Sometimes ideas that are not the most successful at first glance, slightly modified, turn into unprecedented success. This happened with the Easy Tone technology. “Sneakers with unstable soles promised to tighten the hips and buttocks. They did this, provided they were used correctly - the model is intended exclusively for walking, and fitness classes in them are simply dangerous,”says Ruslan Panov, expert methodologist and coordinator of group programs of the federal network of X-Fit fitness clubs. Few in the world buys special walking shoes, which is why sneakers have not justified the investment in them. But instead of signing for failure, the expensive patented technology was taken on a completely different track: Reebok began to release unstable steps, which made a splash in the fitness market.
Essentially, Easy Tone Step is a step with two air cushions. Depending on the mode, the gas can flow from one to the other or remain in the rubber tank, making the equipment more stable, but still more mobile compared to classical steps. Another difference is that Easy Tone Step can be used on both sides, with the pillow-up position for even more unique fitness options.
“The workout starts as soon as you step on the step - even when you just stretch up, let alone bend to the side, the stabilizer muscles are already in full swing: they help you keep your balance on an unstable surface,” explains Ruslan. “These internal muscles cannot be worked out with weights or on a treadmill. Meanwhile, they are extremely important for the life process - they are the guarantor of our traumatic life. If the external muscle group is responsible for any movement, then the internal ones protect the joints from incorrect position, and also help maintain balance in unforeseen situations."
In addition to the ability to balance in a crowded bus and overcome the upcoming icy conditions without injury, training provides another important bonus: the energy consumption from all the exercises performed increases greatly. It's simple - any muscles need fuel to work, which means the number of calories that you burn by connecting external and internal at the same time increases noticeably. This is why everyone who wants to increase endurance, lose weight quickly and improve body contour should come to training.
True, it will also be more difficult to practice: in a minute of steps on the spot, performed on pillows, seven sweats will come off you (checked by the editorial staff of RBC Style). It's just that it is quite difficult to even resist with the “floor” constantly leaving from under your feet, not to mention keeping the pace. “When you are doing a simple walk, the foot is constantly seeking balance. At this moment, the stabilizers of the foot, knee and hip joints, the spine, plus the muscles that are directly responsible for the movements of the legs work,”says Panov.
The matter does not end with one step, the complexity and variety of exercises is limited only by the imagination of your instructor - turning the Easy Tone Step upside down, you can do countless exercises with it: from the basic steps of step aerobics, bends and twists to all kinds of lunges and planks. The latter will especially appeal to those who are fed up with the usual stance on the toes and forearms - taking the same position, you will get a fundamentally new load and sensation.>
