mbt Shoes

[Guest guest]

Have any of you tried MBT shoes? My friend got a pair and she said that they

really seem to help her posture and are suppose to work thighs and glutes. I

heard you can use them for training, but you have to take shorter strides.

Wondering if they are worth the $$.

here is info on them:

VERYDAY MUSCLE TONING

MBT - The World's Smallest Gym!

While the unique multi-layered construction of MBT transforms the ground

into a soft and uneven surface, the muscles of the lower extremities are

stimulated.

This increases activity strengthens the core muscles of the body. MBT

tightens and tones the feet and ankles, calves, hamstrings, upper and inner

thigh, buttocks, stomach and back.

As with any new exercise program, MBT challenges and tones the body; do

not be surprised if you feel muscles fatigue at first. You will become stronger

and more resilient just by wearing MBT in your everyday activities.

BODY BALANCE & POSTURE

How is MBT gentle to the joints and spine?

Everyday we receive constant shocks to the joints and spine from walking

on hard, flat and unyielding surfaces. This creates foot, ankle and leg problems

and a stooped passive posture. MBT may eliminate these conditions by engaging

the core muscles responsible for proper alignment, thus improving the balance

and coordination of the body.

The beveled heel and spring action of the sole will transfer shock and

impact through and behind the step. This reduces stress on the joints and spine

and promotes proper posture and gait, and although MBT constantly challenges and

tones the muscles, the spine will relax as the body reaches a healthy state of

ease and balance.

Therapeutic Relief

Many musculoskeletal problems occur from poor posture and faulty gait

patterns (improper walking). MBT can greatly improve, and in some cases,

eliminate the condition by re-aligning posture and correcting walking structure.

SPORT & FITNESS TRAINING

Using MBT for pre and post-sports training can enhance athletic endurance,

promote agility and prevent injury. You can also wear MBT for treadmill and

elliptical training.

Medical and Osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, podiatrists and

physical therapists recommend MBT for the treatment, rehabilitation, and

prevention of injuries.

If you are planning on using MBT as an accompanying physical therapy to

specific health problems, it is important that you consult and are supervised by

a certified MBT trainer, physical therapist or physician.

Can I use orthopedic foot beds with my MBT?

We recognize that many people use orthopedic inserts in their shoes.You

can use soft or semi-rigid inserts in your MBT, but we strongly advise against

using rigid inserts. The sole of MBT is constructed of finely coordinated

layers; a rigid insert could change this layering effect in the sole and alter

the beneficial effects of MBT.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Most of us walk with our bodies behind our center of gravity. This

constant state of imbalance weakens the hamstrings, buttocks, inner an outer

thigh, and abdominal muscles.

How can MBT help?

MBT lifts and aligns your body on its center of gravity, thus forcing you

to use these weakened muscles. As the body lengthens and tightens with every

step, circulation improves, and strength is regained.

MBT Technique

The correct application is essential to healthy and successful walking in

MBT. Each pair of MBT comes with an instructional CD/Video to teach you the

proper movements. Once you've mastered the technique, wearing MBT in your

everyday life will make you feel and look younger as you walk your way to a

strong and healthy physique!

MBT by SWISS MASAI

The results of 10 years of research and development, MBT are not just a

shoe in the tradition sense; it is a revolutionary health and fitness aid that

literally works from the ground up. Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) has captured

and controlled gravity to improve the overall health and movements of the body.

Ordinary shoes create repeated compression with every step, whereas the

gentle, rolling action of MBT encourages relaxed, natural stride. Everyday

walking with MBT will release muscle tensions as the body becomes more balanced.

In 1997 Swiss Engineer Karl Mueller invented MBT to ease his own back and

joint pain. As he had discovered that walking on hard, flat and even surfaces

were to blame, he developed a product that transforms the ground into a soft and

uneven surface, much like walking in sand. MBT creates a challenging new

" terrain " that greatly improves gait and posture, and can reduce shock to the

entire skeletal system. Recognizing that the Masai people of eastern Africa are

known for elegant and upright posture, and that this was a result of walking

barefoot on irregular natural surfaces. Mueller named his design " Masai Barefoot

Technology " in their honor.

Care Instructions

Please hand-wash your MBT with an antibacterial powder in hot water. You

can remove the foot bed in closed-toe models to wash and dry separately. Using a

deodorizing spray occasionally can eliminate any unwanted odor.

Correct Size

Choosing a pair of MBT in the proper size is very important. As with any

other shoe, you should have a snug and comfortable fit. Make sure your heel

sits securely in the heel pocket, and there should be no more than a ½-inch

space between your toes and the front of the shoe.

Do not kneel in your MBT shoes!

There is a stiff fiberglass layer in the sole of the MBT that is

imperative to proper function of the shoe. Flexing your toes while kneeling will

break this layer. There is no guarantee to cover MBT shoes where the upper part

of the toe is bent/creased or the fiberglass layer is broken.