9 Comments

May, 11, 2010

Does The Shake Weight Really Work?

You’ve probably seen it on TV or at the store, but are you wondering, “Does that Shape Weight really work? Is it worth the money?”

Well first, if you don’t know what I’m talking about, it’s one of the latest exercise contraptions designed to tone your arms so you can look sexy in your summer bikini, dress, or tank top.

See Ellen talking about it here:

So is the Shake Weight worth $20?

I say save your pennies.

First, the Shake Weight is not going to burn fat off your arms. Sorry but spot reduction doesn’t work. To get the jiggle away you must burn it off with exercise and by eating a healthy diet, so no the Shake Weight is not going to replace a good weight loss program.

Second, although I think the Shake Weight will work your arms and shoulders, it’s in no way going to be as effective as picking up some dumbbells and doing some bicep curls, shoulder presses, or tricep kickbacks. With the limited range of motion offered from the Shake Weight exercise, you won’t be working your muscles as effectively and thus you’ll have better results with regular dumbbells which you probably already have at home or the gym.

j0409353 200x300 Does The Shake Weight Really Work?

And six minutes a day? Do you really believe this? People don’t get fit by exercising for 6 minutes a day. Sorry!

So save your money and instead burn off that fat with cardio, clean up your diet, and start some weight training to tone those arms! And if you need some more ideas on shaping that body for summer FOR FREE read this article on How To Get a Bikini Body Fast.

So what are your thoughts on the Shake Weight? Have you tried it out?

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Posted in Crappy or Cool? Fitness Product Reviews, Featured by Becky | 9 Comments


9 Comments "Does The Shake Weight Really Work?"

  • Bryan says:
    May 11, 2010 at 7:39 pm
    Reply

    Regarding your comments, I wanted to take a moment to post a response. No where in our advertisement do we say we can spot reduce fat. We simply say that we can tone your arms, chest and shoulders. I can refer you to three independent studies that were conducted on the Shake Weight:

    The first study was done with both male and female participants at San Diego State University by Professor Daniel Cipriani. Dr. Cipriani is well respected, serves on numerous editorial boards and has conducted extensive research in exercise physiology and biomechanics. The study showed that each repetition with the Shake Weight produces over 300% more EMG-recorded muscle activity compared to a similar weight dumbbell. EMG stands for electromyogram – a graphical record of electric currents associated with muscle contractions.

    A second study also conducted by Dr. Cipriani showed similar results in an all female group.

    Since the Shake Weight is used at a much higher frequency than a dumbbell, we also engaged Life Modeler to conduct a computerized simulation of entire body activity over a period of time when the Shake Weight is used. Life Modeler, arguably the world leader in simulated human modeling, has done extensive work for NASA and companies such as Nike. Additionally, their technology is used by most leading universities in this field. The Life Modeler study demonstrated beyond dispute that it would take the user five times as long to consume the same amount of muscle energy with a 2.5 pound dumbbell as with the 2.5pound Shake Weight..

    While it is correct to assume that just about any exercise activity will burn calories, based on these studies we have an accurate idea of how many calories are burned and to what extent muscles are engaged when using the Shake Weight as compared to regular dumbbells. While high reps using light weights are often recommended by fitness professionals for toning, tightening and exercising arm muscles, the Shake Weight is proven to be far superior.

    Please contact Kellie Cagle, Communications Director for FitnessIQ, with any questions.

    Copies of all three studies are available through our PR agency, Fifteen Minutes. Please feel free to contact Ryan Croy or Jordan Byrnes at 323-556-9700 for more information.

  • AJGodinho says:
    May 13, 2010 at 7:50 pm
    Reply

    That video was hilarious! I have not used the Shake Weight, but seriously looks like companies know people want quick fixes and are going to any extent to introduce products that may not necessarily be effective.

    Thanks for your honest review ~ I agree that in order to stay fit and healthy one has to embrace it as a lifestyle and stay consistent. Great post!

  • admin says:
    June 22, 2010 at 10:35 am
    Reply

    So if a 2.5 lb dumbbell doesn’t consume the same energy as a 2.5 shakeweight, then does the shakeweight consume the same as a 10 or 12 dumbbell which someone should be using anyway since 2.5 is so light it usually wouldn’t do anything for the average person anyhow? I’ve never once used a 2.5 pound weight with any of my clients. A study comparing the shakeweight to a weight no one would use anyways seems a bit silly to me.

    So how does it shake up next to a weight someone would REALLY use in their workout?

    Also, I don’t recommend light weight with high reps, except in special circumstances such as injury recovery. Instead I use compound movements with moderate weights and intervals to keep the heart rate up and burn lots of calories.

  • Rick says:
    August 15, 2010 at 12:58 pm
    Reply

    “Copies of all three studies are available through *******our PR agency…*******”

    This says it all about the “studies.”

  • Michael says:
    October 12, 2010 at 4:03 am
    Reply

    Just to let some people know. Yes this does look stupid to do. Yes you do feel kinda funny using it but it does work. I’ve been using for almost a week now and notice a difference. I’m using the men’s shake weight that is 5 lbs and it gets very very difficult to use throughout the workout. It just like many things. You shouldn’t “knock” it until you try it. It is not something to replace dieting or cardio exercises but it can possibly replace alot of the strength exercise such as crules, bent over rows and presses.

  • Rachel says:
    December 7, 2010 at 6:33 pm
    Reply

    I added the shake weight into my usual workout routine (along with adjustments to my diet) and took photos “before” and “after” a few weeks of using the shake weight daily I saw a noticeable difference in the photos, especially in the back view where my shoulders were obviously much more toned. I also have friends and family feel my biceps because they are much stronger than they have been in a long time and I recommend the shake weight to my friends that already work out (not as a weight loss or fat reducing tool)
    I am by no means a professional in any diet or exercise, or a crazy workout nut either, but just a regular person who works out regularly and like most women my weight fluxuates a bit…. but I decided to use it daily along with my other workout routines and definitely think it is well worth the 20 bucks it cost me because it is so easy. You can do it at home even right before bed or before you leave for work becasue it is just 6 minutes and you do not work up a huge sweat. Done correctly with your core tight and daily, you see and feel a difference for sure! I defiitley did.

  • Happygyrl21 says:
    December 29, 2010 at 6:09 pm
    Reply

    The Shake weight was a gift from my kids this Christmas and I have used it and has seen a dramatic difference in my biceps, chest and back..it does tone your arms and gives a great definition. I just started using it, how much more in a month or two..we’ll keep you posted. I use it every other day..it gives my muscles a chance to rebuild and redefine itself…happy camper here!

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