I am pretty sure that most, if not all of us have seen the commercial for SKECHERS Shape-ups. It is a new line of "fitness footwear" (sneakers) created by SKECHERS to promote physical fitness. The slogan reads, "Shape up while you walk." The website states that these shoes are designed to promote weight loss, tone muscles, and improve posture. On the web page there is a drawing of a woman and a man. There are bullet points on both the woman and man that pin-point in greater detail what these sneakers are designed to do. However, there are more pin-points on the woman than on the man. Is this because women's bodies are in greater need of improvement than men's bodies? The following is a list of all of the things Shape-ups are supposed to do for women: improve posture, strengthen the back, firm buttocks muscles, reduces cellulite and tones thighs, and firms calf muscles. Now, here is a list of all the things Shape-ups are supposed to do for men: improves blood circulation and tightens abdominal muscles. Is that it? Is this website saying that men only need to improve their bodies in these two areas? It seems to me that all the things listed for women to improve upon are things men can improve upon too, and vice - versa. This brings me to another question; how do these shoes promote physical fitness? The answer is right on the website: "Shape-ups feature a unique, soft, kinetic wedge insert and dynamic rolling bottom to stimulate walking on a soft, giving surface like sand. With the comfort of Shape-ups, you will feel your heel sink into 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." So, what is the suggested length of time SKECHERS Shape-ups be worn to workout? Depending on your fitness level, SKECHERS suggests that for the first two weeks, you curb your walking routine to 25-45 minutes per day. Additionally, there is a 5 minute instructional video about women's Shape-ups. However, there is not an instructional video for men. Although, SKECHERS has a men's line, are they implying that more women will purchase Shape-ups than men? Moreover, due to this implication, are they then advertising more so to women than men? SKECHERS Shape-ups come in a variety of different styles for both men and women, and can be purchased online at: http://www.skechers.com/ or in stores. The average price is $110.00.
