FitnessMash

Calorie Shaper vs. The Shake Weight

In case you missed Alwyn Cosgrove‘s Facebook post last week, check out this ridiculous commercial for a new Japanese underwear that claims to increase caloric burn:

Apparently, the stiff coating of the Calorie Shaper makes it magically burn more calories as you move… The Japanese version of toning shoes, I suppose.

While we’re on the topic of ridiculous things fitness, also check out THIS STUDY on the Shake Weight.

In short, the Shake Weight exercises elicited more EMG activity in the biceps, triceps, shoulders and chest than traditional dumbbell exercises using the same weight (2.5 lbs. for women and 5 lbs. for men).

But the bigger question is, who the heck only uses 2.5 or 5 lbs. to train those muscles?! Tracy Anderson, maybe…

Personally, I like Chris McGrath‘s conclusion:

“As if we really needed a study. But it’s good to provide something beyond common sense evidence regarding a pointless product.

Bottom line: Shake anything that is light (2.5-5 lbs.) vigorously and you will exert more energy than if you lifted the same weight with ‘traditional training’ (i.e., 12-15 reps). But for what function? What purpose?

Maybe we don’t need to apply a specific functional purpose for all exercises. But just maybe there is a purpose in not practicing something that is utterly ridiculous.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Filed under: fitness commentary