ShaToBu™ is a new shapewear product that claims to not only provide a sleeker silhouette, but also to help tone muscles and burn calories.
Billed as The Workout You Wear, it sounds too good to be true. But, I hope it’s not. I received a sample ShaToBu undergarment and wore it several times in order to write this review.
I am a firm believer in shapewear. I love my Spanx and Silkies. I wear them everywhere and own dozens of pairs in various styles so I was eager to try something that not only promised to conquer lumps and jiggle but to also burn calories and tone muscles as well.
The first thing I noticed – and I’m sure you did too – is the name. Short for “Shapes, Tones, Burns,” the moniker ShaToBu does not fall trippingly off the tongue. It’s cumbersome to say as compared with, say, Spanx or Silkies. But, if it works, who cares what it’s called?
ShaToBu didn’t go on as easily as my Spanx or Silkies. It took some squirming, tucking and pulling, but, once it was on, it was comfortable. The first time I wore it was just before I went for a manicure. Not smart and here’s why. ShoToBu does not have a handy opening in the crotch and has to be entirely removed in order to use the bathroom. Newly-manicured nails and a form-fitting undergarment do not a happy wearer make. I’d suggest that the company consider adding an opening in the crotch if it won’t compromise the benefits of the garment.
Although ShaToBu was comfortable, I was aware of wearing it. It didn’t cut. It didn’t squeeze, but I was aware of it nonetheless. In addition, it looks different from any other undergarment I’d seen. Each ShaToBu undergarment contains seamless resistance bands that are engaged while you perform your day-to-day tasks. According to the company’s literature, wearing the garment as you move throughout the day will make muscles work a little bit harder, effectively burning more calories and toning muscles. The bands provide 90 to 116 percent more resistance in movement, which causes an increase in muscle activity in the targeted areas. ShaToBu burns 3 to 16 percent more calories when worn during daily activities.
Ok, I was game. For its second outing, I wore my ShaToBu to the gym for a strenuous workout. (Hey, if I was going to burn calories and tone my muscles anyway, why not double the benefit?) I thought that the bands might make indentation marks on my legs that could be seen through my workout pants, but this was not the case. ShaToBu was undetectable under my clothing. The garment didn’t hinder my workout or interfere with it in any way. It caused some attention in the locker room and I explained the benefits of the resistance bands that encircled my butt and spanned the length of my thighs to curious fellow gym rats who were eager to up the ante of their own workouts.
ShaToBu was created by Canadian chiropractor Dr. Denise Perron who’s been in practice for more than 20 years. Again, according to the company, the benefits of ShaToBu were scientifically proven by an independent study conducted at the University of Virginia, one of the country’s leading exercise physiology programs. Researchers there found that women can typically expect to burn up to 12 percent more calories when they wear ShaToBu during daily activities like walking or climbing stairs.
I am not certain how the typical wearer might assess the veracity of the product claims of ShaToBu. But, in the interest of total disclosure, I can state that I measured the loss of an inch on my waist and hips while wearing ShaToBu. Its long-term effects are more difficult to measure. But, if the company’s literature is correct, this might just be the greatest invention since the wheel. I’m going to continue wearing ShaToBu (only not on the days when I get my manicure) and I hope to see shaping and toning. I’m optimistic. ShaToBu is available in regular and high waisted styles. Shapers range in price from $48. to $58. and are available in Buff and Jet Black. Tights are from $34. to $38. and are available in Jet Black, Steel and Brown. Shapers and tights are available in a wide range of sizes and can be found at http://www.barenecessities.com, http://www.blissworld.com, http://www.dillards.com, http://www.macys.com and at http://www.shatobu.com.
Read about Salsa Fits My Life jeans that make you look like you’ve had a butt lift and tummy tuck.
Saw you in the locker room with this great item and was very impressed.
Gail, it was actually comfortable during my workout too. Thanks for commenting.