Finally ACE, American Council on Exercise, a non-profit organization called the "work-out watchdog", hosts a study to find out!  I have written on this subject before, and yes, I own:
Springboost shoes, Sketcher Shape-ups, Fit Flops and Sketchers Tone-Ups. Why? Like most women, I figured it all helps in the long run! Now, I NEVER purchased thinking they would replace exercise - if you think that, I have a bridge to sell you.  When I was away for the month of July EVERY store I went into were selling these shoes off the racks - I saw TONS of these sold across the USA!
 
ACE enlisted a team of exercise scientists from the Exercise and Health Program at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, to study each of the shoes.
 
Here are the claims from the manufacturers, taken from the ACE article:
MBT: Masai Barefoot Technology - $245  
http://us.mbt.com
"Helping solve knee and back problems, relieve tension in the neck, ease joint pains-and more or less in passing help to tone and shape firm buttocks and thighs. And burning more calories when standing and slow running compared to ordinary shoes."

Skechers Shape-Ups - $110-$125
www.skechers.com
"Four clinical studies in the U.S. and Japan show that Shape-ups increase muscle activity and energy consumption over standard fitness shoes!"

Reebok EasyTone
$100-$125 www.reebok.com
"It's the shoe proven to work your hamstrings and calves up to 11 percent harder. And tones your butt up to 28 percent more than regular sneakers just by walking."
 
All the shoes have an unstable sole design, in which the purchaser must find her balance in wearing the shoes, which would make the wearer "believe" the claims above. The shoes do take some getting use to wearing!
 
However, according to ACE, All of the claims above are NOT peer reviewed. For this reason, ACE's Chief Science Officer Cedric Bryant Ph.D., urges consumers to beware. 
 
A quick summation
ACE:  The Results across the board, none of the toning shoes showed statistically significant increases in either exercise response or muscle activation during any of the treadmill trials. There is simply no evidence to support the claims that these shoes will help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone
 
Go out and pick a pair of "regular" running, walking or training shoes that fit well and make you happy! Save your money!
Go to:
www.acefitness.org to review the complete study.

In good health,
Jennifer Ettinger, MA., CPT
xoxoxo
 
Burn, Baby Burn! 07/13/2010
 
Are you ready to burn up to 9x more fat & calories than traditional cardio? Chalene Johnson's new intense cardio conditioning workout is here! Featuring 12 workout classes, it'll have you sweating to the hottest music and moves. It's the best trainer, the best music, the best workouts, and the best spot in class. 
Did you know 4 minutes of the Turbofire® HITT principle equals 30 minutes on a treadmill or bike! Yes, it does!
Jennifer Ettinger is an EXCLUSIVE COACH for Beachbody®!

Add these foods to your summer entrees and fuel up your metabolism and aid in weight loss!
 
Broccoli - A weight loss superfood that contains phytochemicals to protect against disease and boost your immune system.
 
Fruit! Berries, Apples all help cut down your cravings for sweets - A great source of fiber.  Fruit balances the body and has great detox and fat burning properties!  
 
Green tea - boosts the metabolism and can aid in weight loss
 
Hot Peppers - speeds up the metabolism and conquers cravings.  The secret is the chemical capsaicin.
 
Lean Turkey - switch your chicken habit for some turkey! Great protein source to help you lose fat, boost metabolism and build lean muscle!
 
Oatmeal - cholesterol fighting, chock full of fiber, keeps you full and gives you tons of energy.  Try steel oats (hint - I cook mine overnight in a crock pot ready for me first thing in the morning - delicious!
 
Water - ice, ice baby - drink it cold this summer season. It will keep you feeling full, flush out toxins and give your skin a goddess glow.
Water with lemon - helps activate the burning of the fat for it is a bile thinner!
 
Whey protein -quickly digested and put into use by the body.  A natural fat burner and helps keep insulin levels stable.
 
In good health,
Jennifer Ettinger, MA., CPT
xoxoxo
 
 
It is a lifestyle, not a product that leads to your success.  I see so many women "sit in the chair" at my studio and go from one product to another, seeking the quick fast fix to make them feel better.  I wish I could wave my 'goddess wand" and help them "see" it ALL beings in the mind and NO product will change their life!  We do have products we believe in, which aid the process, but it must begin in the mind.
Believe you are worthy, believe in stepping stones towards your goals, love and honor the process.  Please remember, we are here for you. I invite you to take advantage of our free consultation, to bring your journey towards body confidence!
 
Beauty Boosting For Your Skin
Your skin is the largest organ on the body. It weighs about 6-9 pounds and covers an average of 2 square yards!  As women, we have become focused on the "aesthetics" of the skin but our beauty goes much deeper. We inject, tuck, micro sculpt, peel and so much more.  Advertisers have engrained in us this is all necessary for the love of "beauty."
 
To keep your skin "beautiful" it takes more than cleansed skin and out of sun skin. Let us dig a bit deeper...
 
True Beauty is connected to your relationship with food intake and skin care
Seek out antioxidants rich foods such as vitamins C & E, which reduce free radical damage which causes aging, and disease.

Organic red pepper has 6 times more antioxidants than oranges!  Broccoli, citrus fruits, mango and berries are your best choices.
Foods High in Vit E: almonds, sunflower seeds
Vit B is out "foundation" of our skin, hair and nails. Choose Turkey, legumes, and bananas.
Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach all help to repair skin with Vitamin A. 
Healthy skin IS linked to a healthy diet!

Choose water, antioxidants and omega 3's to decrease inflammation.
 
In good health,
Jennifer Ettinger, MA., CPT
xoxoxo
 
 
Every magazine you open, talks about the 'celebrity" secrets to a "perfect body. Many of these strategies are unsafe and unsound.  My goal is to provide you with education and awareness on making the right and healthy choice should you choose to cleanse or detox.
 
Healthy Cleanse 
Healthy Detox
One should never go below 900 - 1200 calories (reality)
The cleanse should be Nutrient dense, not unsafe low calories.
Duration: 3 to 5 days (tolerable)
Light to moderate exercise to maintain muscle mass.

Unhealthy Cleanse Unhealthy Detox 
The Master Cleanse - 0 to very few calories,
ZERO Nutrients *** dangerous to your health!
Your body needs cellular nutrition to feed and repair itself.
7 to 30 days: Pure torture and only temporary weight loss.
Not exercise if you are not having any nutrients - you will begin to lose muscle mass.
 
MUSCLE burns FAT!
 
There are healthy options for you to effectively and safely provide cellular nutrition, improve insulin resistance and mental clarity. The by product of this healthy choice is weight loss as well.
 
Chatterbox
The bestway to assess how many calories per day you eat is by keeping track. By being HONEST with your self, writing it down will allow you be become aware of the foods you are eating, craving and how often.  It can even detect  the emotional cycle you may have with certain foods.
 
Something to think about...
Only 22% of adults engage in regular, sustained physical activity for at least 30 minutes five times a week, and only 15 percent exercise both regularly and vigorously.
No matter how poor your current level of fitness, you CAN start an exercise routine to become fitter and healthier!
90 plus year old women (my grandmother) who have used walkers have shown the benefits from light strength training.
 
Fad Diets/Low Diets:
I will discourage you to follow any low calorie (less than 800 calories)  Diets as they can be dangerous  and impede weight loss!  It is IMPOSSIBLE to lose 10 pounds in ten days! What is lost is water, important muscle tissue, with only a small percentage of the weight loss coming from fat. Fad diets also do not touch on the BEHAVIORS and EMOTIONAL ties associated with eating and never help establish better eating habits.
 
FASTING:
This is not recommended for the body can go into ketosis (a condition characterized by an abnormally elevated level of ketones in the body fluids and tissues) and encourages the loss of minerals and lean body tissue. Water and muscles are lost very quickly and the "weight loss" that goes with them may make the user feel encouraged to continue, which in reality, they are losing health and energy while the metabolism slows down.
 
So, when looking to "detox" choose a sound company, with high credentials, and one that is an advocate of cellular nutrition.  Be smart when making your decision to cleanse!  For our recommended favorite finds, go to www.fityourstyle.com. Or take advantage of our free consultation where we can guide you with making the best selection for your goals and lifestyles.
Check out our recommended 5 Day Cleanse.

In good health,
Jennifer Ettinger, MA., CPT
xoxoxo
 
 
Spring is here! Yippee! The sun feels so good! No more multi-layers of heavy fabrics! Tanks & short season - here we come!
Are you ready for spring body confidence? Here are some ways to build that esteem in your health & fitness routine!
1)  Ditch the old running shoes! It is time for a new pair! Old shoes can aid to injury. Write the date of purchase on the show box and replace based on your mileage.  When you walk or run 10 miles per week, replace your shoes every year. 15 miles, every 8 months, 20 miles, every 6 months, 30 miles, every 4 months.

2)  Ditch the old cotton work out clothes and invest in some new anti-wick fabrics!
You will feel more "body beautiful" when you are not wearing old faded cotton that can trap sweat!  Instead choose an energy color you love in a fabric that will leave you smelling sweet!
 
3)  Invest in a good pedometer. A study form the British Journal of sport medicine show the cheap freebies you have received, do not keep an accurate reading. Spend around  20 25 dollars for a good one!

4)  Get rid of the baby weights! MUSCLE BURNS FAT! Use heavier weights that challenge you. Your body can adapt quickly so if you do not increase, you will plateau. Lift as much as you can as long as it is not painful!

5)  Drink your water! Ditch the sipping routine! Drink 4 to 6 ounces every 15 minutes of exercise! Sweating a portion of your body weight during a workout will weaken your workout by making you tired.
 
6)  Ditch the idea "more is better" Consistency is key! You will not burn out and will be more apt to sticking to your routine!
 
7)  Donate the clothes you have been hanging on too, that do not fit! Change someone else's life by giving to a charity. Keep one piece as a "motivator' and get moving that body! 
 
8)  Reset Challenge!  Here is a great way to Spring Clean your life!  See body on the right for details. 
 

In good health,
Jennifer Ettinger, MA., CPT
xoxoxo
 
 
Spring 2010 Palette
Get your glam on with Fit Your Style Spring 2010    
Spring 2010 Color Collection
 Palette includes 16 shadows, 2 blushes and 4 LipToxyl® Rouges.    $60.00 - pre-order yours at our store!   

Picture
Nude Crush
For the incurable romantic
Fashion File:
Plunged necklines Lace cutouts equates to peek a boo chic
Wrinkled fabrics with a "lived in" feel
Lattice shoes paired with short flippy skirts
Retro "security chic" in see through sheers   Techno fabrics of matte fabrics and a hint of elegance exposed

 
 
Aphrodite
Aphrodite
body
1.  Slow it down - we are always in a rush. Do you hear yourself "hurry up, gotta go!"? Take a deep breath and be in the NOW!

2.  Wrap yourself in a fluffy robe and plush slippers. Give yourself a spa day. Try Himalayan Bath Salts. They are amazing for a natural detox.
Fit Tip:  Did you know that Himalayan Bath Salts in a solution of 1 - 8% salt has a cleansing effect equivalent to a 3 day fast! 

3.  Crank up the music and dance in the dark.  Pick girl power music!  Find you inner goddess and don't be shy.  Work and whip your hair around like a superstar. Enjoy it for as long as you can. Embrace your feminine presence!


beauty
4.  Cashmere is on sale - indulge in a new piece - it never goes out of style!
Fit Tip: Take care of your new cashmere with rosemary sprigs.  Place them around your clothes or create a  sprig and tie a lovely ribbon around for extra beauty!

5.  Pay attention to the details. Clean up your shoes & purses. The reality is, people do judge a book by it's cover - be ready. 
 
mind & spirit
6.  When was the last time you snuck out during the DAY to see a chick flick?  Just you alone!  Grab your Healthy Chocolate for a snack and settle in for the afternoon in the comfy theater seats! 7.  Can't find the time? Rent the classic "Roman Holiday" with Audrey Hepburn.  Pour a glass of Italian wine and enjoy!  She plays a princess who escapes for a day of "ordinary life'.  You will not only be entertained but you will learn princess (goddess) etiquette too.
 
8.  I am sorry - give it up! Forgive yourself for what ever is beating you up: weight gain, gossiping. Release the past shortcomings and move ahead!
 
9. Speak up - honor your true feelings to others, it will release so much stress. Refuse to accept anything but the BEST your life can offer!
 
10.   Museum stroll - nothing can be as serene or calming as strolling your local museum. Take your time and breathe in and feel the century of the work; the clothing,
the styles and ambiance, the genre of the work, and the awe of the beauty.
 
In good health,
Jennifer Ettinger, MA., CPT

 
Happy Solutions 01/25/2010
 
Picture
Those of you who are avid readers, know I believe in Solutions vs. Resolutions.
We have offered our solutions programs for several years now!
What is the difference you ask?
Solution is an answer to a challenge.
Resolution is a declaration of a statement.
 
Although it is GREAT to send out your message i.e., "I AM going to lose weight", it is important to do more than that to get the job done!  The NY times has reported most resolutions cease by the end January. Why? Because resolutions create way too much pressure and we cave in.  I see so many women come through my studio or at events that have the interest to change but they stop there.
 
Let us look at the word interest - A sense of concern of curiosity about something.
YOU NEED MORE THAN INTEREST or RESOLUTIONS TO SUCCEED!!

 
 
Thanks again to Carissa Reiniger, Silver Lining, Mike Realba, PINK Magazine, Healthy Girl and Petite Fashionista, for giving me the opportunity to spend the day “job shadowing” CEO and co-founder, Cynthia Good!

Open the large foyer doors of PINK Magazine and another world awaits you. A sunny yellow wall welcomes visitors with the words “Bright House” (Cynthia’s husband, Joey Reiman’s, world known “ideation”corporation). Complimenting the wall is that of a bright pink wall with the letters PINK. The continental-style furniture is upholstered in a cheery floral pattern and in the center of it all, sits Ashley, who radiates the décor’s sunny disposition.
 
 
Picture
Building a wardrobe can be an overwhelming experience. Where do you need to invest your dollars and where can you “skimp?”  Every woman needs to have a good quality suit. This will be the “core” of her collection. Plan to spend in the realm of $300-500, depending on the designer chosen and fabric of suit.  We will then “build” onto this “core piece.” A simple pant in a neutral color will add versatility to the suit jacket, along with adding several button-down shirts, “separate’s”, simple sweaters and sweater sets, will make your wardrobe go a long way! Think neutral which never goes out of season and white is a must have!
Finally, investing in a quality black leather purse and shoes, can last a lifetime, with proper leather care. Studies show that people notice your shoes and purse, after your smile! 
Trendy season pieces can be purchased at an inexpensive price, for these items are not warranted for long term wearing. Always ask your self “How many times will I wear the item I am about to purchase and what do I have in my closet which will compliment this piece?” If the answer is “I will wear it very little and have nothing to wear with it” – pass it up!

Remember, classics never go out of style! Happy Shopping!