It’s Not Really A Secret
I was recently sent a sample of an exercise program, Shapely Secrets, that claims to provide a full body workout without any running, jumping or harmful impact. “Simply standing still and following the program sculpts the entire body with Motionless Exercise™. The seven minute exercise can be done nearly anywhere, including at work while at your desk, with zero impact. The complete Shapely Secrets program provides visible results in two weeks.”
Sounds like something that would be pretty appealing to any busy mom, so I decided to give it a test run for you. Background: I am a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor who runs for fun, and it sounds kind of bogus to me. My first thoughts before trying it? Anything’s better than nothing, so if this is someone’s draw into the world of exercise then that’s great, and perhaps it would be great for someone who’s on bedrest or wheelchair bound. The founder, “world-renowned fitness expert Greer Childers” (of whom I have never heard even though I’m in the field) is, quite frankly, slightly plastic looking. She’s orange too, which is a little scary. However, given that it has the potential to be a success for bedrest mamas and the older and differently-abled population, I’ll certainly give it a try.
Thought I’d better get that typed out before I try the system. Back in two weeks!
I’m back. Did you miss me?
So, Shapely Secrets uses Diametric Resistance™ techniques to work muscle against muscle. “This means the simple act of tightening and releasing the muscles in your arms, legs, buns and thighs (either while standing up, sitting or lying down) actually gives you a full body workout and, combined with a healthy diet, helps shed inches—without using weights or cumbersome gym equipment.”
This is true – it’s actually known as isometric or static muscle contraction. Imagine trying to lift something really heavy that you can’t budge. Your muscles contract and you’re pulling, but no movement is happening. That’s the type of “exercise” that this system is based on. I say “exercise” in quotes because I don’t want you to think that this is all you need. Isometric contractions do, actually, work to increase strength without bulk but do not burn enough calories to encourage weight loss on their own and do nothing to increase your cardiovascular fitness.
I tried the workout several times so as to be able to give you a (hopefully) objective review. Admittedly, I’m negatively biased against anything that lures people into thinking losing weight is easy, but I’ll do my best to be fair.
The workout is, indeed, seven minutes long. I don’t care who you are – you have seven minutes to dedicate to yourself. For that alone, this program may be great for some busy parent who would otherwise do no exercise at all. Combine it with a fast walk with your children or alone and you’ve got an easy & decent workout.
The program comes with Greer’s “7 Secrets to Being Thin and Shapely” pamphlet as well as a DVD of the program and a cheap little case to keep it all together. The case itself makes me angry. It’s cheap piece of made-in-China crap that they’re selling separately for twenty bucks. You could find a similar one at any dollar store, so don’t fall for it. Take it if you get it free with the program, but don’t pay for it.
The workout is easy, and would be great for someone who has no home equipment or is housebound. New mom, perhaps? However, it’s not something I can recommend you go and buy right now. It’s just a little too “infomercial” for my liking, and we all know how those things tend to work out. (Except the PedEgg – that rocks!) I’m not saying it wouldn’t work for you. I’m just saying it’s not “the” answer. “The” answer isn’t actually a secret. Eat less and exercise more. The program itself is certainly decent if you’re looking for something simple, quick & easy. It’s the fact that they promote a pamphlet and a cheap bag as being something special that ticks me off.
Shapely Secrets is available online for $43. If you want to give it a try, there’s a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. So if it sounds like something you want to try, you’ve really go nothing to lose!
Win it! Shapely Secrets is giving FIVE winners a chance to try out the system. To enter to win, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on Friday, September 25, 2009.
Wow, I am seriously slow. But CONTEST CLOSED AND WINNERS FINALLY EMAILED!
September 20th, 2009 at 5:58 am
This sounds like a great system that would fit into my busy schedule. I’d love to win!
September 20th, 2009 at 7:08 am
I could use this.
September 20th, 2009 at 7:29 am
I could really use this! I gave birth 3 weeks ago and really need to get back in shape.
September 20th, 2009 at 9:57 am
I would love to win this great prize
September 20th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Wonderful blog, I love this site!
September 20th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I had a prior system but it was left in another state when I moved, would love to try out this latest program
September 20th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I,m over weight, and need some help. I seen your commericals and just never had order it, heres my chance maybe I’ll win this and get myself in shape. Help me if you can!
September 20th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
great looking program
September 20th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I would love to try it!
Kristie´s last blog ..Blake’s 2nd Birthday
September 20th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I do not have any home workout equiptment, so maybe this would be a guideline to help me with a routine to do. Thank you for your honest review.
September 20th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
I would like to try it, because it gets cold and snowy in the state I live in and on the days I can’t get out and walk the dogs this would be nice to do, well along with My Richard Simmons sweatin to the Oldies tapes, which I think are fun.
September 20th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Sounds interesting, and it definitely sounds easy enough to try.
September 20th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
I would love to win this. I need some help with getting my weight off and getting back in shape. I want to be where I was before children. thanks for the chance.
September 20th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
It is worth a shot!
September 20th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I always wanted to try this and the fact that I have Lyme disease, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia this might be perfect for me as I have little energy and many aches and pains and haven’t been able to do much exercising. Thanks for a great giveaway!
September 20th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
would love to try this
September 20th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
This sounds like a very intriguing workout. I would love to win!
shirley rempel´s last blog ..25 Days, 26 Days – A Book Review
September 20th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
I love yoga and walking but have fell out of the routine! I’d love to try this out!
September 20th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
i would love to win this for my SIL!!!
September 20th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
I’d love to give it a try!
September 20th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
7 minutes! sounds fantastic! The idea of Diametric Resistance sounds just great, thanks
Idaho Jill´s last blog ..2 hour All Things Baby Giveaway Event! 9/22
September 20th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Your button is on my sidebar, thanks!
Idaho Jill´s last blog ..2 hour All Things Baby Giveaway Event! 9/22
September 20th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I subscribe via email, thanks!
Idaho Jill´s last blog ..2 hour All Things Baby Giveaway Event! 9/22
September 20th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
tweet, thanks! http://twitter.com/idahojill/status/4138859813
Idaho Jill´s last blog ..2 hour All Things Baby Giveaway Event! 9/22
September 20th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
As busy as my life is,even I have seven minutes to spare.
I would really love to try this workout.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
September 20th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I want to try this out, I need all the help I can get
September 21st, 2009 at 8:27 am
This sounds like a program I could use!
September 21st, 2009 at 8:46 am
Would love to give it a try. Thanks.
September 21st, 2009 at 8:47 am
I don’t exercise at all. This would be a good way to start. Thanks.
September 21st, 2009 at 8:47 am
This would be something I would like to try. Thanks.
September 21st, 2009 at 8:48 am
My wife has been wanting to try this for awhile. She’s seen the infomercial and liked it. Thanks.
September 21st, 2009 at 8:49 am
This sounds to easy but I would like to give it a try. Thanks.
September 21st, 2009 at 1:18 pm
to good to be true? maybe. I love your honesty!
Thanks for posting
christina h´s last blog ..Breaking the Great News – We’re Pregnant
September 21st, 2009 at 2:46 pm
This looks very interesting. I also like the ped egg, so I would probably like this as well.
September 21st, 2009 at 8:59 pm
would love to try this
September 22nd, 2009 at 12:02 am
This sounds interesting.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Janet F´s last blog ..Giveaway Blog Hop
September 22nd, 2009 at 8:29 am
I would like to try this to very my routine
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:13 am
Oh, I could really use this. sign me up….
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:50 pm
i would love to be able to try this
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:23 pm
This looks like a great workout. I can use all the help I can get.
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
sounds perfect for my time constraints and sore knees.
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I think Greer is great and I’d love to win this.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Since I turned 40, my body is falling apart. This sounds like something I could try. I am still trying to shed the baby pounds, he is 19 months now, something has to work.
Thanks for the chance to win in.
September 23rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
I subscribe too.
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:52 pm
I’ve heard about this! A friend of my friend’s has told me she loves this and I really want to try it!
September 24th, 2009 at 1:37 am
I could really use this. I’m trying to find an exercise routine that will keep me motivated. This looks great!
Ilissa´s last blog ..FoldTuk Review & Giveaway!
September 24th, 2009 at 4:56 am
I’d like to try this.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:55 am
I need this as I have gained 5 lbs and don’t know why!
September 24th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Wow, this would make such a difference in my life!
September 24th, 2009 at 10:11 am
I would love to win. I just started weight watchers and I really need to add exercise into my routine. This would be perfect.
September 24th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I just had a baby so I could put this to good use!
September 24th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I would love to try this out, thanks for the chance!
September 24th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
I’d like to win, thanks.
September 24th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I walk for exercise with my Mom. I need to do other exercises to make my workout more balanced! I would love this win! Thanks! senekers@comcast.net
September 24th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
This is something that would really help me
September 24th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I need this more then anything. I have struggled for years with my weight this might be the answer to my prayers. Thank you for the awesome giveaway.
September 24th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
Ooh! This could be great! I am a mom of multiples and have so little time to myself. I think I could do 7 minutes, though. Thanks for the chance!
September 24th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
This sounds fabulous…I would love to try.
September 24th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Even if that’s as plastic and unnaturally coloured…alrighty then!
September 24th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
I would love to have this! I had twins and sooo need to get back in shape!
September 24th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
would love to win this
September 24th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
I could use a new workout routine
September 24th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
I would like to try this, I hope I win.
September 25th, 2009 at 12:56 am
I love that this is something I can even do at my desk at work, sounds like a great program!
September 25th, 2009 at 4:39 am
I would really love to try this!
September 25th, 2009 at 5:15 am
Please enter me
September 25th, 2009 at 7:12 am
Only a 7 minute workout?! I could definately make that work! Thanks for the chance!
Sheila Hickmon´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday ~ Crazy Baby!
September 25th, 2009 at 7:53 am
This sounds like a great progeam. I want to get in shape.
September 25th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Yes..I’ve reached that stage in life where only hard work will melt these pounds away. Thank you for the opportunity to win this.
September 25th, 2009 at 8:12 am
I am always up for a new system to help lose weight. This one looks interesting
September 25th, 2009 at 9:35 am
My wife & I are trying desperately to lose weight and this program would really be a big help to us.
September 25th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Sounds like a great program
September 25th, 2009 at 9:50 am
I’m currently using The Firm but am always on the hunt for a new workout routine.
September 25th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Thank you for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY.. Please count me in
September 25th, 2009 at 11:48 am
I’d so love to win this! I have about 20 lbs I really need to lose.
September 25th, 2009 at 11:49 am
i would love to win and give it a shot!
September 25th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Can’t wait to try this!!
September 25th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
This sounds like an amazing workout. I would love to try it. Thanks for the chance.
September 25th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I would love to win this and add it to my routine!