ONE TINY GYM

Yesterday I asked my podiatrist to prescribe the MBT shoes for me. He was very excited about the shoe and was very happy to prescribe them. He said that these shoes are great for keeping your feet healthy and help to straighten out the toes too. (I used to wear alot of pointy stilleto shoes) . With the prescription in hand, I bought the shoes and will be able to deduct them from my taxes since they are considered medical equipment. This is the style I bought. At this time, they have not come out with a "cuter" model but I understand that in March 2008 they will have more stylish models.

After hearing so much about this shoe, I decided I had to test them myself to see if it is true. Because if what they are saying is true, then I MUST have them. According to the literature, due to the construction of the shoe, just by wearing them you get a workout of your core, pelvic floor, butt and legs. You also get better posture, spinal alignment and reduction in aches and pains. According to the sales person, the shoes were originally made to help people with lower back pain. The shoe has outstanding shock absorption so it can also be used for sports and running. While I was in the store I also tried on the Earth shoe to compare both. Both the Earth shoe and the MBT have negative heels which stretch the back of the legs and help with spinal alignment. However, the MBT shoe has the "rocker" sole which helps you rock forward with each step. This is called the pivot. Earth shoes are just not for me although many physical therapists and yoga instructors buy them. I find that I like the extra shock absorption from the MBT shoes since I walk several miles daily. I hope that the MBT shoes actually do workout my abs, butt and legs while I walk around in them. That would be very efficient multi-tasking.

In the meantime, I'm taking the interval training approach to the Hoola Hoop. Several times a day I'll pick it up and do it for a couple of minutes and make whoever else is in the room giggle.

Cecelia www.myfitness24-7.com