Toning Shoes - yep, they're a scam. :(

I actually own a pair of Skechers Shape-Ups. They cost me $89, which is the most I've ever paid for a pair of shoes. I knew right from the start that it was a dumb idea, but I found the super-cute Mary-Jane style ones that would be easy to step in and out of for karate classes, were very comfortable, and well, I knew better, but what if there really was some weird fitness voodoo involved that would actually allow the shoes to deliver on their promises of a better backside?

Many, many women I know have been seduced by these promises, and some of them have been inspired by the shoes to walk more, which gets them results! Good for them, sincerely. I won't rain on anyone's parade if they're convinced the shoes are the key. But if anyone's still on the fence, tempted by the ads of every shoe company that's jumped on the toning bandwagon in the last year, here is one article from the American Council on Exercise, which investigates new exercise gimmicks and reports on their efficacy and safety. There are others like it; feel free to Google.

The basic problem is that the body adapts to slight challenges like those posed by the toning shoes very quickly. The shoes are supposed to slightly increase the motion of each step and create a balance challenge that the leg muscles need to adjust to, and adjust they do! I was a tiny bit sore the first time I walked with the shoes, and never again. My body had learned to walk with this new challenge, the muscles quickly adapted, and that was that. No further change occurs because the body, in general, wants to stay the way it is. Changing takes resources and the body is an efficient machine. In order to create change in the body, it must be continually challenged. That's why slow, prolonged exercise produces very little in terms of weight-loss. While it may make us healthier overall and decrease our risk for heart disease and diabetes, significant weight loss will not occur with this type of slow, repetitive exercise unless food intake changes drastically as well. We now know that techniques such as interval training and concepts such as muscle confusion are much more effective in producing significant weight loss than strapping ourselves onto a treadmill and walking for hours at a time.

So anyway, consider spending your money on a good cross-training or running shoe and mixing up your workouts (perhaps a session or two with a personal trainer?). Toning shoes aren't magic, unfortunately, and unless you want to spend a ton on what is otherwise a cheap most-purpose tennis shoe, you're probably better off passing.

Buying cardio equipment

Cardio equipment is expensive stuff. It can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and too often ends up as a really costly clothing rack. Here are some things to think about before making the investment.

1. Is whatever piece of equipment you're considering what you really need? Recently, my aunt purchased a Total Gym. Total Gyms are ok for many people, but my aunt is very heavy and almost none of the exercises worked for her when she asked me to come over and show her how to use it. Luckily, she was able to return it, but it would have been easier if she had done the research and understood it was not the right piece of equipment for her in the first place. Think about the type of exercise you need and what, if any, limitations you have. If you have bad knees you might choose an elliptical machine over a treadmill. If you want to run, make sure the treadmill you're looking at is not just suited to walking. If it's difficult for you to stand for long periods, you may need a stationary bike instead of an elliptical or treadmill, and if you have a bad back you might need a recumbent bike instead of an upright.

2. Will you use equipment at home or do you need the motivation of actually going out to the gym (and being around other exercising people) to get your exercise done?

3. Do you actually need a piece of cardio equipment? A wii-fit or other fitness video games, an aerobic step (or your own stairs) and exercise videos are all less expensive options that may net you the same results as your own treadmill, bike or elliptical machine.

4. Can you get what you want used? A family member may have the treadmill you want malingering in their basement and might give it to you for free! Or, check craigslist, Play It Again Sports, garage sales or your local newspaper's classifieds. Do beware and make sure you check any used equipment for functionality. Make sure nothing's broken or unsafe. Much of the time, you can get a very functional and lightly used piece of cardio equipment for much less that you would pay for new.

5. Before buying any piece of equipment, new or used, try it and and make sure it's a comfortable fit for your body. Personally, I can't stand certain elliptical machines because the stride feels all wrong, and I can't imagine spending half an hour on them. I bought a used Tony Little Gazelle walker a few years ago wanting something to use indoors in the winter without having to trek to the gym. The thing felt awful and I used it twice. Make sure you're getting something you can use in relative comfort.

I you've asked yourself all the right questions, purchasing a piece of cardio equipment can be a great way to add to your fitness routine. Like anything else, check your impulses, make a smart decision, and enjoy the results!