Shape-Ups by Skechers

Shape-ups work by changing the way you walk, they have a uniques soft kinetic wedge insert and a rolling bottom to mimic walking on sand. When you walk in these shoes you will feel your heel sink to the ground as you step, roll forward as your weight shifts to its center, and push off with your toes. This movement will result in stronger leg, buttock, back and abdominal muscles as you stabilize your steps.

Shape-ups also reduce the impact on joints by providing a more natural way of walking. Walking like this may seem a little awkward at first, but your body will quickly compensate by activating muscles in your legs, buttocks, back, and stomach to center your body, which will result in improved posture, stronger muscles, and increased blood flow.

After performing a clinical trial testing the benefits of Shape-ups, Dr Steve Gautreau from California recommends these shoes to patients to "increase their low back endurance, improve gluteal strength, weight loss and improved body composition."

Three clinical studies have all shown that Shape-ups significantly increase muscle activity and energy consumption over standard fitness shoes.

The third study was a 6 week study that tested people that wore these shoes on weight loss, body composition, glutei strength, and lower back endurance. The participants were instructed to not change their diet or daily activity except for wearing the Shape Ups.

At the end of the 6 weeks the participants had an average weight loss of 3.25 pounds, a 1.1% reduction of body fat, an average 41% improvement of glutei strength, and a 37% improvement of lower back endurance.

Study Conducted by Dr. Steven Gautreau, DC, ART, NASM

It is easy to use Shape-ups, just wear them everywhere and anywhere you walk (or stand), and your body will feel the benefits.

If you would like to improve your results try these simple routines:

1. Kick Back: Stand upright and place feet parallel and hip distance apart, balance centered. Roll your weight onto the back of the soft foam heel - hold for a count of five and then back to the center. Do not lock knees or tip backward. Stretches calf and hamstrings. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

2. Rock and Roll: Stand upright and place feet parallel and hip distance apart, balance centered. Roll your weight forward so you are balancing on the underside of your toes - hold for a count of two, then slowly rock back to the soft heel - hold for a count of two, and then back to your center of balance. Do not lock knees or tip backward. Stretches calf and hamstrings, warms up Achilles and ankles. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

3. Roll and Rock and Roll: Follow the Rock and Roll stretch, but alternate feet so one is rolling to the toes and one is rocking back. Repeat 5 to 6 times.

4. The Lean: Place your hands on a wall, parallel and slightly above your head. With one leg in front of the other and your arms forward, press with your palms as if you were leaning on the wall. Keep your back leg straight and your front foot on the floor, then bend the front leg and lean forward by moving your hips toward the wall. Hold for a count of five, then repeat on the other side. Stretches calf and Achilles. Repeat 5 to 6 times.

When you first put on your Shape-ups, you will find them quite comfy and cushy. You may feel little awkward, but you will soon get used to it.
You will also find that they are a quality shoe and almost feel as though you are walking on clouds.

Due to the unconventional manner of walking, it is recommended that you moderate your walking routine for the first week or two to 25-45 minutes per day depending on your fitness level. As you continue to wear your Shape-ups your body will adjust quite quickly, and you will soon be feeling the benefits.