- With Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist
Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
Dr. Edward Laskowski is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, including subspecialty certification in sports medicine, and is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. He is co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center and a professor at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
He has been on the staff of Mayo Clinic since 1990 and specializes in sports medicine, fitness, strength training and stability training. He works with a multidisciplinary team of physical medicine, rehabilitation and orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and sports psychologists.
Dr. Laskowski is an elite-level skier and an avid hiker, cyclist and climber. He approaches sports medicine from the perspective of a physician and an athlete.
In 2006, President George W. Bush appointed Dr. Laskowski to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and he has received a Distinguished Service Award from the Department of Health and Human Services for his contribution to the Council.
Dr. Laskowski was a member of the medical staff of the Olympic Polyclinic at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and has provided medical coverage for the Chicago Marathon. He serves as a consulting physician to the National Hockey League Players' Association and is a featured lecturer at the American College of Sports Medicine's Team Physician Course.
Dr. Laskowski, a Cary, Ill., native, has contributed to Mayo Clinic's CD-ROM on sports, health and fitness, a website guide to self-care, and hundreds of Mayo Clinic articles and booklets in print and online. He is a contributing editor to the "Mayo Clinic Fitness for EveryBody" book, and he has presented lectures throughout the world on health, fitness and sports medicine topics. His teaching expertise has been recognized by his election to the Teacher of the Year Hall of Fame at Mayo Clinic.
"There are many myths and misconceptions about exercise and fitness in general, and also many traditions that don't stand up to scientific scrutiny," he says. "My goal is to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information on sports medicine and fitness topics in a way that you can practically incorporate into your life."
Fitness basics (5)
- Do toning shoes really work?
- Exercise and illness: Work out with a cold?
- Body fat analyzers: How accurate are they?
- see all in Fitness basics
Stretching and flexibility (1)
- What is hot yoga?
Aerobic exercise (11)
- Ankle weights for fitness walkers: Good idea?
- Walking poles: Good for brisk walking?
- Barefoot running shoes: Better than traditional running shoes?
- see all in Aerobic exercise
Strength training (9)
- Fitness ball exercises: Good for my abs?
- Superslow strength training: Does it work?
- Isometric exercises: Good for strength training?
- see all in Strength training
Sports nutrition (2)
- Energy drinks: Do they really boost energy?
- Brominated vegetable oil: Why is BVO in my drink?
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Question
Do toning shoes really work?
I've seen commercials for several brands of toning shoes. Can these types of shoes make my legs more toned?
Answer
from Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
Despite the claims, there is no convincing evidence that wearing toning shoes will make your legs more toned or cause you to burn extra calories.
Toning shoes are designed to simulate walking barefoot or walking on an uneven surface. Manufacturers say the unstable design of the shoes forces wearers to use their leg muscles more — which burns more calories and tones the muscles. However, an independent study by a nonprofit fitness organization found no evidence that wearing toning shoes leads to improved muscle tone or greater energy expenditure. In addition, there are no studies that prove that they improve balance or stability to a great degree.
If you like the way toning shoes look and find them comfortable and not too unstable, there's probably no harm in trying a pair. And if you increase your activity as a result, you'll benefit your overall health.
Next questionExercise and illness: Work out with a cold?
- Will toning shoes really give you a better body? American Council on Exercise. http://www.acefitness.org/certifiednewsarticle/720/will-toning-shoes-really-give-you-a-better-body/. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
- One small step, several major benefits. MBT http://us.mbt.com/Home/Benefits.aspx. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
- Shape-ups. Sketchers http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/styles/fitness/women_s_shape_ups/list. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
- What is EasyTone? Reebok http://www.reebok.com/US/womens/easytone-shoes. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
- Landry SC, et al. Standing in an unstable shoe increases postural sway and muscle activity of selected smaller extrinsic foot muscles. Gait Posture. 2010;32:215.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 27, 2010.
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