Like many of you, the commercials for the Shake Weight had me asking, "Really? Is this for real?". The movement while using the product reminds me something I'm not going to talk about here, but we all know what it is. I will not be posting videos of myself using it. In fact, I felt a bit embarrassed when I purchased it at Target (19.99 less a free $5 Target gift card). Still, I thought it would be a good choice for testing my first product. It may seem like a silly item, but what if it works? In theory, it might. It is a 2.5 weight and according to the package:
-Uses revolutionary patent pending Dynamic Inertia technology
-Scientifically proven to generate dramatic increase in EMG muscle activity compared to dumbbells*
Included in the package was one Shake Weight, a congratulations letter with FAQ, a guide to the most popular exercises, and warnings on how not to use the product. It also included a free DVD with an upper body exercise routine. The quality of the Shake Weight was better than I expected and appears to be pretty durable with chrome accents.
If you've seen the advertisements, you may have heard the "swooshing" sound it makes. This is a little loud and for some reason drives my dog crazy. I barely had it in my hands before my 8 year old daughter had to try it out. They do note on the instructions that this is not a children's toy, and seeing her use it, I agree. To avoid injury, you must use it on an "even plane" and to not "bend your wrists or allow the weight to bobble". She was having a hard time keeping it even, but seemed to be having fun with it. I handed it to my husband who asked, "how do you turn it on?". No batteries needed here.
In the spirit of testing the product without bias, I have not researched any opinions or experiences with the product. Other than a few short commercials, I have not watched the full infomercial or have educated myself beyond reading the package. My only unanswered question is, how long should I use it before I start seeing results? Maybe the answer is on the DVD. I would expect 6 weeks for some type of proof that it works. I would also expect to have soreness after trying the recommended workout the following day. I am not a stranger to working out, but due to a very busy work schedule, I don't have the time to go as often as I need to and my body shows it!
Normally, I would work a muscle group on one day then rest on the next to allow that muscle group to repair and grow. According to their advertising, I can have sundress sexy arms in only 6 minutes a day. If this is similar to using free weights, I should use it 3 days a week. Starting tomorrow, I will test their product for 6 minutes a day, 3 days a week and report on my findings at the end of six weeks noting progress if any. Below are a couple of "before" pictures. I need those "sundress sexy arms" by the end of March so I hope it works!
Update:
I was a little sceptical until I tried the short Upper Body Toning DVD that was included. Right away I could feel the burn from the short six-minute exercise routine. At the end of the video, the instructor encourages you to keep going for as long as you can - I found myself wanting to continue even though I felt some muscle fatigue. One nice feature of this routine is that you can do it entirely while sitting at your desk. I would love to see a whole office take a break from their day and shake their weights but it's not likely to catch on outside of home use. I do plan on using the product at my own home-office desk during my work day. It will give me a chance to take a break from typing and stretch out a little bit. I'm finding it easier to use the weight without worrying about injury - it takes practice to keep your wrist straight. Now I wish my purchase had come with the three free DVD videos you can only get when purchasing directly from the manufacturer.
UPDATE - March 11th, 2011 - 6 Weeks later
I have been using the Shake Weight as directed and the final conclusion is....
It's fun! Did it give me rock-hard arms? Well....sort of. I do see a difference in muscle tone which may be more apparent if I lost a few pounds. The best part of the using the Shake Weight is that I enjoyed the six-minute workout. Who doesn't have six minutes a day to use it? There was no procrastination or excuses with this product. I just kept the weight on my desk and the DVD in my drive for quick use. Again, I wish I had purchased the product from the manufacturer - I need more workouts! Searching the Internet I found nothing (hint-hint: an app for the iPhone would be perfect).
If you're considering purchasing the Shake Weight, don't purchase it because it will get you in shape faster. Push ups and pulls ups will do that for you and they are free. Free weights will do the trick too. Purchase this product because it is fun (and a bit silly) and you WANT to use it. My experience with the Shake Weight has taught me that I shouldn't dismiss As Seen on TV exercise equipment as useless. Innovative exercise products that produce the same results as traditional products but add the element of fun are worth a few extra dollars if you actually use them!
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