Posts Tagged ‘Fitflops’

A large number of people steer clear of taking regular exercise as they believe that it will be to exhausting for them. It’s almost as if they believe that they must have a certain minimum level of fitness in order to get in shape. It’s no surprise that many of us associate getting fit with high energy fitness routines and getting hot, sweaty and out of breath.

Using similar logic, many people find it hard to imagine that a low intensity, low impact, low injury risk workout could deliver very significant health benefits, help you to lose weight and get in much better shape. However, that’s exactly what walking – an activity which requires no special equipment, training or expertise, and one which we all do on a daily basis – can do for you if you do it on a regular basis.

When you consider the numerous health benefits that walking offers, your sense of disbelief is only likely to grow. Walking can help to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke whilst improving the operational efficiency of the lungs. It can help to bring down your blood pressure level. It can help you to sleep better, boost your overall energy levels and even help to fight depression. It can help to reduce the risk of contracting certain forms of cancer. Recent studies in the UK even seem to suggest that it may be effective in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. There’s no doubt that it can help you to lose weight and get in shape.

Looking at that list you would be forgiven for thinking that it was an advert for some expensive new dietary supplement or even the latest miracle drug. No wonder that it’s difficult to credit. It’s also worth noting that – other than a comfortable pair of shoes – you don’t require any special equipment to get started on a walking exercise routine. It’s also a very cost effective option – there are no costly monthly gym membership fees to pay. You also have the convenience of being able to fit it into your day whenever it suits you best.

Most health professionals seem to suggest that should be aiming for 10,000 steps a day on a regular basis in order to achieve the health benefits previously mentioned. That’s equivalent to somewhere between four and a half and five miles for most people, depending upon stride length. It sounds like a long way – but it’s more achievable than you may think. Walk to work and leave the car in the garage. Use the stairs instead of the elevator from time to time. Get off the bus a couple of stops before your final destination and walk the rest of the way. These are just a few examples of ways to increase your daily step count – there are plenty more, and they all add up.

If you are over forty years old, if you have any medical conditions, or if you just haven’t exercised for some time, then it would be wise to seek your doctor’s advice and opinion before you launch any new fitness regime. However, as long as you start off slowly and build up over time, walking will improve your health and fitness levels. What’s more important you will feel much better and look better.

If you find it difficult to stay motivated, then using an Omron pedometer which will monitor your progress and display results in terms of steps taken, distance covered or calories burned, might be effective. You can also take advantage of the latest advances in exercise footwear design by using specially engineered shoes – such as Fit flops sandals – which boost the amount of work your lower body muscles do whilst walking normally. It effectively raises the efficiency of your walking workout.

Many of us are constantly searching for an easy way that we can stay in shape. While dieting and going to the gym can work for some people some of us find excuses not to stick to it. Thankfully a number of sports shoe manufacturers have launched trainer and flip flop ranges that they claim will help improve posture and tone your calf, thigh and buttock muscles. It all sounds great but do these shoes really work, are they comfortable and are they stylish?

Fitflops were the first brand to enter the UK marketplace with their range of Fitflop sandals. The large base of Fitflop sandals hold a trademarked Microwobbleboard. This basically means that the sole of the Fitflop has a variable density. The heel is high density to reduce impact, the toe is mid density while the middle is low density. This creates an unstable effect that causes your feet and legs to work more and become stable. The latest range to incorporate the Microwobbleboard are the Fitflop boots that are for the winter. This means you can benefit from the effects of the Microwobbleboard when the weather isn’t suitable for wearing your Fitflop sandals. Fitflops are great for people who enjoy wearing flip flops on a regular basis and the range of styles available is beginning to increase making them a healthy alternative.

Reebok have recently launched their Easytone trainers. Reebok Easytone trainers contain balance pods that cause instability when you walk. This then forces your muscles to work harder to balance, which leads to increased muscle toning below the waist. Reebok Easytone trainers are only available for women at present and this can be seen throughout their marketing campaign. If you are a fan of Reebok trainers you will be pleased to know that the Easytone range incorporates many of the looks and styles associated with the brand making them a very fashionable looking everyday trainer.

Skechers are another shoe brand that have developed their own range of toning footwear called Shape Ups. Skechers Shape Ups have the largest range of styles available on the market encorporating trainers, shoes, boots and sandals. They even have a substantial mens collection. All Skechers shape ups contain a kinetic wedge insert that creates a dynamic rolling effect that mimics walking on sand. This causes your heel to sink into the heel of the shoe providing a cushioned support that then forces the rest of your foot to compensate and roll forward. The effect is one that causes your muscles to work to support your body more and therefore helps to develop a more toned and strengthened leg. The other benefits include reducing body fat, improved posture as well as relieving muscle and joint pain.

All of these footwear brands have marketed their footwear mainly to women as a means to improve their legs and bum with little effort. Most of the shoe companies have carried out independent tests and case studies to show the advantages to wearing their footwear and all of them do help to improve posture and balance. However they aren’t a replacement for healthy eating and exercise but they would make a good accompaniment.