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How many pairs of shoes do you own? Toning tennis shoes are seemingly everywhere, but are they a legitimate way to “get in shape without setting foot in a gym,” or merely a fleeting fitness trend that we need not waste our money on? Ready to research this challenge, I actually wore a pair of Sketchers Shape-ups for a week, sacrificing my normal fashion sense and dignity, in an effort to find out if toning tennis are a trend worth trying or a foe worth forgetting!

Toning Tennis Shoes: Trend Or Foe

Day 1: Does it work?

Sketcher’s Shape-ups are just one sample in the growing business of toning shoes. They claim to improve your posture, tone your calves and thighs, and engage your abdominal muscles and buttocks. All this from a pair of shoes? I want to believe I can get a work out without going to the gym, but after years of “feeling the burn” from 30 minute jogs on a treadmill and hour long sweat sessions with my personal trainer, it’s hard for me to believe that these shoes will produce more results than a normal morning stroll around the neighborhood in my old Reeboks. But, for the sake of being experimental, I’m willing to give this a shot. Although the shoes come with an instructional DVD, my inner rebel urges me to skip it, and just try out the shoes for myself. I’ve been wearing shoes my whole life, how hard could it be? I Iaced up the shoes and embarked on a 30 minute walk around my neighborhood. It took about five minutes for me to feel it. I’m not sure what it was, but I definitely felt different. My legs were more engaged, but I felt it more in my quadriceps than anywhere else. If this continues all week, these shoes might make a believer out of me.

Day 2: Getting used to it.

As established in my last write up, I learned that toning shoes definitely feel different. But after 30 minutes of walking yesterday, I’m not sore, and I’m not sure if I’ll continue to reap the benefits of this type of workout so I give in and watch the instructional DVD to educate myself on how to properly use these shoes. The DVD begins with a barrage of more claims that sound more hyperbolic than realistic…burns calories and reduces cellulite? Really? Doesn’t any kind of physical activity do that?

After watching the DVD, I learned that I’d been using the shoes correctly. There aren’t many directions, although they did suggest either walking slower to focus on the movement of your body or walking faster to increase blood circulation. Now that I officially knew how to use the shoes, I left my house for my second 30 minute walk. This time, I stopped noticing that I wasn’t wearing my normal shoes and my slightly modified gait is starting to feel natural.

Day 3: Hiking Runyon Canyon.

One of the perks of living in the heart of Los Angeles is being close to everything. Well, except during the hours of 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM when time literally stands still in a paralyzing gridlock of traffic. One of my favorite places in Los Angeles is Runyon Canyon Park, where I hike a few days each week with friends that live close to the West Hollywood entrance. I’m usually dressed in a tee short, gym shorts and my old, beat up tennis shoes that have seen better days. This time, I switched out my old shoes for ones of the toning variety, thinking I was ready to face a new challenge, and a challenge it was. I definitely felt the burn in my calves, especially as I walked uphill. I also noticed other hikers were also wearing their toning tennies while walking the canyon, no doubt there will be quite a few sore people in Los Angeles tomorrow.

Day 4: Can I shop in these?

Preparing for an international journey requires a lot of shopping. More shopping than you think it will. There are always a few items you don’t realize you need until you starting packing your suitcase. This sums up my life right now. As I prepare to leave this country for adventures abroad, I realize that although I have shoes, shorts, and tank tops galore, I am missing a few essentials that will most definitely require a trip to the mall. But do I dare embark on this shopping excursion in my toning shoes.

Usually, I’d play it safe and head out in flip flops, but for the sake of this experiment I decide to venture out in my new shoes to see if anyone notices. Perhaps my self-consciousness was all in my head, because nobody seemed to care that I was strolling through the mall in my awkwardly shaped shoes. But nevertheless, I had an excuse ready to go just in case I had to explain/defend my shoes to the fashion police. The truth is, these shoes look like rounded platforms (for the record, a trend that should stay in the ’90s along with pogs and Hanson) and they are never something I would purchase based on their appearance. I don’t enjoy being this aware of my footwear, so I think I have officially decided that outside of walks around the neighborhood and the occasional trip to the gym, I won’t be wearing these out to the mall again.

Day 5: The verdict?

The week is over, and so is my experiment! Overall, my experience with toning shoes was mixed. Although I sometimes felt a difference when I wore them, depending on the incline and terrain of where I walked, the difference wasn’t enough to convince me they’re worth an average consumer’s hard earned money.

My official “Trend or Foe” verdict: Foe. In my opinion, toning shoes aren’t worth the cash until they become more technologically advanced. Perhaps one day, I’ll become a convert when further studies emerge proving that they’re significantly better for your body than any other type of footwear, but until then, you can find me in my Chuck Taylors.
stevenwalker replied 1816 days ago
What are going to do when you'll end your work at school? Between student loans and the cost of living increase we’re all learning how to make it on a shoestring budget. Trying not to be like so many of the Hollywood glamor stars who find that if they’re out of work for very long their homes are in foreclosure, how can we make ends meet and still enjoy the good life? Here are a few strategies to help you along.

Budget

List your major sources of income and then figure out your budget. Try to live just a bit below your budget and save some money for a rainy day. Prioritize your spending.

Buy Used

Like that latest fashion trend? There’s no shame in buying used. I bet you can find a way to re vamp that outfit and pay a whole lot less. Try shopping online at places like Craigslist, ebay, Thredup and such. Go to a thrift store and look around. Although some items may need laundered it’s still a fantastic bargain. Trends seem to change almost daily. Why would you want to pay so much money for an item that will hardly be worn?

Invest

Invest in your future. Even if you are only saving a few dollars each pay period you can start a savings account. Each pay period see if you can’t add a few more dollars to the fund. With time this will add up and you’ll see savings and have a nice cushion.

Pay Down Debt

Dave Ramsey shares with his viewers how he went bankrupt and why. Pay down your debt. Just because you have a job today doesn’t mean you’ll have a job tomorrow. Pay as much as you can on debt each month. For more information on debt reduction check out Dave’s .website.

Tithe or Give To Charity

You’ve heard it all your life. Give to the poor or give to your church or favorite charity. If you’re following a life using Biblical principles you’re giving 10% of your total income to your church, or a favorite charity. This may seem difficult at first but in time you’ll realize you’re deeply blessed by this small gesture.

Yes, living on a shoestring budget can be difficult. You may have to eat macaroni and cheese or top ramen a few meals to make it through the month or pay period.
stevenwalker replied 1816 days ago

Steven Walker

(stevenwalker) Austin, TX
https://mcessay.com/buy-essay-papers/