If you’ve participated in the toning shoe movement then it’s time you cashed in and got your money back!  Consumers who purchased Skechers Shape Ups and other Sketchers toning shoes,  are entitled to money from a $40 million settlement that the company made with the Federal Trade Commission. The Skechers lawsuit applies to 42 states and was passed on Wednesday (5/ 16/ 2012).

“Skechers put its foot in its mouth by making unwarranted claims,” said David Vladeck, director of the FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection. Ads for Shape-Ups claimed that the sneakers with the rounded bottom toned muscles, improved posture, and encouraged weight loss., while reducing stress on knees and ankles (source).  

  If you purchased these shoes you are entitled to a refund via the FTC’s Website 

Besides Shape-ups, Skechers also made deceptive claims about its Resistance Runner, Toners, and Tone-ups shoes, the FTC alleged. Consumers who bought these “toning” shoes will be eligible for refunds either directly from the FTC or through a court-approved class action lawsuit, and can submit a claim here.

“Skechers’ unfounded claims went beyond stronger and more toned muscles. The company even made claims about weight loss and cardiovascular health,” said David Vladeck, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC’s message, for Skechers and other national advertisers, is to shape up your substantiation or tone down your claims (source).”

 

Why Did Skechers Lose The Lawsuit ?

• Unsupported claims on weight loss, muscle toning, strengthening using these shoes verses regular gym shoes.
• Shape ups used an endorsement from a chiropractor named Dr. Steven Gautreau, who did an independent study which was used as part of the advertisements.  However, the FTC says that the study’s claims were not verified.  To add to the drama, Dr. Gautreau is married to a Skechers marketing executive!
• Celebrity Endorsement worked against the company.  Kim Kardashian is seen ditching her trainer for a pair of Shape Ups.  Brooke Burke told consumers that newest way to burn calories, tone and add muscle was to tie their new Shape Ups shoe laces.  KA-WHaT!
• An ad that claims consumers who wear Resistance Runner shoes will increase “muscle activation” by up to 85 percent for posture-related muscles, 71 percent for one of the muscles in the buttocks, and 68 percent for calf muscles, compared to wearing regular running shoes. The FTC alleges that in citing the study that claimed to back this up, Skechers cherry-picked results and failed to substantiate its ad claims.

This could be a ripple affect.  While sketchers dominated the market in 2010 with sales of over $1 billion, there were other brands that attempted to cash in on this toning shoe movement.  Brands such as Reebok and New Balance could be next if they made similar mistakes.  If you know someone shelled out money for Skechers Shape Ups or other Skechers toning shoes, forward this fitness tip with the links below.  You can also chose to print it out and post it at work!

Adria Ali

BS, CPT, CES, PES

The wedding industry is a booming market.   The stress that goes along with the “big day” can be overwhelming.   Brides will do almost anything to lose weight so they can look stunning in their expansive gowns.  In efforts to shed the extra pounds, a new diet has emerged to help brides lose 5, 10, or even 20 pounds QUICK.  This controversial approach called the K- E Diet involves inserting a feeding tube in their nose and living off a liquid diet for up to 10 days.

How Does The K -E Diet Work?

• A feeding tube is inserted in the nose of the dieter which runs to their stomach.
• A mixture of fat and protein is dripped directly into the stomach.
• The carb free mixture boosts the body’s fat burning in a similar way to the Atkins diet.  It forces the body into Ketosis.  Ketosis is said to increase the burning of fat while storing muscle mass (this is still up for debate).
• The Feeding Tube Diet only supplies you with 800 calories per day.

Side Effects of K – E Diet 

• For one you could look like this …..

    DO you want to have to  explain why you look like a run away hospital patient???   

• Bad Breath - Due to Ketosis.   Yuck!
• Constipation – There is absolutely no fiber in this liquid diet so it doesn’t not pass through your system as fast.

Why People Do The Feeding Tube Diet 

•  The woman in the picture above was quoted as saying

“I don’t have all of the time on the planet just to focus an hour and a half a day to exercise so I came to the doctor, I saw the diet, and I said, ‘You know what? Why not? Let me try it. So I decided to go ahead and give it a shot,” she said.

“It was emotionally difficult, the 10 days of not eating,” Schnaider said. “And sometimes I had to give excuses to people who were asking are you sick? And I was like, ‘No, I’m not sick, I’m not dying, I’m fine.’

“I was tired. I didn’t feel like exercising. The doctor told me that if you can compliment with walking for a half an hour on the beach, that would be great, but I didn’t feel like doing that. I’m a very energetic person, but those days I was a little tired (source) .”

How Much Does The K E Diet Cost 

    You would think that not eating for 10 days would be cheap right!??  WRONG.  This liquid solution will cost you $1,500 dollars.  For some brides, that’s the cost of their dress and part of their wedding.  

Our personal take on this drastic diet is that it isn’t much different then doing your own liquid diet.  Your own version might even be more beneficial then this feeding tube that costs an arm and a leg, gives you bad breath, constipation, and a sickly appearance.   Fitness tips like these are meant to bring people back to reality.  Health and fitness isn’t about a size or a number on the scale.  It’s about feeling healthy and fit as well.

The new anti smoking ads by the CDC are the most graphic commercials to hit Tv.  Will the hard truth help millions  of smokers quit???

  These ads won’t JUST be on tv, they will be plastered on billboards, on the radio, magazines and newspapers.     The ad campaign known as “Tips From Former Smokers,”  gives a graphic look at people who have lost limbs, lungs, and have had tracheotomies.  In past years people have been spared the harsh facts.  This new campaign thinks that Americans need to know the truth about smoking and feels that this is the way to do it!

     54 million dollars was spent by the CDC (center for Disease Control) on this advertising campaign.  While this amount may seem outrageous, the CDC knows that it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the 27 million dollars that tobacco companies spend PER DAY to reel in new smokers and keep old smokers hooked.

     Kathleen Sebelius,  of the “La Times,” says that these ads are

“Meant to be “a wake-up call” to smokers who may not truly grasp the dangers that still exist (source).”

   This campaign will run for 12 weeks and is aimed at getting 50,000 people to give up the smoking.   That’s only a fraction of the 443,000 people that die annually from smoking related deaths.

   Let’s cross our fingers that these graphic ads create a wave of rebellion against the tobacco companies and empower people to get beyond the addiction, the brainwashing and hopelessness associated with smoking.

   I started seeing several Belvita commercials.  One was with 2 stars from “Jersey Shore” and the other was a random commercial about how these small crackers have the ability to keep you full all morning long.  For the life of me I couldn’t figure out if these were supposed to be a quick breakfast substitute or if they were aimed at helping people shed weight.

    In my quest to figure out what Belvita is,  I found this info

• They are a new breakfast cracker / biscuit 
• To stay full all morning long, you are encouraged to eat 4.
• Each serving of Belvita has 34 – 38  grams of carbs
• The packaging resembles that of an Asian Cookie – very misleading
• Belvita is a European brand that Kraft decided to bring to the U.S.
• The cracker is designed to release carbs over a 4 hour period .

According to the Box, a well rounded breakfast with Belvita Included is

1. 4 Belvita Biscuits
2. Low fat yogurt
3. a piece of fruit
4. a cup of coffee or tea

Is Belvita Good For You?

Of course this question is relative to what you’ve been eating.  If you eat 4 donuts for breakfast then Belvita is obviously a better choice.  However, for the average American, who eats cereal each day, this probably isn’t the best option.

*  Belvita breakfast contains 34-38 grams of carbohydrates (out of 100 total grams).     While these claim to be slow releasing carboydrates, anything that contains that much sugar is bound to spike your insulin levels.  Spikes of insulin = storage of body fat.  When you add in the recommended fruit and yogurt it sends it up to 64 grams of carbs.

*  Belvita contains more almost as many carbs as a cupcake and almost as much sugar!

On the package, Kraft mixes these bisquits with “healthy” food options.  Most people assume that yogurt is a good choice however, it adds to the already high carb, high sugar cracker.  Then, on top of it,  they add in fruit! By the time you are done consuming their “breakfast recommendation,”  you are well over 100 carbs.  For people trying to shed some weight this spells D I S A S T E R !

Take our advice, lean towards breakfast foods that have moderate carbs, high protien, and moderate calories. Yes, breakfast should be the largest meal of the day, but it shouldn’t send you into a sugar / carb enduced comma.  Avoid the cleaver marketing and pass this fitness tip onto your friends.

Adria Ali

BS, CPT, CES, PES

As a personal trainer, I was ecstatic when the bodybugg calorie counting device first came on the scene.  It’s been almost a decade now and large companies are now investing their money in creating their own.  I have seen these devices work first hand.  Heck, I’m even wearing mine as I write this article!

Are Calorie Counting Devices Worth Your Money?

YES, yes, and yes!  They may not match your attire, but they will make you thin if you use them along with a calorie tracking system!  When they first came on the market I was worried that they would put many personal trainers out of business.  Lucky for me, people need others to keep them motivated!

Don’t be fooled, these devices aren’t just for losing weight.  They have also helped many of my clients gain muscle.  For those of you who have extremely high metabolisms, this device will help you gauge how many calories you are burning.  Once you know that number, you can tailor your calorie intake to gain muscle.  Next, workout like the hulk and you’ll be on your way to a ripped physique!

A Look At The Biggest Calorie Counting Devices On The Market

BodyBugg 

Check out the bodybugg® systemOne the most recognized brands in Health and Fitness Tracking, the bodybugg calorie management system is a proven solution in weight loss management. The bodybugg system works by keeping an accurate daily record of calories consumed vs. burned making it easier to stay informed, make decisions and more effectively manage your weight.

What does it do?The bodybugg system includes sleek wearable devices that are complemented by a user-friendly web based program. Plus, with the bodybuggSP™ system, you can get real-time access to your daily activity through your smartphone* (Android™ and iPhone).

Additional benefits & features• Uses specialized sensors to track calories burned
• Manages calories consumed via a web based program (FREE for 6 months with initial purchase)
• Tracks your steps with a built-in pedometer
• PC and Mac compatible
• Runs on a rechargeable battery

The Bodybugg Sells for $139.00, without the digital display (watch).  However, I suggest buying the bundle package. ($188.00)  The watch is what makes this piece of equipment so great!   It comes with a 6 month online member ship.  After that is finished, it’s roughly $12.00 per month (if you pay monthly).

Jillian Michaels Body 360 Weight Loss Navigator 

Look Familiar???  That’s because this is the same company that produces the Bodybugg!  Body media is reaching all the fitness platforms to sell their product.

The BodyMedia FIT Armband automatically tracks the calories burned during your daily activities and monitors the quality of your sleep, an important factor in weight loss. The information tracked can easily be managed with the *online Activity Manager. Add in the easy-to-use food log and you have the information you need to improve your weight loss.

My 360° Weight Loss Navigator program is the ULTIMATE weight-loss system. The program is a total wellness solution designed to get you in the best shape of your life! My tough-as-nails approach combined with BodyMedia FIT technology will give you everything you need to lose weight and keep it off. 

Armband requires active subscription–$6/ week billed quarterly. Purchase includes 30 days FREE. 

Price:  $ 179.99

* Keep in mind that the bodybugg comes with 6 months free online.  It also comes with a watch for $8.00 more then the price of the 360.  Love you Jillian but if we are looking to make the most out of our money then we’ll opt for the other version.  

Get The Biggest Loser® SLIMCOACH™ — the same system used by the trainers and contestants on NBC’s hit show The Biggest Loser®. Like the contestants, your daily goal is to turn the Health Circle red to green. With a simple touch, it shows where you are and where you need to be. The SLIMCOACH™ helps to put you on the right track and keep you there to reach your goals.

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Senses, tracks, and analyzes your movements in real time
  To help you reach your fitness goals. Monitors your caloric balance to help you make good decisions.
• Personal online dashboard
  Helps track your progress.
• Provides real-time feedback
  With the push of a button — like having a Biggest Loser® trainer at your side all day long.
• 1-year membership to the MYTRAK® online system
  Includes the MYTRAK online health community, interactive graphs displaying your progress, a dynamic lifestyle rating system and daily status of steps taken and distance traveled.
• Also includes daily calories burned vs. daily target summaries, monthly energy expenditure, predicted health benefit and heart activity summaries, an interactive goal summary and prediction page and access to a nutrition planning and monitoring system
• Syncs with coded Polar WearLink heart rate monitor
  To monitor activities such as yoga, swimming, cycling and more (heart rate monitor not included). Your favorite activities are used to calculate the time required to go green.
• Clips to your side or pocket
  For easy access.
• USB cable
  Allows a simple connection to your PC or Mac (source).

The Slim Coach Costs 129.99.  It also comes with a full year of the online tracking system.

So what makes the slim coach different from the other products?  Unlike the bodybugg and Jillian Michaels 360 (body media), it can track your heart rate (with a HR strap), it speaks to you, you don’t need to wear it on your arm.  There is no need for a watch, you can get all your info from this compact “iphone looking” device.  

• Whole Body Energy Analysis
• Movement Intensity Analysis
• Movement Type Analysis
• Movement Duration Analysis
• Heart Activity vs.
  Body Motion Analysis

Listed above are the things that the Slim Coach takes into account to track your calories burned.  In comparison to the bodybugg, I didn’t see anything that tracks the heat of your body.  That was how the bugg was so accurate.  I have my doubts about this device only because I am not clear on how it comes up with it’s numbers.  Is it enough to use hear rate, and an activity sensors?

Nike Plus Fuel Band 

This stylish bracelet may have the market cornered based souly on design.

How Nike Fuel Band Works

*Tracks Calories Burned

*Tracks Steps

*Has an app to view progress and calories

*Tracking device online for calorie intake

Using this band you will be able to set your daily goal and it keeps track. Once you reach that goal the calorie bar turns green. This band connects with your computer via USB port or Syncs over WIFI. If you use the App which seems to be for iOS you get more details and they say it’s  good motivator.

It costs 149$ and Pre-orders available in limited sizes and quantities from 1/19 to 2/19.  Arrives in-home on launch day, Feb 22 (source).

   All in all after researching all of these devices, I’m still sticking with my Bodybugg.  It may not be the most stylish but it appears to be the most accurate.  If I purchase these other devices later, I will be sure to write a personalized review on my findings!  If you know others that are interested in calorie tracking devices, be sure to share this fitness tip / article with them!

Adria Ali

    Many people at the gym depend heavily on their cardio machines to tell them when they have burned enough calories to hit the locker rooms.  I’d say about 40%  of the people that use the wide variety of cardio machines depend on calories, not time, to give them permission to hop off.

Of course, as trainers we have  already been telling our clients that the machines aren’t the most accurate. Instead, we would suggest using a bodybugg to measure their REAL calorie expenditure.  Once they did, they understood the importance of having one!

Another important point is … the longer you do a particular type of cardio, the less amount of calories you burn!  It’s human nature to adapt, improve and conserve energy.  Therefore your body will find the best way to do an activity without burning up it’s precious fuel.  That’s why you must consistently change the intensity, the type, or the time of your cardio to continually lose.

The Experiment 

GMA technology contributor Becky Worley used the VO2 test on a treadmill, stationary bike, stair climber, elliptical machine and fitness watches. She used each for five minutes and, in each case, according to the VO2 test, the number of calories burned was overestimated.

On average, the machines overestimated by 19 percent and the watches overestimated by 28 percent.

Here’s the breakdown:

Treadmill: Overestimated calories burnt by 13 percent.

Stationary Bike: Overestimated calories burnt by 7 percent.

Stair Climber: Overestimated calories burnt by 12 percent.

Elliptical: overestimated calories burnt by 42 percent.

Are you shocked???  Human error can also really mess up the machines analysis.  Your age, height and weight must be as accurate as possible to get a true reading.  So if you are exercising next to some hot guy / girl and you deduct 20 pounds off of your weight (scared that they will see your real numbers),  you’ll be staying on that elliptical a bit longer

What Do The Manufacturers Have To Say?

According to the makers, calorie counting software doesn’t adjust to machine wear and tear. Also, machine resistance can change overtime, which skews the calculation. And none of the machines can calculate a user’s metabolism rate, health history and fitness level, all of which affect calorie counters.

 

The Answer :  My personal favorite is a calorie counting device called the bodybugg.  I use this with the digital display to see how many calories I’m really burning.

If you don’t have the money to buy extra equipment, the machine manufacturers recommend entering a slightly lower weight.  This will compensate for some of the overestimation.

If you know a hard core gym bunny, then don’t forget to forward this on!  This fitness tip should not be missed!!!

Adria Ali

BS, PES, CES, CPT

Some chicken could have small amounts of harmful  arsenic. The Food and Drug

 Administration says somechicken meat may contain small amounts of arsenic, though

 the agency is stressing that the amount is too low to be dangerous.

The FDA said Wednesday that a new study developed by the agency shows that an

ingredient in chicken feed contains arsenic, called Roxarsone, may make its way

 into parts of the bird that are eaten.  Previous studies have indicated that the

arsenic was eliminated with chicken waste.

Pfizer Inc., which makes the feed ingredient, said Wednesday that it will pull it off

 the market in the United States.  FDA said it would be banned because it is a carcinogen.

Pfizer said in a statement that its subsidiary, Alpharma LLC, is suspending sales next

 month in response to the FDA findings.  The company said it is not withdrawing the

 ingredient immediately so producers have time to transition their birds off the drug.

Many poultry producers have recently stopped feeding their birds the ingredient, which

 was used to kill parasites and promote growth.  The FDA's deputy commissioner for foods,

 said the study raised "concerns of a very low but completely avoidable exposure to a

 carcinogen.

In a study of 100 chickens, the FDA found that chickens that had eaten the Roxarsone

 had higher levels of inorganic arsenic — as opposed to organic arsenic, which is

naturally occurring — in their livers than chickens which had not eaten the Roxarsone.

Inorganic arsenic is more toxic than the naturally occurring form.

Roxarsone has long been a concern for environmental groups worried about its presence

 in chicken waste and the resulting effects on human health in areas with high

chicken production.

Eeek!  I know that there is always a certain amount of chemicals in the food you eat but

 this one is a bit on the scary side.  The worst part is, the arsenic isn't the one we

were brought up eating.  It's a new more poisonous source.   Make sure you fill your

friends and family in on these fitness tips using facebook, twitter, and email!

Adria

I couldn’t believe what I was reading….. a  RECALL ON TAMPONS!  According to a tweet by “Women’s Health,” and an article done by “Consumer Reports.”  Kotex tampons has issued a recall on one of their newest items.

Two specific lots of Kotex tampons were infected with a bacterium, Enterobacter sakazakii, which is a bug  that causes vaginal infections and other health risks.

The recall is limited to two specific lots of Kotex Natural Balance Security Unscented Tampons Regular Absorbency manufactured by Kimberly-Clark. According to the FDA, both the 18 count and the 36 count packages contain tampons that were made with raw materials contaminated with Enterobacter sakazakii, a bug that may cause vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory diseases or other health issues.

 

To date, there have been no reported illnesses.  However, the FDA warns that this bacterium could pose potential hazards for women who already have compromised immune systems or preexisting illnesses.

Below are the lot numbers that have been affected.  They were distributed to stores from October 29 – November 2, 2011.

The FDA says Kimberly-Clark has already contacted the specific retailers—Walmart stores in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas; Fry’s stores in Arizona; and Smith’s stores in Utah and Arizona—to remove the tainted tampons from their shelves.

Still, the FDA advises consumers to be cautious and check if they recently bought the Kotex tampons. The affected tampons’ SKU are the last five digits on the packages’ bar codes. The recalled tampons can also be further identified by specific lot numbers, printed in a red box on the bottom of the package.

 

   Women should discontinue the use of these tampons immediately and contact a doctor if they are having fevers, unusual discharge, rash, vomiting, and abdominal pains.

Consumers with the recalled Kotex Natural Balance Security Unscented Tampons should immediately discontinue use of the product and contact Kimberly-Clark’s toll-free Consumer Services Division (800-335-6839) to make arrangements for safe disposal of the recalled tampons.

Adria

Kelly Rippa and Dana Carvey Do The Boing Workout (FitCeleb)

Mariah Carey Drops 70lbs On Jenny Craig (FitCeleb)

The 4 Truths About Diet That You Should Know (DailySpark) 

Fighting Dry, Flaky Skin?  Here’s How To Choose The Right Moisturizer Over They Cold Months (WebMD)

Fight Winter Weight Gain By Creating A “Go To Snack Station” In Your Kitchen (FitSugar)

It’s that time again, the sun hides and you layer.   With the layering comes potential weight gain as the world gets a little lax with their exercise and diet routines.  Halloween is on the horizon and it could be time to break out that potential risque costume.  To keep you lean during the candy season we are arming you with all the proper tools!   Here’s a list of the most popular Halloween candy nutrition facts to ward off the potential fat.

CHOCOLATE CANDY NUTRITION FACTS 

Butterfinger (fun size)

Calories:  83

Fat:  4 g

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup 

Calories:  110

Fat:  4.5

Twix (1 stick)

Calories:  120

Fat: 3

Snickers (fun size)

Calories:  72

Fat:  3.7

Nestle’s Crunch 

Calories:  51.3

Fat:   2.7

Hershey’s Bar (Plain)

Calories:  66.7

Fat:   4

Raisinets 

Calories:  63

Fat:  2.4

Junior Mints 

Calories:  80

Fat:  1

Peppermint Patty

Calories:  47

Fat:   1

OTHER CANDY WITHOUT CHOCOLATE 

Twizzlers: (fun size)

Calories:  43

Fat: 3

Starburst

Calories: 60

Fat:  0.8

Skittles 

Calories:  80

Fat:   .8 grams

Candy Corn (15 gram pouch)

Calories:  50

Fat:  0

Tootsie Pop

Calories:  60

Fat:  0

Tootsie Rolls  (6 pieces)

Calories : 140

Fat:  0

    The Best and the Worst Minis

BEST 

WORST 

      So now that you have seen all the best and worst Halloween candy choices, will you be making other choices this season??

Adria