Toning shoes: Why do women search for a quick fitness fix?

I will be the first to admit that I could use a little more exercise. OK, a lot more. As I'm nearing 40, I jiggle in places that I never used to before. And, as a working mom, I know that even though I'm plenty "active," chasing after kids and working a desk job doesn't translate into fitness.

But even though I understand the allure of a quick fitness fix, I'm amazed at the amount of "magic bullet" fitness and weight-loss products out there. This week, at Yahoo!'s Shine, I wrote about the lawsuits filed against New Balance and Reebok over claims made about their "toning shoes," and took a look at some of the other products on the market that make promises they can't reasonably keep. Here's the top of the story; click through to read the rest.

The truth about toning shoes, and other fitness gear that doesn't work

By Lylah M. Alphonse, Shine Staff

People are always looking for the quick fix. Pills that will bust belly fat overnight. Exercise machines that will give you fab abs in no time. Flip-flops that can help you get fit faster. Special sneakers that sculpt your butt and help you get in shape.

Sound too good to be true? It usually is. And when it comes to trendy, pricy toning shoes—which have rounded or unstable soles that are supposed to help the wearer burn more calories by increasing "muscle activation"—studies show that while exercise does plenty to boost calorie consumption and tone your bod, the shoes don't really make a difference.

I'm writing nearly daily over at Shine; keep up with me there by clicking here!