Shape Up or Ship Out...the gimmick

Have you ever seen some people walking around shoes with big bulges in the center of their sole. If you watch carefully it appears like they're walking on mini roller coasters with each step. Ever the skeptic I tend to wait until the jury comes back before I jump on these exercise/fitness trends. But let's break it down; the first shoe to toss its 'shoe hat' into the ring is the Shape Up. Former NFL great Joe Montana is the poster boy/ main endorser of the product. To wear these shoes one will be endowed with great calves and a sweet butt, they boast. STOP! Hold the phone! Is this where we are as Americans? Are we so lazy that we want our shoes to do our working out for us? Now I've seen it all. There is no magic pill people, remember that.

So as not to be a blow-hard pessimist I did a little digging into the product. It works like this: The shoe keeps one slightly off balance thus forcing calf, glute and other muscles to fire (so you don't fall on your face or butt) and thus one becomes toned. I've already pointed out that I don't like the notion of shoes doing our heavy lifting. Next, imagine you've just had your 30th birthday and your boss buys you a pair of these shoes instead of the usual Christmas bonus. (Thanks boss). You're now forced to change the way you've been walking for what...the last 27 years? Not cool.

They surveyed a variety of trainers many of which do a type of fitness called crossfit. Crossfit has a lot of dead-lifts, kettle bell exercises, squats and more. The verdict was unanimous. Thumbs down. They all said that for most if not all exercises balance is the key and there is nothing better that shoes with a flat sole or even bare feet. Does the phrase 'stay grounded' ring a bell here, people? Other theorists of which I concur with is that with these shoes and others that offer too much 'support' actually prevent many muscles in the foot from developing properly. This can lead to a weak arch.

Again, there are no magic pills, no short cuts and no magic shoes. Take the gimmicks off your feet and put in the work. Exercise and attitude go hand in hand. If YOU do the work you're attitude toward yourself and others will be totally positive. It will all be sunshine and lollipops (organic, sugar free lollipops). Now shut off your computer and get out there and move.