Let’s face it, nobody likes going the gym, so the idea of a pair of trainers that shape and tone your legs and bum while you go about your business sounded like the ideal solution to me. And to be honest I was willing to try anything if it meant I didn’t have to spend hours in the local gym like a hamster running on an endless wheel surrounded by lycra clad posers.
The idea behind Skechers Shape Ups is that they mimic walking in soft sand which in turn makes the muscles of your bum, legs and core work harder to stabilise your body. They do this by using a soft kinetic sole that absorbs impact and creates a slightly unstable walking surface. Along side this, the Shape Ups have a rocker sole which encourages the correct heel to toe waling stride which again stimulates the posterior chain further activating the muscles.
When I received my Skechers Shape Ups they looked like any ordinary sports shoe all be it with a slightly different shaped sole. They were about the same weight as a normal cross training shoe although not as light as a high end running shoe. So, eager to test the theory I slipped them on and set off for my usual 2 mile evening walk. The first thing I noticed was that with every stride my heel slightly sunk into the sole before rolling forward on to my toes, which meant that with every step I could feel the muscles at the back of my legs stretch. All though it was not drastically different to my normal walking pattern it was enough that I had to concentrate on each stride initially. After around 10 minutes I could really feel the effects on my legs.
Having had my Skechers Shape Ups now for around a month I can really feel the difference, not only in my legs and bum but also in my stomach and posture. Due to the unstable walking platform I have found myself walking more upright, even when wearing normal shoes. So all in all I am happy with the Shape Ups and would definitely recommend them if you want to make a walk a workout while improving posture at the same time.