Is the Biggest Loser a scam? Could this hit TV drama (oops, I meant weight loss documentary) be scandalous?  Maybe just a tiny bit?  Is it possible that the extreme fat loss results portrayed each week really weren’t as impressive as they seemed?

Gee, ya think?

For those of you who thought the miraculous, jaw-dropping averages (of fat loss) that most contestants were hitting each week, was actually doable…think again.

Oh, and the Tooth Fairy didn’t come and leave you money in exchange for your teeth when you were younger, either…after all, Tooth Fairies would have no need for money.

They carry a wand and fly for crying out loud (it was probably your parents who left the money after the Tooth Fairy had swooped in and grabbed your baby chompers).  Duh…

Sorry, where was I?  Oh yeah, the Biggest Loser and how Jillian and Bob freakin’ rock…

Seriously, I know most trainers and fitness pros hate these two ‘celebrities,’ but c’mon…you’re telling me you wouldn’t take that kind of money and fame to go jump on peoples’ backs and yell in their face?  Sure you would.

It’s the show that irritates me.  Because it confuses the hell outta the average person looking to drop some pounds (or kilos, depending on which side of the pool you’re on).  Let’s face it, our society is pretty damn gullible and if they see contestants on this show losing as much as 31 lbs in 7 days (I think that was the record, but don’t quote me…I didn’t care enough to look it up)…well, you know what they’re gonna think–that they can do the same.

Then you have 200 lb guys and 150 lb girls thinking they had a bad week if they only lost 1-3 lbs.  It’s misleading as hell and it’s all done for money.  I mean, would anyone watch a single episode if it wasn’t filled with a heart-wrenching plot, tear-jerking scenes and a miraculous ending where the underdog does the unthinkable?  Hells no, we wouldn’t…

So it’s our fault.  Kidding…

The Biggest Loser producers should take a little more caution with the powerful message they’re sending out with each of the 116 seasons that have aired so far.  You can’t blame them for wanting to have great ratings and rake in the dough (who doesn’t do that?).  It’s just that they could probably achieve that without having to exaggerate contestant fat loss results.

It’s obvious to anyone in the fitness industry that the results are completely bogus.  The problem is that most people aren’t in the fitness industry and they’re easily persuaded into thinking super duper extreme weight loss results should resemble what they see on the ‘ole flat screen.

I’m not a big fan of lying to or misleading people, plus this damn show makes my job as a fat loss coach even harder…since everyone has this perception that double digit loses indicate a ‘good week’ of dieting.

The reality is that extreme fat loss in the real world is a lot less spectacular.  Before I forget that the original point of this post was to put in a video of one of the former Biggest Loser contestants totally ripping apart the validity of the show, let’s roll that tape:

Hey, I’m all for pushing yourself hard and trying to outdo the safe industry standard of 1-2 lbs per week (yawn).  It’s just that if we’re talking pure fat loss (and not loses in lean muscle mass or water weight), it’s nearly impossible to achieve much more than this.  I thought this was a good video to give people a reality check about the artificial results portrayed on the Biggest Loser.

Plus, this chick has some balls to go public and spit the truth like that.  Can you imagine the look on the faces of any big wigs over at NBC when they saw this interview?  I’m sure they’ll slap a lawsuit on her so fast it’ll make her head spin…so props to her for voicing the truth.  At least it’ll open the eyes of some and give them a clearer vision of what’s actually possible with ‘extreme weight loss.’

What’s your take on the Biggest Loser scam? Overall, do you think the show is positive or negative for everyone at home who’s being influenced by it?  What about the characters Bob and Jillian play–yay or nay?  Side note, I think Jillian looks amazing in that picture (you go, girl).

Talk to you below.  Don’t forget to read how to get ripped without weights and carb cycling for fat loss (both killer blog posts…sorry, there goes my horn again…I’m always tooting that damn thing).

Your Coach,

Brad Campbell

Alright, I need your opinion on this–is Christina Hendricks bringing the curvy look back? What are your thoughts?  Personally, I’ve always thought that the best look for guys is to be extremely ripped with very low body fat percentage (that should be evident by the many celebrity workout posts I’ve done).

But for women, I’ve always said that “toned and curvy” is the way to go.  In other words, a little body fat in the right places (you might be able to guess where those ‘places’ are…) is actually more attractive than being too lean.

One celebrity female who certainly isn’t lacking in the curves department is none other than Mad Men actress Joan Holloway (aka Mrs. Hendricks)…

Interestingly enough, Christina was chosen for the May 2010 cover of Esquire magazine, as she took the crown for best looking woman.  Her polar opposite, the much leaner Megan Fox, came in third overall.  Hmm…

Just a few years ago it seemed like all the Hollywood chicks were going for the borderline anorexic look.  Now days, the needle on the “ideal female body gauge” is tilting back towards voluptuous.

So I’m curious to get your feedback–both guys and girls…

What’s your take on Cristina Hendricks’s curvy figure? Do you think that as the obesity problem continues to spiral out of control, our outlook on what’s healthy or attractive gets shifted as well?  Do you agree with Esquire’s selection?

Leave you opinion below…don’t be shy.

Your Coach,

Brad Campbell

PS – I’ll leave you with another interesting fact:  the number of online searches relating to “how to get a curvy body” has increased substantially the past 8-12 months…interesting, huh?

Rather than reviewing the Reebok Easy Tone shoes, which would just end up being a carbon copy of my Skechers Shape Ups Review, I decided to review their marketing efforts.  More specifically, I wanted to get your input on this commercial for these supposed butt and hamstring-sculpting women’s kicks…

Reebok Easy Tone Shoes – Best Commercial Ever?

I’m not exactly sure what was said at the end of the commercial, but I’m also not sure I cared.  Whether you think this is the coolest commercial ever or unbelievably distasteful, you have to admit it grabs your attention.  I thought the commercial was a campaign for butt lifts, but turns out it was just Reebok using sneaky marketing…

I’m not sure that they’re playing this “sexy version” of the Easy Tone shoes campaign here in the U.S. – my guess is that it might be a lil too risky (we’re kinda wimpy like that).  Has anyone seen this yet?  What are your thoughts?  Love it?  Hate it?

Also, has anyone bought a pair of these Reebok Easy Tone booty-blasting shoes?  If so, notice any amazing transformations?

I’ll say one thing positive – at least they’re not as hideous looking as the Skechers version.  They have that going.

Here’s a pair that I’m digging: Reebok Women’s EasyTone Training Shoes – Black (they look a lot like some of the Nike Shox that I have, minus the pink).

Let me know what you think about that commercial and the kicks in general.

Most importantly, let’s burn some serious fat this week.  What do ya say?  Let’s all eliminate at least 2 lbs of that soft, blubbery crap from our bodies this week.  Cool?

Your Coach,

Brad Campbell

PS – New TopFatLossTrainer readers, go here:  Free Fat Loss Bonus and download your lean body secret weapons.

Hey guys and gals, just wanted to write a quick post to say thanks for all the excellent emails and feedback I’ve been getting.  I know sometimes I get buried in emails and don’t always get the chance to address each one – at least not as in-depth as I’d like to, but I DO read everything and it really is cool hearing everyone’s success stories and kind words…

In fact, here’s an email I just received the other day that I thought was pretty rad:

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

Hey Brad.

Im a college student in Florida. I play soccer and I have always wondered how to have the perfect body (between the regular bulky guy  and the skinny ripped twig) like CR9 (Cristiano Ronaldo) who is my hero and idol.

So today I started my online search on how to achieve those results and out of all the websites that i found with info about cr9 and his work out an diet, I have to admit that yours was the best one; very specific and you were not asking for any money in within 5 minutes.

Not only that, after browsing to your site; checking out all the sections and posts, I developed such a good vibe for it that within 5 minutes i couldnt help to subscribe.

Im going to begin the work out you have outlined for Ronaldo starting tomorrow with a buddy of mine, also going to complement it with a healthy diet, and some good sleep.

I want to thank you for what you have done for me in less than 1 day, your site is great, and everytime i watch your videos or read ur emails, and i get to the part where you say Your Coach, Brad; I actually feel like your my coach and that i know you and that you actually care about people, which is something that even physically at your local gym is hard to find from a personal trainer.

Once again, Thank you for giving me all the tools to become what i want.

Hope we can keep in touch through the site.

Your Student,

Christian (FL)

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

That’s what it’s all about right there – Christian hit the nail on the head…I really am here to help and I actually do care about your success, so whatever you guys need, just let me know.

It’s been awesome getting to know so many of you from all around the world and I look forward to helping as many people as possible in the future.  Thanks again to everyone for showing your TopFatLossTrainer luv, haha.

Your Coach,

Brad Campbell

Im a college student in Florida. I play soccer and I have always wondered how to have the perfect body (between the regular bulky guy  and the skinny ripped twig) like CR9 (Cristiano Ronaldo) who is my heroe and idol.

So today I started my online search on how to achieve those results and out of all the websites that i found with info about cr9 and his work out an diet, I have to admit that yours was the best one; very specific and you were not asking for any money in within 5 minutes.

Not only that, after browsing to your site; checking out all the sections and posts, I developed such a good vibe for it that within 5 minutes i couldnt help to subscribe. 

Im going to begin the work out you have outlined for Ronaldo starting tomorrow with a buddy of mine, also going to complement it with a healthy diet, and some good sleep.

I want to thank you for what you have done for me in less than 1 day, your site is great, and everytime i watch your videos or read ur emails, and i get to the part where you say Your Coach, Brad; I actually feel like your my coach and that i know you and that you actually care about people, which is something that even physically at your local gym is hard to find from a personal trainer.

Once again, Thank you for giving me all the tools to become what i want.

Hope we can keep in touch through the site.

Your Student,

Christian (FL)

Just for laughs, I had to upload this YouTube video I saw today that pretty much sums up how I act when I get outta the shower…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Was that my left bicep?

Building kick!

That’s hilarious, great work Old Spice.

Hope everyone absolutely annihilated their workout today.

Your Coach,

Brad Campbell

PS – pa pa pa pa pa pa POWER! 

I actually got my Gymboss Interval Timer as a gift from one of my in-person personal training clients.  After just a few weeks of training with me, he caught on to my style and training philosophies real quick.  Needless to say, he thought this would make the perfect thank you (translation:  I hate you for the workout hell you’re putting me through) gift for helping him to get into radical shape.

At first I thought to myself:  “Dude, I don’t want this dumb thing.”

But when I got home from our training session and it was time to put myself through the ringer, I decided to give it a try.  I’d created an interval boxing workout como’d with explosive burpees (go figure, right?) that I was scheduled to do that night…

I set my new toy to a 45/30 interval split, meaning I would do 45 seconds of intense exercise, rest for 30 seconds and repeat for an exhausting 12-minutes.  Just two intervals into the workout, I could already see just how cool and valuable this little fitness gadget was.

I didn’t have to compulsively check my stopwatch to see when my intervals were up – this allowed me to go hard all the way through the intense portion, and it gave me an opportunity to do nothing but rest during the recovery period (hey, even lifting your arm to check out the time on your stopwatch is tiring when you’re doing intervals…).

Rad Features to Mention–Gymboss Interval Timer Review:

—> Simple to use, easy to set and change interval times, etc

—> Multiple beeping options allow me to pump my gangsta rap and still hear the beeps (I’m sure my Inner Circle members are hearing those beeps in their sleep, lol)

—> Small, lightweight and clips onto your clothing without getting in the way

—> The thing’s a beast…I’ve dropped it, kicked it and poured gallons of nasty sweat all over it, but nothing phases the Gymboss

—> I don’t think I’ve ever had to change the battery yet (then again, it might just be a kick ass battery that I should be giving credit to).

—> It keeps you honest.  Like I mentioned, there’s no stopping early or resting longer due to not knowing the time.  When you hear that beep, you know it’s on like donkey kong.

—> It’s killer for all the types of workouts I preach about here on TopFatLossTrainer, including intervals, sprints, boxing, weight training, hybrid workouts – anything that’s done for time or performed with intervals (that was probably obvious, huh?)…

The Gymboss Interval Timer turned out to be a real wicked gift.  I’m glad my client bought it for me, ‘cuz I probably never would’ve thought to go get one on my own.  I use it for pretty much every single workout I do.

One downside is that if you’re training at the gym, people like to give you weird looks when your crazy beeper is going off constantly.

Other than that, it’s a pretty dope little product…well worth the $19.95 they’re charging for it.  Oh, and the girls can get it in hot pink if you like (that’s foxy).

That’s the low down on the “loud beeping thing” I use in almost all my workouts.  This concludes my Gymboss Interval Timer Review…

If you’d like to pick one up so you can start destroying your workouts, grab it here —> Order my Gymboss and get gangsta with it…

Your Coach,

Brad Campbell

I’m writing you this letter to kindly suggest a change in the fashion statement you just made at my local gym.  As you hammered out 75 sets of t-bar rows using nearly every single 45-lb plate in the entire building, I couldn’t help but notice the neon yellow string tank top you were sporting.

I wanted to let you know that string tank tops paired with tight, tapered windbreaker pants is highly infuriating and may be sending the wrong signal.  Or, perhaps it’s sending the appropriate signal, but other gym-goers shouldn’t have to deal with that shit.

After all, nothing screams “Hey, look at me…I’m a big dumb meathead!” louder than some dude wearing a string tank top.  String tank tops make me want to gouge my eyes out.  I’m shocked that anyone would ever wear these things.  Apparently, you meatheads think it’s cool to show off your over-sized back muscles.  I’d have to disagree.

There’s just something nasty and irritating about seeing a 215 lb man with a little spaghetti strap-looking string of cotton running down the middle of his back, allowing the world to see his lumpy lats.  Gross.

Leave something to the imagination, please.  No one wants to stare at your thick-ass back and you need to get that thing waxed anyways.

It’s understandable that with your extremely limited range of muscle-bound-motion, you couldn’t reach it with a razor, but couldn’t that guy who yells at you and slaps you in the face between sets get it for you?

And don’t worry, the staged grunting, careful selection of only exercises that allow you to stack on the maximum amount of plates, and the purposeful dropping of that ungodly amount of weight after each of your seventy-five sets of two reps, is sufficient enough to send the message that you’re by far the strongest douche in the gym.

In other words, we get it.  You can lift a shit-ton of weight for two repetitions, but couldn’t run to the end of the dumbbell rack if your life depended on it, nor could you reach up and grab a hundred dollar bill if I held it tauntingly just six inches above your fat head.  Quite impressive.

It is my hope in writing you this letter that you might consider toning down your animal-like behavior just a notch or two on the meathead dial.  I’d strongly encourage you to start by burning all twenty-seven string tank tops that you own – yes, even the hot pink one – and invest in some loose-fitting tee shirts…you know, those things that all the other guys are wearing at the gym…

If you could grant me this one favor, it’d sure be a huge step towards me not purposely taking my own vision the next time I visit our gym for a functional workout that actually allows me to perform better at everyday activities.  Yes, I could come at a different time, but I’ve already tried this avoidance tactic and your six hour marathon workouts (well, eight hours if I include mirror flexing time) make it impossible to escape your presence.

I genuinely appreciate you taking the time out of your supplement pill-popping to read this letter and give it some consideration.  I know I speak for the other gym members when I say that the torching of your string tank tops would have to go down as one of the proudest moments in the history of the anti-meathead movement.

In order to prevent meathead behavior withdrawal syndrome (MBWS), we’ll address the tapered pants, beastly grunting and earthquake-worthy slamming of weights at a future date, after ashes from the burning of your neon string tank top collection has settled.

Insincerely,

Meathead Hater and Lean Body Lover

(aka Brad Campbell)

PS – You must not have noticed, but they have several water fountains available that are free to use…there’s no need to carry around that gallon of water anymore.

I just got back home from a long business trip to Stamford, CT, where I attended an amazing event put on by my business coach.  I had the chance to network with a lot of really cool people in the fitness industry (and many other industries) who’re doing some BIG things.  We’re talking multi-millionaires…

Here’s Me Networking With Some Entrepreneurial Rock Stars:

The atmosphere was outstanding and I definitely made some new friends and gained a whole lot of inspiration and enthusiasm from this huge group of entrepreneurs.  For you, this means more advanced fat loss coaching coming your way and more opportunities to work with me on a more personal level (more on this in the coming weeks).

One thing I regret is that I didn’t bring my clunky laptop along on the trip.  Sure, the iPhone is great for checking emails, blog comments, etc, but it’s kinda a royal pain in the butt to reply to all my Inner Circle and Platinum Personal Training clients, especially when I needed to write in-depth responses.

But I’m back now and I’ll be catching up on all the requests and questions this week.  And just to let you know I was thinking about my ‘crew,’ here are some quick videos I shot on my iPhone during seminar breaks.  I thought I’d upload them to YouTube and be able to post them onto TopFatLossTrainer right away, but I was having major issues copying and pasting the code (guess it’s not the perfect phone after all), so here they are…a little late…

TopFatLossTrainer Update:  Did You Miss Me?

Lean Body:  How Bad Do YOU Want It?

From those two short videos you should be able to see that a) I’m always thinking bout my fat haters and b) I desperately need to get some sleep (by the way, that second video was shot at like 5 am and it’s now about midnight…so this cat needs a nap).

If I were you, I’d step it up and take what’s yours this week.  You have to want it more than anything.  That’s how you win in the lean body game, that’s how you win in business and that’s how you win at life.

Your Coach,

Brad Campbell

PS – get on that VIP list (blue box below) if you’re not already…you’ll be treated like the very important person that you are.

Another fat hater Friday…who’s ready to party?  You know what…every day feels like Friday to me these days.  I’m either extremely lucky or I work extremely hard at making things happen…because I’ve got to be right up there in the running for world’s happiest man.  That’s what living the lean body lifestyle is all about – getting the body you’ve always wanted and continually improving and enjoying all other aspects of life along the way.

And speaking of enjoying life (am I the segue king or what?), one thing I really do a lot of is laughing.  If you’re not laughing on the daily, something’s wrong.  You either need to loosen up, kick some stress, find new friends or all of the above.  I think we could all stand to laugh a little more and kick back a little bit.

There’s so much damn negativity we’ve gotta deal with every single day…that’s why on this blog I always try to keep it super informative AND entertaining.  I figure if you can learn something new and LOL while reading one of my posts, then that’s time well spent.  Right?

Wicked.  Let’s start your weekend off with a laugh, as I reveal the best pick up lines to use at a gym…or anywhere, for that matter.  Warning:  if you’re easily offended, these pick up lines may not be your cup of tea…but then again, you probably wouldn’t be following TopFatLossTrainer if you’re that uptight, so never mind.  Here goes…

31 Best Pick Up Lines to Use at the Gym:

1) You must know karate.  ‘Cuz your body is kickin’.

2) I may not be the best looking guy in here, but I’m the only one talking to you.

3) Is this love at first site or should I walk by again?

4) How much does a polar bear weigh?  Enough to break the ice.  Hi my name is…

5) Did it hurt?  What?  When you feel from heaven.

6) What has 142 teeth and holds back the Incredible Hulk?  My zipper.

7) All those curves…and me with no breaks!

8 ) That’s a nice shirt.  Can I talk you out of it?

9) If I had a garden I’d plant your tulips and my tulips together.

10) You must be exhausted.  But I just got here.  Yah, but you’ve been running through my mind all day.

11) I should call heaven quick ‘cuz I just found one of their angels.

12) If I said you had a hot body would you hold it against me?

13) Your dad must be a baker, ‘cuz you’ve got hot buns.

14) My name isn’t Elmo, but tickle away.

15) (check his/her shirt tag)…Yep, that’s what I thought – made from heaven.

16) My magic watch says you aren’t wearing underwear.  But I am.  Damn, I knew this thing was 15 mins fast.

17) Are you a zoo?  Because you bring the animal out in me (growl)

18) You must be lost, the modeling convention is down the street.

19) You must be a parking ticket…’cuz you’ve got FINE written all over you.

20) Screw me if I’m wrong, but haven’t we met before?

21) If you were a screen door, I’d slam you all the time.

22) Do you work for UPS?  No, why?  ‘Cuz I caught  you checking out my package.

23) I seem to have lost my teddy bear.  Will you sleep with me tonight?

24) Did you clean those pants with Windex?  No, why?  ‘Cuz I can see myself in ‘em.

25) You must have a ninja inside  you, ‘cuz your body is kickin’.

26) Did you hear the latest health report?  It said you’re supposed to increase your intake of vitamin ME.

27) Are you from Jamaica?  ‘Cuz ja-makin’ me crazy.

28) Excuse me, you dropped something.  My jaw.

29) If you were a laser beam, you’d be set on stunning.

30) You look so good, I want to put you on a plate and sop you up with a biscuit.

31) Are you wearing space pants?  ‘Cuz that booty is out of this world.

Tell me some of those didn’t have you almost in tears, haha.  Talk about cheesy…I think I might pee my pants if I ever heard anyone actually use any of these in public.  Yet, for some reason I could totally see some meathead busting one of these out after an intense set of bicep curls.

Which of these is your favorite?  I think I laughed the hardest when I read the one about “putting you on a plate and sopping you up with a biscuit.”

Which pick up lines did I leave out? There’s gotta be some classics I missed.  Leave your best (or cheesiest) pick up lines in the comments section below…

Your Coach,

Brad Campbell

PS – In case you missed it, be sure to check out yesterday’s inspirational post:  Rain’s Workout for Ninja Assassin

“Get In Shape Without Setting Foot In a Gym.”  That’s the slogan I’m reading off the front page of this advertisement for the new Skechers Shape Ups…

Are you serious?  How can they claim this shit?

Those were my initial thoughts when I first saw the brochure my mom brought home from the mall last night (the p’s are visiting on vacation and they’ve been getting their shop on during the day, while I get my grind on with TopFatLossTrainer, as usual).

Back to Skechers Shape Ups and the brochure that instantly made me a little heated.  In case you’re wondering what the hell I’m talking about, I’m referring to the shoe company, Skechers, and their new shoe line that apparently does everything but cure cancer.

According to this clever little handout for Skechers Shape Ups:

Shape Ups feature a unique soft kinetic wedge insert and dynamic rolling bottom to simulate walking on a soft giving surface like sand.  With the comfort of Shape Ups, you will feel your heel sink to the ground as you step, roll forward as your weight shifts to its center, and push off with your toes.  This movement will result in stronger leg, back and abdominal muscles as you stabilize your steps.

Shape Ups are designed to enhance the benefits of walking by stimulating muscles not utilized with standard walking shoes.  They also reduce the impact on joints by providing a more natural, forgiving walking surface.  Walking on a soft surface may seem awkward at first, but your body will compensate by activating muscles in your legs, back and stomach to center your body, resulting in improved coordination and posture, stronger muscles, and increased blood flow.

Shape Ups will have a positive impact on you physically.  Regular use of Shape Ups help you sleep better and can play an important role in combating stress.  It’s as easy as walking in Shape Ups.

Also according to this infomercial on paper, Skechers Shape Ups are designed to:

Promote weight loss

Strengthen and firm the back muscles

Tone and tighten leg muscles

Firm calf and butt muscles

Tighten abdominal muscles

Relieve muscle tension and fatigue

Increase cardiovascular health

Improve posture

Reduce cellulite and tone your thighs (on the women’s brochure, of course)

Alright, so here’s my two cents, for what it’s worth.  The theory behind this new Skechers shoe makes sense.  I don’t disagree with the thought that this design could have many benefits over the traditional shoe design.  In fact, I have to admit it’s pretty freakin’ creative, so kudos to the nerd who came up with the Shape Ups concept.

However, the marketing campaign is where I start to have serious issues.  It really aggravates me because the FTC has just recently cracked down on how online marketers can advertise (probably a good thing, because there’s way too many shade balls out there trying to steal your money and then run and hide, making it impossible for you to figure out why there are mysterious charges on your credit card statement)…

Notice how I don’t show any before and after pics or testimonials on my TopFatLossTrainer Inner Circle sales page?  That’s because I’m scared to put any up, because your entire business could get shut down thanks to these new rules.

Like I said above, I’m glad they’re starting to protect the consumer and weed out the scammers, but it does make it hard for the few honest people left (like myself) to show any of their greatest success stories (the FTC is really strict with weight loss testimonials, due to the ridiculous amount of supplement and gimmick scams that show misleading results and prey off peoples’ hopes of finding the “magic bullet”).

Well, apparently, they didn’t tighten up the offline marketing, because I see the advertising for these Skechers Shape Ups as being equally misleading.  This brochure is implying that you buy a pair of these Shape Ups and go about your normal walking and standing…and all of a sudden you’re going to lose cellulite, get a booty like Fergie, improve your posture and sculpt a 6-pack like Cam Gigandet…all from walking in a pair of shoes.

What’s that smell?  Oh yah, that’s the B.S. that’s plastered all over this flyer, lol.

Once again, you have a “miracle product” that says nothing about hard work or diet, that’s going to supposedly turn all buyers into lean fitness models that are the epitome of optimal health…

Other than the claims of improving joint health and posture, I just don’t see how they’re getting away with saying the rest of this crap.  It’s very misleading and I know thousands of people are rushing to the stores as I type, to throw their hard-earned money across the counter and into Skechers’ corporate bank account.

These people may very well love the feel of the Shape Ups and they might even notice an improvement in their joints, but I guarantee they aren’t going to turn into a ripped Ryan Reynolds from walking in a pair of Skechers – no matter how cutting-edge the design.

Another negative that you’ll notice immediately, especially if you’re fairly stylish like myself, is that the Shape Ups won’t be winning any “best looking shoe” awards.  The things look like a bloated, broke down pair of clodhoppers (but that’s just my take).

I will say that my mom was pretty hot on these things – I guess she tried on a pair and said they’re really comfortable, so they do have that going for them.  My final take is this:  if you do a lot of standing or walking, especially at your job, and you could benefit from taking some of the stress off your joints and lower back, give them a shot.  Hell, you may even burn a few more calories throughout the day.

BUT, if you’re looking for a way to lose fat, build muscle and firm and sculpt your trouble spots, please don’t get reeled in by the tricky advertising used to promote the new Skechers Shape Ups.  You should know by now that there’s no magic bullet and if a fitness product is claiming amazing things without stating that there’s lots of effort, discipline and motivation involved, then it’s probably a gimmick.

I wouldn’t go so far as to call the Skechers Shape Ups a gimmick, but I would say their advertising is totally misleading and preys off our inherent desire to find the easy way out.

I’d like to hear your feedback – has anyone bought a pair of Shape Ups yet?  If so, what’s the verdict?  Ladies, did the cellulite jump right off your thighs and guys, did you notice a dramatic tightening of your abs?

For anyone who hasn’t bought a pair, what do you think about this shoe design and about the benefits Skechers is claiming the Shape Ups will provide?

Your Coach,

Brad Campbell

PS – If I hear a ton of great reviews about how comfy these blimps are, I may have to buy a pair to wear around the house, but I doubt you’d ever see me rockin’ these in public.  I’m pretty particular about my shoes…maybe sometime I’ll upload some pics of the shoe collection, as it’s starting to get pretty deep these days.  Having said that, does anyone actually LIKE the look of the Shape Ups?