(Ft. Myers, July 23) – When it comes to exercise, it is important for consumers to be aware of fake product claims. Take “toning” sneakers, the ones that allegedly burn more calories than “regular” athletic footwear, while firming up butts, legs and calves.
“These sneakers can cost as much as $250, but there is no credible proof that they provide a better workout than cheaper models,” says Sue Meredith, a personal trainer at Fort Myers/Cape Coral Adventure Boot Camp. “Unfortunately, the advertisement misleads many people into believing that by merely walking or running in these shoes, they will get in shape. But that’s certainly not the case.”
Sports and fitness experts are debunking manufacturers’ promises that these shoes will deliver better results than ordinary workout sneakers. For example, the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a non-profit organization promoting safe and effective physical activity, concluded its recent study into this special footwear by saying that “there is simply no evidence to support the claims that these shoes will help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone."
Sports experts at John Hopkins University School of Medicine and the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine also say toning shoes offer no benefits.
“Unfortunately, many consumers continue to be duped into spending quite a bit of money on this product which doesn’t live up to its hype,” Meredith notes. “People should keep in mind that when it comes to effective exercise, there are no shortcuts, gimmicks or Magic Pills.”
Meredith also points out that, due to its special design features such as rounded soles, people with balance problems can be at risk of falling down while walking or running in these shoes.
“Any piece of athletic equipment that can make you prone to injuries should be avoided,” she says. “Exercise should be not only effective but also safe. Remember: physical fitness must be good for you, rather than harmful.”
And while it is true that people should wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes while working out, “there is no need to buy expensive “Magic” footwear or believe that a pair of shoes will help them tone and firm up any part of their body. That just doesn’t make sense,” Meredith says. You should however, be sure to be fitted with the correct shoes for your foot type. Your local athletic shoe store, like The Run Shoppe in Cape Coral on Del Prado can help you pick the right shoe for the right job. You need to have your feet checked for things like high or low arches, do you stand on the inside or outside of your feet. The correct shoe support for your feet will make all the difference in the world. Incorrect shoes can cause foot pain, knee pain or back pain. So don’t go for just any athletic shoe, get the correct fitting, safe shoe.
The only way to fully benefit from exercise is to have either a regular total body workout or – depending on individual needs - a routine that focuses on specific fitness goals, such as increased endurance, weight loss or increase muscles.
“Instead of shelling out hundreds of dollars for useless and potentially dangerous shoes, people would get much better value and results by using that money to hire a personal fitness instructor,” Meredith suggests. “This way, they will not only receive top-notch physical training tailored to their specific needs and goals, but also make sure they exercise safely and healthily.”
Give Toning Sneakers a Boot
