reebok easytoneFrom the first second I heard about the Reebok EasyTone sneakers "technology" -- I had an eensy inclination the shoes were bogus (read: I'm no fool). But as a woman, I can't help but be intrigued by anything that promises model-style stems. Alas, the FTC stuck it to the sportswear giant this week when they ordered Reebok to cough up $25 million to customers who bought the popular toning shoes. Epic. Fail.

While they're not saying the sneaks are a complete load of bull, they ARE saying the claims they make in those sexy commercials featuring the skinny mini with the killer gams are over-exaggerated, and there's no legit proof the product yields superb toning results. RATS. You mean a pair of sneakers can't make me look like Gisele? Goshdarnit.

Alas, there IS good news: There are a bajillion ways to tone up without Reebok's help. We've just got to get back to the basics with these 4 toning tricks:

Kick up the cardio: Besides burning loads of calories, cardio exercises like biking and running really help tone up your bottom half. Make your workout more fun by adding in your fave high-intensity tunes and jamming out along the way.

Lunges: There is nothing better than that sore feeling you get the day after an intense set of lunges, you know what I'm saying? The lunge can be a girl's very best friend when it comes to her backside. Not to mention, they are great for bettering your hip flexibility and overall leg function. Two birds, one stone? I'll take it!

Note: BE CAREFUL when adding extra weight to your lunge. If you don't have the right technique down, you could be seriously straining your quads and other leg muscles.

Squats: Ahhh, these are a tough one to master. The key to the perfect squat, which primarily works the quads, glutes, and hamstrings, is keeping your feet planted shoulder-width apart and your knees directly over your toes. This will give you proper form, and you'll feel the burn in the right spots.

Write it down: If there's anything I learned from my days as a Weight Watcher, it's that writing things down totally holds you accountable for the food you put in your mouth and the activities you do. When you document your lifestyle, it helps your progress. Whether it's keeping track of your snacking to cut down on fatty foods or recording how many reps you did at the gym, a pen and paper are cheap, easy tools to a healthier, better-bottomed you!

What do you do to tone up? Do you own a pair of Reebok EasyTone sneakers?

 

Image via Reebok