Toning Shoes: The Ideal Fitness Solution for Busy Moms on the Go
Toning Shoes: The Ideal Fitness Solution for Busy Moms on the Go
Being a mom means being a full time chef, chauffeur, housekeeper and disciplinarianwho's always on call. During the usual rigors of a day filled with karate lessons, soccer games and sibling arguments, it can be understandably tough to find an hour to get to the gym. But now moms can get in an extra workout that targets those problem areas while going through the motions of the day. The answer? Toning shoes.
Nature Inspired Design
Taking their cue from the way people walk naturally while barefoot, toning shoes are designed to retrain the foot and work like no other shoe has before. These incredible shoes' specially curved bottoms force walkers to lead with the balls of their feet rather than the heel, effectively spreading the force of impact to a larger area of the foot and, effectively, the whole body.
Toning shoes are actually the brainchild of a Swiss engineer by the name of Karl Muller who first discovered the therapeutic benefits of walking barefoot on soft ground during a vacation. His suspicions were confirmed after studying the way members of the African Masai tribe walked and ran. Muller found that back pain was virtually nonexistent among the Masai, while their runners were known as some of the best in the world.
How It Works
Muller eventually connected the inherent instability of sandy soil to the benefits he saw. This unsteady ground forced the body to compensate naturally, employing several muscle groups to maintain balance and thus spreading the force over a larger area.
The Swiss engineer realized that by creating a shoe with a slightly curved bottom and plenty of cushioning, he could achieve similar effects. He went so far as to call his newly discovered technique Masai Barefoot Technology, or MBT.
These fantastic new shoes take stress away from the heel and force the mid sole to take a more active part in balancing with each step. The end result is a more intuitive way to walk that also happens to improve posture, tone calf, thigh, buttocks and abdominal muscles and reduce back pain related to imperfect walking and running.
MBT Evolution
Once the technology became available, several shoe brands jumped to add MBT shoes to their lineups. Since experiencing their explosion in popularity, toning shoes are available in a vast array of styles and some come with added features that give you a more intense workout.
Several brands offer toning shoes that would be tough to spot in a line up, with even upscale models so you can experience MBT benefits while taking care of business. Day to day walking, athletic and even beach-friendly sandal models have made it a breeze to take your toning shoes wherever you go.
Scientific Studies
Since their introduction onto the market, MBT shoes and their effects have been thoroughly studied and tested. The positive effects were found to affect several areas, including weight loss, increased flexibility, improved balance and increased oxygen consumption.
One particular study of MBT in 2004 followed nine subjects who wore toning shoes for 9.5 a day for two weeks. Results revealed greater movement in the center of pressure than with normal shoes, causing the lower extremities to work harder to correct imbalances.
The same study observed an increase in rotational joint impulse in the angel between the foot and shin and an average 27% decrease in the rotation of the knee jointgreat news for knee pain sufferers. Toning shoes users also experienced a 2.5 percent increase in oxygen consumption, indicating the moderate workout you'll receive while going about your daily business.
Getting Started
When you first purchase a pair of toning shoes, it is well advised that you gradually increase your wearing time to allow the body to adapt to the new motions you'll experience. Fifteen minute intervals are a great way to get started, with a slow increase over two weeks until you're ready to wear your toning shoes at all times.
Most toning shoes also come with detailed suggestions for proper stretching before and after use. Stretching and warming up is an essential element of any workout and will help you reap the most benefits possible from your toning shoes.
Since the workout offered by toning shoes is rather modest, it may take a few weeks of continued use before you start to notice differences. Many users report slight soreness after the first few uses and begin noticing increased muscle tone between two and six weeks.
A nature-inspired phenomenon that's changing the way millions of people walk every day, toning shoes are a simple, low cost way to add increased flexibility and circulation, muscle tone, improved posture and confidence to your everyday life. Take a few moments now to find that perfect pair and get ready for a workout!
Fat Burning Furnace Reviews – A Quick Review of Fat Burning Furnace Four Ways to Increase Muscle Mass 4 Diet Mistakes Stopping you from Gaining Muscle Breaking Down to Build Up: Muscle Growth and Pain Relief A Unique Routine To Lose Belly Fat Fast Calgary Fitness Centers The Benefits of Joining Calgary Fitness Centers: Selecting The Right One? The Best Fat Burner Supplements Why Routines Are Important an How To Create Them Your Routine Options and How To Work Them Out Fat Burning Furnace Ebook - Does It Work? Is the Fat Burning Furnace Effective? Get in Shape With Fat Burning Secrets