Renowned for their extensive range of lifestyle shoes at true value prices, Skechers have launched a new range of fitness footwear, championed by Shape Ups trainers -a unique new shoe which is designed to optimise exercise by simulating the effects of barefoot walking.

As a result of the recession, there has been a fresh focus on traditional British pastimes, causing many to cancel their gym memberships as a means of reducing monthly spending and instead making lifestyle changes such as walking to work instead of taking public transport as a more economical form of exercise.

4 out of 5 American women say they’re dissatisfied with the way they look. That will change this spring. SHAPE magazine, the #1 women’s active lifestyle magazine, is excited to announce its first ever “Bikini Body Tour.”

SHAPE will hit the hottest beaches with forty exhilarating fitness classes, sand-tastic games, sizzling prizes and special guest, Victoria’s Secret Supermodel, Marisa Miller. The cover model of the special Summer Issue, will be on-hand as women push themselves to the limit with muscle-burning moves on the beach. Those sexy beach bodies that women covet all year long can now be achieved with the help of the tour’s intensive exercise classes! Once they’ve got the bod, they can check out the hottest looks at an exclusive summer fashion show hosted by SHAPE’s Executive Style Director, Jacqui Stafford.

Embarking upon a new fitness program can be a challenging task. Here are six steps to ensure you start down the right path to health.
1) What’s your starting point? Before embarking on any fitness program, it is important that you first assess your own level of health and fitness. If you have not been regularly exercising, you should check with your doctor before taking the next step. At the very least, plan to start slow and build your way up.

2) Set your goals. What are you trying to achieve? Weight loss? A more muscular body? Write down short term concrete goals that will guide you. One goal might be to lose ten pounds. Another might be to move up to a more difficult level on the stationary bike. Goals are important for several reasons.