Exercise shortcuts: How well do they measure up?

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? Health experts weigh in on the products' effectiveness. Look for more reviews on the Oct. 27 Health page in the Southeast Missourian.

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 1/2 pound ($24.95) or 1 pound ($27.95); ankle weights at 1 pound ($27.95) or 2 pounds ($41.95).

This product image released by Body Togs shows the Body Tog. The weighted sleeve design helps to increase the amount of calories you burn during the day.(AP Photo/Body Togs

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."

THE PRODUCT: BodyTogs ($69.95/pair for arms, $79.95/pair for legs): Weighted "sleeves" thin enough to be worn under regular clothing. Developed by a bariatric physician, they add 4 to 7 pounds to help you burn more calories, lose weight and improve overall fitness. The company says wearing BodyTogs on forearms and legs for up to 10 hours a day may be as effective as a 2-mile run.

THE EXPERT: "We saw an increase in heart rate with the BodyTogs," said Frank Wyatt, an associate professor of kinesiology at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. He had two students wear the product while walking on a treadmill for 20 minutes.

But while the students were expending more energy and burning more calories with the sleeves on, they complained that they were "awkward, hot and scratchy," he said. The students saidthat wearing them for day-to-day activities was unlikely because they were uncomfortable.

THE VERDICT: Wyatt said he would need more time and test subjects to do a complete assessment. But the initial findings showed "increased work" from wearing the BodyTogs, he said.