breathability. The insole has been infused with millions of tiny air bubbles for extra support and comfort. The midsole measures 1.5 inches thick, and provides increased shock absorption. It’s especially good if you have a high arch, or arch support issues. Finally, the rubber sole features Easy-Trax technology for increased traction and durability. The Easy Spirit Getupandgo is very lightweight, so it really will feel like you’re walking on air. Best of all, the shoe features a patented stretch panel that molds to your feet for a custom fit. I prefer this white with light blue accent option, but it also comes in black. Get it now for $78.95 at Zappos.com.
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