Walk it Out!
June 19 , 2008

A special note:  Yes, we do love a good sweat! So, this is not a slight to all of the mama gym bunnies out there. We just think that most of us would take the opportunity to make our workouts a little easier.  So, here's to us…

Mother time has been a little rough on us all. Some of us don't have the svelte little bodies of yesteryear. And that baby weight (yeah, we know he's 4 now) just doesn't seem to budge.

What if we said there's a way to make your body tone up, as if like magic. Wouldn't it be fantastic?

Well sorry, but that fix-all doesn't exist. But there have been some very exciting discoveries in shoe technology over the past few years that can help tone those gams, trim that core, lift that tush, and help with your posture- can you say, "Aaah!, no more aching back". And, all you have to do is wear them.

Shape Up Shoes (www.ShapeUpShoes.com), designed by a medical doctor to improve circulation in her ob-gyn patients, does improve circulation, but offers many other fitness benefits as well. Shape Up Shoes improve posture, build lean muscle, burn calories, and decrease lower back pain at the same time.

Although they look a little crunchy and awkward, you definitely can see how they can be an effective workout just by doing the chores around the house - cooking and cleaning, laundry, making beds, going back and forth in the home (or office) to the fax and phone, strolling the little ones, taking the dog out, getting the mail, etc.

The next shoe, for all you mama fashionistas, that offers similar benefits is The Fit Flop (http://www.thefitflop.com). Fit Flops come in many different styles that translate well with most outfits that you can sport during summer months. Some styles even come with sequins. The Fit Flop is a great-looking, body-beneficial shoe at an affordable price.

The last shoe, which comes in sports, casual, sandal and professional styles is the MBT (http://www.swissmasaius.com). You practically get the same benefits with a steeper price tag. But unlike Shape Up Shoes and The Fit Flop, all of  MBTs shoe styles can be worn year round (the sandals even can be worn with socks in winter months).

Manufacturers for each shoe recommend that you start by wearing them 30 minutes a day to give your body the opportunity to adjust without having excessive muscle fatigue. But, no matter which shoe you choose, your legs, tush, and core will say thank you. And imagine, getting all of these benefits without fully breaking a sweat!