Buns of Steel? How 'Bout Scabby Knees

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As swimsuit season rapidly approaches, everyone seems to be in a bit of a frenzy to get their butts into shape...literally. Normally, losing that spare tire and firming up your butt would require hard work and hours in the gym, but a couple of companies are trying to tell you otherwise. According to them, all it takes is a funny shaped pair of shoes to make your butt and legs look great in your short shorts.

Kangoo Jumps claim that you can wear the "safe" low-impact rebound sport shoes for everything from running to at-home fitness. But despite what they say, I would be embarrassed to wear the springy running boots anywhere in public. Actually, I think that the humiliation of wearing the streamlined moon boots in public would make me want to hit the gym even less.

As rediculous as Kangoo Jumps are, Shape Up Shoes are even worse. These towering platform flip flops say that "when worn for at least 30 minutes a day, Shape Up Shoes are an effective fitness and weight-loss tool that allow you to tone and shape your body and shed unwanted pounds. Wearing the shoes while active encourages improved posture, a toned inner core and fantastically fit legs, abs and glutes." Yep, apparently teetering around your house and falling down every five seconds will make you skinnier.

Shelley, a personal trainer at City Place Fitness Center in Creve Coeur, wants you to know that you'll be wasting your money. Not only is the "get-fit-fast" approach completely impractical, she says you'll end up with scabs on your knees instead of the buns of steel you desire.

Moral of the story? Save yourself some money and some scarred knees by avoiding this ridiculous fitness footwear.