Exercise shortcuts: How well do they measure up?

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When it comes to exercise, most of us are looking for a shortcut, a way to lose weight and firm up without spending endless hours in the gym.

So a funky pair of sneakers that promises to tone the butt and calves sounds appealing. The same for weighted sleeves and stylish ankle weights, or a belt that creators say can shape abdominals, butt and arms.

But how well do such "exercise cheats" measure up to their claims that they'll do the work for you? We sent four products to four experts for their evaluation.

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THE PRODUCT: Banglz Wrist Weights, Ankle Weights, from fitnessUwear (starting at $24.95): The manufacturer says the fashionable, weighted bangles and anklets help the body burn more calories and build muscle. Wear them during everyday activities or for fitness training. The wrist weights help strengthen arms, shoulders, chest and core. The ankle weights work the legs, hips and glutes. Wrist weights come at ½ pound ($24.95) or 1 pound ($27.95); ankle weights at 1 pound ($27.95) or 2 pounds ($41.95).

THE EXPERT: "I loved the ankle weights," said Leigh Anne Richards, general manager of MetroFitness, a health club in Montgomery, Ala. "I could immediately tell that it was affecting my legs and glutes."

Richards, who has a master's degree in exercise science, said she walked around in them for hours, at work and at home, and could really feel the workout.

As for the wrist weights? "I really could not tell that much of a difference with those unless I was doing some form of exercise such as kickboxing," she said. "Granted, I am in good physical shape."

THE VERDICT: The wrist weights were too light to feel any benefit from just walking around with them, she said. "However, I did think the ankle weights could really be beneficial for the lower body as people move around during the day."

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THE PRODUCT: Skechers Shape-ups (starting at $110): Chunky fashionable sneakers designed to promote weight loss, firm calf and butt muscles, improve posture and strengthen the back. They have a soft kinetic wedge insert and a rolling bottom to simulate walking barefoot on the sand. Several styles and colors available for men and women.

THE EXPERT: "I must say that they are actually kind of cute," said Michele Olson, a professor of exercise science at Auburn University-Montgomery in Alabama.

Her first impression, though, was the heaviness of the shoe. She had to get used to the clunky feeling.

"I could feel it working in my calves and the arches of my feet," she said. "I had to keep my balance in check."

Olson said she was expending more energy, but isn't sure if that was because of the shoe's weight (similar to strapping on ankle weights) or the shape of the sole.

As for posture, she didn't feel much difference, but as a former gymnast, she has no issues there.

THE VERDICT: "Maybe. I think if you are trying to shape up, it's more important what you do in the shoes than any shoe per se," she said. "If you like wearing these shoes walking that's fine.

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