Fitflops - A Workout While You Walk

What would you think if someone told you that all you had to do to make your legs leaner and your bum smaller was to pull on a different type of shoe each morning? You'd probably be pretty happy - or very sceptical. Or both.

However, these are just some of the claims made for Fitflops - a range of specially engineered sandals, boots and shoes that exercise your thighs and calves as you walk about normally throughout the day.

Fitfllops are the brainchild of former personal trainer Marcia Kilgore. Ms Kilgore, like many people, found that she simply didn't have enough time to visit the gym. So, working with scientists at the London South Bank University (LSBU) she developed a shoe which exercises the wearer's legs whilst walking normally.

Fitflops were originally designed in 2006 by scientists at LSBU. They feature a specially engineered sole in three distinct sections:

The Heel Section:
This is made from high density material which absorbs as much as 22% more shock and helps to relieve stress on joints.

The Mid (Arch) Section:
This is made from a low density material which increases the duration of muscle activity when walking normally by as much as 16%

The Toe Section:
This is a medium density material which helps to maintain speed, pace and variation.

The whole sole of each Fitflop forms a "microwobbleboard". It is designed so that every step you take in your Fitflops tones and trims your calves, your thighs and your buttocks.

The Fitflops range of footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. This seal is awarded only after thorough scientific analysis and evaluation and recognises products which are beneficial to foot health.

Studies at both the London South Bank University (LSBU) and also independent clinical testing at the UK's Salford University have found that Fitflops can increase muscle activity in the lower body, reduce plantar foot pain by helping to spread the weight more evenly over the sole of the foot whilst walking and help to reduce forces in the lower body whilst walking normally.

As well as the aforementioned clinically proven benefits of Fitflops, anecdotal feedback from wearers suggests that wearing Fitflops can result in lower back stress, lower stress in knee joints, lower ankle joint stress and minimized foot pressure concentration.

Normal walking in Fitflop sandals or shoes can help you to:

• Maximize calf, leg and buttock ankle activity.
• Improve your posture.
• Achieve better muscle tone.
• Burn calories.

All of the above benefits have been proven in studies at the Centre For Human Performance at the LSBU.

Users of Fitflops have also reported relief from chronic back pain, sciatica, heel spurs, restless leg syndrome, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.

In summary, just walking around in your Fitflops - exactly as you would normally do anyway - is like getting a workout for your legs and buttocks.

Originally the Fitflop range included mainly sandals - flip-flops. However, since they were launched, the company has very wisely listened to their customer's requests and introduced additional models into their range.

There are now some very stylish winter boots - which look not unlike the ever popular Ugg boots or Emu Australia.

Clogs are also available and there are Fitflops to suit both men and women.

FitFlop even offer "flats" these days. The FitFlop Dué Ballerina style has the toning sole so cleverly disguised that they look just like ballet shoes.

The full range of Fitflops for men and Fitflops for women are available from Amazon.

Remember, every single step that you take in your Fitflops will absorb shocks that would otherwise be transmitted to your feet, ankles, knees and back, will improve your core muscle strength, encourage better posture and burn calories.