Although we are completely wiped out and up to our ears in boxes – we are officially in our new home! Moving definitely takes a toll on all parties involved and this weekend, well past week really, has taken it’s toll on us. But, there were a couple fun surprises along the way – for instance, Friday evening when I got home from work there were two packages waiting for me…
Apparently someone else thought one of my packages was for them.
This is how the box looked when I got home so somewhere along the way a critter got into my bread delivery from the Foodbuzz Tastemaker program and ate 1/2 a hoagie.
The good news is that he didn’t nibble on the other items that were shipped so I will still be able to sample the Nature’s Pride Bakery Buns. I’m a huge Nature’s Pride bread fan so I can’t wait to load up the buns with some black bean burgers.
The other package was nibble free and it came from New Balance. A few months ago New Balance offered to send FitBloggin’ participants the Rock & Tone leg toning shoes.
To be honest I probably wouldn’t have ran out and bought these shoes- for several reasons: 1. They’re not the cutest sneaks I’ve ever seen 2. My calves are already big enough and I don’t really want them getting much bigger. 3. Skepticism about the actual benefits and the comfort.
But since New Balance was willing to let me test drive with no cost, I decided to give them a go. So what are they suppose to do? Well the unbalanced sole is suppose to make it so that you have to work harder to stay balanced while walking around. This extra work tones your legs and butt and burns extra calories.
To get the full effect I decided to try them out on a very active day. When I first put them on, I immediately felt taller and just a tad off balance, however they were easy to get used to, super comfy (the soles are super soft), and I felt an extra pep in my step from the rocker bottom. Plus after about 12 hours of moving (Friday night and all day Saturday) I could definitely tell my leg muscles had been working extra hard.
Overall, it didn’t feel like I was having to put in any extra effort while wearing the shoes but my sore legs prove that there was some toning going on. I plan to try them out on a less active day and see if I notice the toning. Probably not tomorrow though; my poor leggies need a break – I guess going to work and sitting at my desk for 8 hours will help. 
Riddle me this, have you tried (or thought about trying) any of the toning shoes? There’s a ton to choose from now: The Fit Flop, Reebok’s EasyTone, MBTs, Sketcher’s Shape Ups, and the New Balance Rock&Tone
I’ll agree they’re not the cutest looking shoes out there, but being an avid multi-tasker, I certainly like the idea of toning my legs without hitting the gym.
Alrighty, I gotta get my tush into bed. I’ve been running around like a mad women this weekend and haven’t been eating anything grand (or that good for me) so tomorrow marks getting back into the groove of things and good night’s rest is just what I need to start things off right!
-Brittany
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I found a pair of those bad boys on my doorstep today too, I’m looking forward to trying them! Hope the move went well.. I must say that I am beat from this weekend, we didn’t get home for good until late tonight… boooo to work in the morning
Still up in the air for Tuesday, guess I’ll decide tomorrow?
wow…that’s too funny!! somebody must’ve been hungry..lol Have a great week!!
I tried the Fit Flops, but I never felt like they were doing anything. The only part of me that was sore after wearing them was the space between my toes from lugging them around.
I bought the FitFlops on a whim a couple years ago. The only time I really felt like they were doing anything was when I wore them teaching all day (I was on my feet for about 7 hours throughout the day). An unexpected bonus is that they are the only flip flops I can wear on a walk without having shin or knee pain afterwards. They aren’t the cutest but they aren’t that ugly, so I usually wear them when I want to wear sandals but have tired legs. I think I decided they’d be good if you weren’t very active already, at least they’re cute enough to wear everyday so it wasn’t a waste :O)
So I have been very skeptical of these kinds of shoes…and I’m so excited that you will be trying them out over the next few days. They look much cuter than any pair I’ve seen, and I’m excited to hear your final thoughts!
I’ve never tried them, I always think they look funny, but the new balance style doesn’t really look as bad as skechers. It’s nice to know that they actually worked for you though!
maaaaaaaaaan Im jealous.
**runs to check front porch again**
I actually think the shoes are kinda cute!
I have always been so skeptical about those shoes… I am interested to read about what else you think of them.
Moving is super exhausting but also such a great workout! Shoes are KEY in making the moving process a smooth ordeal. Glad you guys are settling in!
I’ve always been super skeptical about those types of shoes. Plus, I was never really feeling the way they looked – but they actually look kinda cute with your bermuda shorts! I love New Balance. I’m curious as to how you’ll feel about them during a non-active day.
I have these:
http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?skuId=077609050&productId=67425&subCatId=cat10134&catId=cat10088&lotId=077609&category=&catdisplayName=Womens+
which admittedly I only got because payless was having the bogo sale and the hubster needed cheap dressy work shoes and I figured for $12.50 I would give them a try. I have been using them for 2 weeks and I do think my calves are getting stronger, but that could be because it is finally outdoor walking weather
Oh no! Someone was very hungry to eat through cardboard first!
Oh man, that stinks about the critter!!
I’ve never considered any of the toning shoes, mostly because I never ever wear sneakers unless I’m working out and I agree they’re not the cutest. But judging from the fact that I SHOULD wear sneakers more (I’ll take 5 mile walks in ballet flats or flip flops), maybe it would be good for me to pick up a pair of these. Great to hear that you think they’re working!
okay thats gotta be the funniest thing ive seen in awhile! haha some critter definitely knew there was something good in the box. even tho it totally sucks, it makes for a good laugh!
WOO i love new balance shoes in general. these are like super shoes from the future! hopefully u have a lot of fun in them too
xoxo <3
I would not be happy about that box being broken into. Little creatures freak me out!!
((PS: can I be a fitblog guest? I’d love to know how those shoes work out!))
Aww – I kinda like those shoes!
I think they´re pretty cute
Wish you a lovely week, Brittany!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
Ooo I got those goodies too
I have one more variation to try woo woo. Atleast the mouse left you some of the goods lol. So glad that you and your love are done unpacking and moved in to your new place. I’m so excited for you guys!
I would like bigger calves please lol. Let me know if they work!!
XOXO
Congrats on the move girl! Can’t wait to visit and see the new place
Thanks for the review on the new balance shoes, they sound interesting!
I’m currently trying out a pair of FitFlops in one of their new styles, which is the least offensive style of shaping shoes I’ve seen to date (http://www.fitflop.com/products/walkstar-iii/#product_028_chocolatenappa). I’ve been wearing them for about two weeks now and I can’t say that I’ve really noticed a lot of toning, but my legs do feel like they’ve gotten a workout after wearing the shoes – and I mean that in a good way, not in a tired or sore way. Whether or not they are toning isn’t really that big of a deal for me though because, as an earlier poster pointed out, they are extremely comfortable as far as flip-flops go – no shin/calf/knee pain at all after serious walking around DC.
The shoes seem odd – although, my butt could use some toning. Don’t know that I would spend money on the shoes though just for that.
I have to admit, I’ve never been tempted by toning shoes because after my morning run, I want the most comfortable pair of shoes I can find. But, I’m glad to hear the New Balance ones were pain-free!