Skechers, Yoga, and Women’s Blogs to Love

A few things to share today – some rockin’, new shoes, a way to ease chronic pain, and a blog post for all moms out there.

Shape-Ups® by Skechers

Review by Donna Martelli (Holistic Health Expert)

I had seen the advertisement for Skechers Women’s Shape Ups Physical Mary Jane Fitness Shoe on TVand heard that they are an effective fitness and weight loss tool, and all you have to do is put them on and walk!  I looked at them on the Internet and read the claims.  They have a cushioned rounded sole that gives you a much larger range of motion than an ordinary flat shoe.  This design “encourages improved posture, a toned inner core and fantastically fit legs, abs, and glutes”, they said.

Better yet, “the calorie burning rate when wearing the Shape-Ups is three times that of wearing ordinary shoes and two times that of wearing boots and clogs!  Staying balanced while wearing the shoes requires the use of muscles not used otherwise in the legs, abs, and glutes.  These muscles are thus strengthened and toned significantly.”

A little skeptical, I went to a store and tried them on.  Amazing!  I could really feel my leg muscles working, especially my hamstrings and calf muscles.   They were also extremely comfortable and soothing to my feel.  Of course, I bought them.  I feel that they are scientifically designed shoes that definitely do live up to the claims of causing the muscles in the legs, abs, and glutes to work harder while you are walking.  The motion of walking on the rounded sole is similar to that of balancing on a Bosu board.  They come in a variety of styles:  lace ups, Mary Janes, boots, and even sandals.

Here is a list of the benefits as described by Skechers.  I believe them to be true.

• Increase Leg strength
• Lengthen muscles
• Help prevent injury
• Ease pain from plantar fasciitis naturally
• Greatly improve circulation in the legs and feet, reducing swelling
• Help burn calories and loose weight (with proper diet)
• Improve posture and lessen low back pain naturally
• Greatly improve balance and inner core strength, improving back health
• Create healthy looking lower extremities
• Exercise your lower body while doing everyday activities
• Can be worn any time, any place (except sandals and boots )
• Increase your health awareness

While walking in Shape-Ups should not ever be considered a substitute for a full body fitness program, they definitely help your legs, abs, and glutes retain muscle tone.  I recommend them as a supplement to a sound exercise program.

Pain Management with Yoga

I came across an interesting article about a possible solution to ongoing pain, such as that associated with migraine, arthritis, back injuries, or other chronic illnesses.  The statement that caught my eye was this:

Have gratitude for your body.

Frankly, I had never imagined that I was thinking about a certain pain-causing part of my body (my head) in a resentful, negative way.  Then suddenly I remembered all the times that I said, “I wish I could just cut my head off and grow a new one,” it was then that I knew the theory was right.  I did not have peace with my body.  The funny thing was that while meditating in prayer more than six weeks prior, I had asked God what was my next spiritual step, I heard that I needed to make peace with my body.  Honestly, I had no idea what that meant…really.  Now, I do.

The wonderful post led me to the book, Yoga for Pain Relief: Simple Practices to Calm Your Mind & Heal Your Chronic Pain (Whole Body Healing).  The author, Kelly McGonigal, PhD, is a yoga teacher and health psychologist at Stanford University and the Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy. She is also a former chronic pain sufferer.

I discovered from my friends at Amazon.comthat the book outlines how to understand your pain and reunite with your body.  She also teaches meditation methods, relaxation techniques, and supplies you with some actual routines you can do to start living a pain free life.  I have not received my copy of the book yet, but I can’t wait to dig into Kelly’s concepts and yoga routines.

Healthy Parents = Healthy Kids

The last thing I have for you today is a link to a wonderful post about our children and health.  My friend at Metropolitan Mama had a themed weekend and her topic was “I want my kids to be…”  This particular post talked about how she desired health for her babes.  I’m with you, Stephanie!  Let’s all try to do a little better at giving our children a fair shot at being healthy.  Please read her article and poke around for more interesting posts about motherhood and life.  Be well-be beautiful.

***Women’s Life Link has not received monetary compensation for reviewing these products. The statements made are honest opinions of the reviewing parties. However, because we are Amazon Associates, should you choose to purchase the items via the links provided, we will receive a small revenue. Thank you for supporting Women’s Life Link.

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