Shake Weight, $19.95 OK, this one's iffy but worth bringing up because it's gotten millions of hits on YouTube. First off, the commercial sure gets our attention with: "Ladies, listen up! Are your arms and shoulders saggy, flabby and out of shape?" (Uh, yes.) Then, it tries to convince us that by shaking FitnessIQ's odd, 2.5-pound device, we'll create a "wave of energy" that will help us burn more calories in six minutes than we can lifting regular dumbbells in 32 minutes! (What?) Still, we couldn't find much evidence against it, just a fun SNL parody, an informative "L.A. Times" article, and a few complaints about elbow, wrist and neck injuries. Most reviewers loved it, saying, "it's fun, easy, yet I feel the burn," and that it provides "plenty of weight for a satisfying workout that will not bulk up your arms."
The Kangroo shoe thing looks like they could be fun. Some wacky stuff here for sure but might actually try one. Probably not the shoes though dont want to spend that much
This article helps a lot! I agree that basic workouts/working out can really get the job done but if devices like this are more helpful for others then go for it. At least know you know which ones actually work and which ones are just about the hype of something new. There is no point in wasting your money!
It's a good article, letting people know about these types of products. But I've come to learn that plain ole exercise does just fine...and if I want to do something with weights, I just use some 4 or 5 pound weights.
RE: Shake Weight... of course shaking a two and a half pound weight back and forth over and over is going to burn calories and build muscle (to varying degrees, of course, depending on how you use it and for how long). That's just common sense. You can build muscle lifting anything: groceries, your baby, etc.
HOWEVER, I think a lot of people expect some sort of miracle with devices like this, but a miracle just doesn't exist.
I have used a Shake Weight a friend of mine owns. I'm in good shape, but if you can shake that thing for 6 minutes straight you're doing way better than me. You have to do the work to get the results, and only using the Shake Weight for 6 minutes straight per day without also doing cardio and other weight exercises is not going to give you the arms of your dreams.
I have tried and have most of these exercise items: ab wheel,kettlebells,Perfect pushup like. i really like the kettlebells with dvd. OH!! start out with 2 to 5lbs, you can hurt your shoulder or crack your leg bone. I still want to get the "Shake Wieght. As for the KanGod jumps must be on a padded floor or gound(SCARY!!!)
I think a partner can always be a big help in keeping us charged... To be each others cheerleader! I will try and yes I am very guilty of buying and not trying some of the wacky devices I really just enjoy walking... Unless i have the buddy!
I actually just got the perfect push up for free from my coke rewards and I like using them better than the push up bar or just doing them without anything.
Some of these aren't that wacky (kettlebells) but some definitely are (shake weight). It probably isn't actually the gadget that's working, as much as the person. I'm going to stick w/running outside, or hitting the gym.
i'm still unclear on how some of these devices actually work, but it seems to me that the cheapest way to get in shape is to get your heartrate up and perhaps get some basic dumbells. why do we need $190 fitness bands that fit over your door?