When Marcia Kilgore, an ex personal trainer, found that her lifestyle simply didn’t allow her sufficient time to get to the gym on a regular basis, she decided to do something about it. In partnership with the London South Bank University (LSBU) she developed a range of fitness shoes called Fitflops.
These have a specially designed “microwobbleboard” sole which is divided into three separate zones. Each of the zones is made from a different material to create the microwobbleboard effect. The heel section is manufactured from a high density material which cushions against shocks while walking. The middle section, from the arch to just behind the toes, is manufactured from a low density material and the toe section is made using a medium density material which helps to maintain pace, speed and variation.
The net effect is that the duration of muscle usage is prolonged when walking normally – by up to 16%. What this means is that each step you take in your Fitflops tones and trims your legs and helps to reduce the size of your buttocks. It’s like getting a lower body workout while you walk.
Normal walking in Fitflops can help you to maximize calf leg and buttock muscle activity, improve your posture, achieve better muscle tone and burn calories. Simply put, you can make your legs leaner and trim your buttocks just by walking about normally – which you would be doing anyway.
After extensive research and trials at LSBU, the Fitflop range was launched in the UK in 2006. They were an immediate success and a lot of people even had to go on a waiting list to get their Fitflops. As you might expect from the name, the original range consisted chiefly of sandals – flipflops. However, due to customer demand, the range was increased and now, not only is there an extensive selection of different colors and styles of sandals, but clogs and boots are also available. There are Fitflop styles suitable for both men and women and they are now retailing in the USA.
So if, like Marcia Kilgore, you find yourself without the time to get to the gym, or if you just find it hard to motivate yourself to exercise, then why not consider a pair of Fitflops? Just wear them instead of your normal shoes and walk about as normal and get the benefit of working out your lower body without having to alter your daily routine.
