Toning Shoes

Ever wonder if those ugly, rounded sole toning shoes actually work? I mean, the girl advertsising them on TV has a great pair of legs and a nice rear too. Must be the shoes, right?

Chances are it's more likely her genetics, how she eats, and how she exercises than what shoes she wears. There may be some very minor benefits for some though because it may cause the body to have to balance differently, thus potentially causing muscles to contract differently than normal, which may potentially cause a slight toning effect. Then again, if if have foot, back, knee, or balance issues this could cause you some actual harm. Hmmmmm.

Now, some shoes are heavier than others which may cause some muscle fatugue (eventually anyway), but I supposed wearing one pound ankle weights would achieve the same thing for about $90 less, if that's what you were after.

Personally, I think you're better off spending the $100 (the average cost for these shoes) on a set of weights, a personal trainer, a jump rope, a hula hoop, a meal plan, a workout DVD, and a pedometer, all of which you can probably experience with better results for the same price.