Tone-Ups Bootcamp

About a month ago I was lucky enough to receive an invite to a free bootcamp hosted by Skechers and Cardio-to-Go here in Toronto. I am always excited to try a new class so it was icing on the cake that I would also be receiving a pair of Tone-Ups at the event.

Free fitness class and free swag?? Umm...hell yeah!!

I arrived for the class unsure of what to expect so you can imagine my delight when I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to find Angela from Eat, Spin, Run, Repeat. Yay, a friendly face!! We chatted as we waited for the class to start and it was really great to see her again.

I forgot my DSLR at home so please excuse the poor quality. Blogger fail!

We also picked up our new shoes. Cute huh? They feel very different when you first put them on; super comfortable but "springy". I felt a bit like Tigger as I bounced walked around.

The class itself got under way and were put through a series of basic exercises that are said to be made more efficient with the Tone-Ups on because they force you to find your centre of gravity and reinforce the use of the heel. At first it was a little odd to have the sole of the shoe feel unstable but I adjusted fairly quickly and was able to get through the drill with relative ease.

I say relative because my legs are going to kill me tomorrow! In total we did over 100 lunges and squats as well as push ups and plank exercises. It didn't feel tough during the class but I already felt soreness in my quads as I climbed stairs during my commute home.

Overall I had a good time at the class and was glad to get a chance to test out a new product. Because the shoes are mine to keep (score!) I will probably use them for similar workouts (ie: Tabata) in the future.

Another possible side effect (although most likely just my bottomless pit of a stomach) was my raging appetite post-workout. I got home and quickly threw together the biggest salad I could in fear that if I didn't ingest something soon I'd start gnawing on the shoebox in my bag!!

Spinach, feta, tomatoes, red peppers, chick peas and poppy seed dressing? Totally hit the spot!

My thoughts on "toning" shoes

I believe that while there may be sound logic behind the structure of the shoe enhancing your muscle building ability during certain activities I also believe that people need to understand that there is no "get fit quick" solution out there. Whether its special shoes or pants, a fancy new gadget or an iPhone app., the bottom line is you have to do the work to see the results. The shoes aren't going to exercise, strength train and burn calories for you. If these shoes are motivation to get up and move then that is awesome! And if they increase burn by even 1%, well that's just icing on the cake (although, if we're being honest here, cake should be limited if you want to see those results in the first place)

FYI: The Tone-Ups are available in stores now and if  you want more information feel free to browse their website.

So tell me, have you ever tried "toning" shoes? What was the last thing you got for free?


Note: While I received the free sneakers for attending the class I have received no further compensation for reviewing this product. The opinions expressed in this post are my own based on my limited experience with the product.

Dress Those Curves!!

I am a firm believer that you should dress for the job that you want, not the job you have. In other words, in a sea of hoodies and khaki pants a chic pant suit is going to get you noticed by the lady down the hall who also happens to be wearing one and has a corner office and the letter VP following her name on her business card.

On the same token I am a believer that you should dress for the body that you have not the body you want/are trying to get/that Giselle Bundchen has.



Umm, no offense but go away now!



























Don't get me wrong, confidence is hella important and don't let me stop you if wearing a one piece denim jumpsuit (a la Deena on Jersey Shore "Denim, denim, denim"....click here if you have no idea what the heck I'm talking about) if that makes you feel good. I also think beauty and sexiness comes in all shapes and sizes. I am also down right convinced a lot of women could boost their self esteem by simply dressing in a more figure flattering way without needing to lose a single pound! I mean really, who hasn't caught a glimpse of their reflection in a window on a day that they were wearing a great outfit and thought, "damn who is that hottie?!".

So here's where I come in. I am going to share a few of my tips for dressing your bottylisciousness (its a word..Google it if you don't believe me!) in a way that is stylish, sexy and comfortable, because no one, and I mean no one, looks good squirming in and tugging at their clothes all day.

What makes me an expert you ask? I dress a big ol' booty every day and like to think that I have lot of experience with what makes me feel (and hopefully look) my best.

Let's get this party started shall we?


Denim (denim, denim...I couldn't resist!)

Do: Trouser cut or bootleg

Creates a long & lean line from hip to toe.

Lengthens the look of the leg

Great for balancing out fuller hips and thighs.

Don't: Skinny Jeans or "Jeggings"

Draws attention to the width of the hips and thighs

Shortens the look of the leg

I know, I know, the title of the blog includes Skinny Jeans! And I'm not telling you NOT to wear them. But if you are in the mood for the most figure flattering denim option they might not be your number one choice. Just sayin'

Skirts

Do: Pencil cut

Creates a long and lean line from the waist down

Accentuates a smaller waist, creating an hour glass shape

Don't: Ruffled skirt

Adds bulk to the hips and butt

Draws the eye across the body (as opposed to down) which makes hips appear wider

Shirts

Do: Belted (or darted) blouse

Accentuates the smallest part of the waist

Lengthens appearance of torso by falling on the hips

Draws attention up to the mid-body and face (especially if paired with neutral bottoms)

Don't: Baby Doll or Empire Waisted Shirts

Lacks definition to the natural waist (widening effect)

Extra fabric can add unwanted bulk

I am unabashedly against the baby doll style on a body like mine. Bottom line: A full chest and a baby doll shirt will get you "are you pregnant" looks all damn day!

Dresses

Do: The Classic Little Black dress

A-line balances out hips and thighs

Higher waist creates hourglass look

Detailed neckline draws attention up and to the neck and face

Black is slimming

Don't: The Bubble Dress

No definition in the waist

Adds width to hips due to lack of contrast

Bunched fabric on the bottom add bulk to thighs

Another big no for me. A larger chest will also cause the dress to hang even more loosely and have folks wondering when you are due to pop that lil' one out!

Shoes

Do: Nude pumps

Colour makes the leg appear longer

Draws attention up to the body and face

Heel makes the calves and thigh appear more defined

Creates height and lengthens the whole body

Don't: Tie up sandals

Draws attention to leg and ankle area

Shortens look of leg

Miss Kardashian is only 5'2 and looks way tall because of the shoes don't you think? And if you don't trust me, that girl has some experience dressing a serious behind!

So there you have it... A few suggestions to go from feeling so-so to sassy with a few minor adjustments to your wardrobe.

And I will say, I do wear skinny jeans from time to time but if I am looking for a confidence boost its a chic little black dress or a pair of trousers for the win!!

So tell me, whats your best style advice?