‘NEW WALKING SHOES –DESIGNED IN JAPAN-PROVE EFFECTIVE IN BURNING CALORIES”
MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NYC JUNE 4th
Text, J. Ecochard
Mention the words “strengthen muscles” and “burn extra calories” in the same sentence-and chances are, a motivated audience will sit up and pay attention. Us included.
Which is why on a yech NY afternoon we were still a two thumbs way up to learn about Muscle Trainers, a modified sneakerish shoe that bills itself as targeting fat and shaping the body. In a way you want it to be shaped, of course…ie slimmer.
Dubbed “Sneaky Sneakers” Muscle Trainers are a specially weighted ped that works the body beneficially---and purportedly burns off 300 extra calories in a well-shod, half hour stroll.
Having spent time in Japan where the latest gadgets are embraced in a nano-second, we are not surprised that these patent protected feet accoutrements hail from the land of the best suishi ever-have sold over one million pairs-and work!!!!
Basically the shoes/sneakers have weights embedded in the heel portions in such a way (with cushiony insoles above them) so that 90% of the foot is always in contact with the ground (providing for a heel/toe, natural gait motion). This is good for stability purposes and make putting these babies on (and they come in different styles from cool Prada-esque retro 80’s trainers, to office friendly versions)…and walking in them, a comfy experience.
Plus, unlike ankle weights that rub and put unnatural pressure on ankles, Muscle Trainers support the feet while “engaging core muscles and improving dorsal muscles in the waist” in a way that won’t have you running in agony to a chiropractor.
Image-a Muscle Trainer revealed!
Muscle Trainers boost energy consumption by 25 % because the body works harder while walking (the weights-duh!)---and that’s where the extra calorie burn-off kicks in.
We think it’s a no-brainer to put a pair on to walk to work, do errands etc. Though we figure the kcals actually consumed vary depending on one’s height and weight…we like the idea of strengthening our leg muscles more efficiently when taking a daily stroll.
Price-wise, Muscle Trainers are up there with high-end sneakers ($150) but way less than a piece of exercise equipment that can’t fit in our apartment anyway.