Rocking ‘n’ Rolling to Camden

My mother would describe it as “Ducks Disease”, the ageing process that means gravity gets the better of your butt and drags it earthward.
I’m not usually quite so conscious of my physical state but as we gear up for our Health and Fitness page to launch in early January, so too must my focus change. All of us will be testing various gadgets marketed as improving ones physical state, at least.

The latest trial that I am undergoing involves one of the smartest and weirdest looking pair of trainers I have ever seen. Although the weird bit can only be seen hopefully close-up.

My snazzy Chung Shi

I have been given a pair of Chung Shi Balance Step Shoes to trial. The PR blurb asks if you have ever wanted “a bottom like Kylie, legs like Giselle and a stomach like Gwen Stefani”? In my dreams!
Basically this very smart pair of trainers (there’s several colours in the range and I have a very snazzy pair of vibrant red and black ones that frankly reek of quality) have a reflexology bar running from side to side across the middle of the shoe and a 15 degree curved sole. In essence, when I am on my toes, the heel is considerably raised, causing the back of your legs to stretch and tone, your bum to clench slightly and your abdomen to tense as you hold correct posture.
The first time we hauled them out of the box, PI and Uljana spent several minutes traipsing about the place trying to get their step right whilst I sat back and smothered giggles. Until I pulled the shoes on and understanding dawned. You really do have to roll from heel to toe as the reflexology bar is most pronounced. Weird doesn’t quite capture it.

However, what gadget reviewing so often does is adjust your perspective and focus on the mundane. Normally one to avoid supermarkets like the plague the next day I was up, dressed and Chung Shi shoes safely on, rocking and rolling my way to Sainsburys.

It did feel a bit freakish as being taller than average anyway when I stopped I rested on my toes but anyone looking closely may have thought I was standing on tip-toe as the back of the heel was raised. Hmmm. Still, I persevered and later in the evening as the body relaxed and loosened there was a definite tightness to my calves and bum. Was this due to the rowing or the shoes though…?

Today I am off to Camden to see my wonderful hairdresser and never have I walked it for anything over 400 metres I call a trek… However the recommendation is that the shoes be trialled for at least 30 minutes each day and building on that comfortably once you have become used to them.
Ok.
Here goes. My first trek. I swear my calves are already quivering at the thought …

As I continue with this trial and you fancy checking them out yourself, please click here for UK information – Chung Shi in the UK.
RRP £129- and available in both men and womens styles (the photo’s don’t do them justice, by the way. They really are smart!)

Update – TakTik Bitch review here