Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The MBT Shoes
This week's "Test It Tuesday" provided quite a challenge. While these MBT shoes do provide instant relief from various joint and foot pains ( take a look at Ted Cataldi in the story ), the fitness benefits are still not clear.
Dr. Brian Hagan, a physical therapist at UPMC would not grade the shoes, but he did say the "rocker bottom" technology was not new. It has been used by patients for years. Now, whether that technology would actually firm and tone your body is up for debate. He says that the shoe will yield different results for different people.
The shoe essentially changes the way you walk by putting pressure on different muscles and - by doing that - it can help certain people become more physically fit, but not everybody. After wearing the shoes for five days, here's what I believe: I think if you think the shoes will get you into better shape, you tend to use them more and probably walk more. By walking more, you will invariably be in better shape.
Therefore, I think the results from the shoes are much more dependant on your mental state. If you believe they will work, you will do what is necessary to make them work for you. I think you will work more to ensure the results.
MBT's are not a magic fix. You can't just wear these shoes and then eat a whole tub of ice cream and expect to lose weight. There is no easy way to lose weight. Now, I know there are women who swear by these shoes - and I believe the results they are getting but I also believe from my brief time with this product, nothing happens in a vacuum.
Watch the Video Here
Dr. Brian Hagan, a physical therapist at UPMC would not grade the shoes, but he did say the "rocker bottom" technology was not new. It has been used by patients for years. Now, whether that technology would actually firm and tone your body is up for debate. He says that the shoe will yield different results for different people.
The shoe essentially changes the way you walk by putting pressure on different muscles and - by doing that - it can help certain people become more physically fit, but not everybody. After wearing the shoes for five days, here's what I believe: I think if you think the shoes will get you into better shape, you tend to use them more and probably walk more. By walking more, you will invariably be in better shape.
Therefore, I think the results from the shoes are much more dependant on your mental state. If you believe they will work, you will do what is necessary to make them work for you. I think you will work more to ensure the results.
MBT's are not a magic fix. You can't just wear these shoes and then eat a whole tub of ice cream and expect to lose weight. There is no easy way to lose weight. Now, I know there are women who swear by these shoes - and I believe the results they are getting but I also believe from my brief time with this product, nothing happens in a vacuum.
Watch the Video Here
Posted at 4:38 AM by Andrew Stockey
Test It Tuesday - It's Your Turn - The MBT Shoes
Welcome to week two of my favorite part of "Test It Tuesday". It's Wednesdays and that is when you get to tell me what you thought of the test and whether it moved you in one direction or another. I was amazed to see how many of you already had the MBT shoes we tested last night. Here are your thoughts.
Lisa M. says:
I will tell you THEY WORK. I had back injury and knee problems ... and when I wear those shoes do not need the medication. Pleasant side effect - my legs and butt are firmer with consistent usage.
Karen R says:
I have been wearing the MBT shoes for two years and they are GREAT for lower back pain, leg cramps and leg pain. The losing weight thing? Well I would say yes BECAUSE they make you feel better, your joints etc ... so you feel like walking more .. I have two pairs and I love them.
Pam M writes in and says:
I have had MBT's for nearly a year. I like them and what they do for my posture ... but I don't think they made me lose any weight.
R.G. from Greensburg adds:
My co-worker and I just got them about a month and a half ago and we love them. It is amazing when you stand all day .. what a difference. I also wear them to work out.
Thanks to everyone who wrote in to share their story and feelings about MBT's. It looks like they were a winner with many of our viewers. By the way, I have received calls from various independent shoe stores around the area so you will be able to find them locally.
Posted at 4:37 AM by Andrew Stockey
Monday, February 25, 2008
I Need Testers
The recent return of "Test It Tuesday" includes a few interactive components. This blog allows me to tell you the "behind-the-scenes" story of our weekly tests. It also allows you to share with me ideas for products to put to the test.
One more thing I would like to see: I would like you to help me test these products. Just this past week, I got a suggestion for a great item I would like to test and e-mailed back the lady who made the suggestion. While she was excited we would be trying the product, she would not come on the air and actually do it. Her contention: Being on TV would add 10 pounds.
OK, I guess I can buy that but I think what makes this segment work so well is that it's not just me testing the items .. and there are items I would rather not test. I mean to you realy want to see me shaving my legs with the latest women's razor and actually trying to cook anything? Of course not.
While I am excited to see your suggestions, I also want to see your involvement. Come join me so we together can see if it really works. Also, don't be afraid. I won't track up the house and if you think you might look bad on TV, imagine what I must look like off the air.
One more thing I would like to see: I would like you to help me test these products. Just this past week, I got a suggestion for a great item I would like to test and e-mailed back the lady who made the suggestion. While she was excited we would be trying the product, she would not come on the air and actually do it. Her contention: Being on TV would add 10 pounds.
OK, I guess I can buy that but I think what makes this segment work so well is that it's not just me testing the items .. and there are items I would rather not test. I mean to you realy want to see me shaving my legs with the latest women's razor and actually trying to cook anything? Of course not.
While I am excited to see your suggestions, I also want to see your involvement. Come join me so we together can see if it really works. Also, don't be afraid. I won't track up the house and if you think you might look bad on TV, imagine what I must look like off the air.
Posted at 5:00 AM by Andrew Stockey
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Test It Tuesday - It's Your Turn
As we bring Test It Tuesday back here on Channel 4 Action News, we want to try some different things to make it more interactive and allow you to be part of the process. One of those innovations will be on Wednesday and I'm calling Test It Tuesday - It's Your Turn.
The idea is to hear what you think about the products we test and add your two cents worth. This week's test was the Reverse Alarm which didn't get high marks from me because it didn't make enough noise to warn anybody of a car heading in their direction. The test brought out these comments from you.
T0nya writes: "We have something better than the backup item. We have a reare light that replaces one of your current ones and it beeps pretty loud. I have used it for five years and it costs $20".
Earl writes: "Hey Andrew, sticking anything on a light on your car is illegal as per PA state inspection law". If that is true, maybe I should alert the makers of the Reverse Alarm.
Carolyn chimes in: "My Reverse Alarm beeps constantly when the sunlight hits it".
Finally, some woman called our newsroom and didn't leave her name but said the following: "I dod not appreciate the comment you made about your insurance being paid up. You're endorsing that people have accidents so that they can collect the insurance money".
OK.
So thanks to all of those folks who shared their thoughts and insights. I would love to hear from you, too. If you have a question, comment, suggestion or complaint, send it right here. We'll print some of your responses each Wednesday and we may even use you as the tester on "Test It Tuesday".
The idea is to hear what you think about the products we test and add your two cents worth. This week's test was the Reverse Alarm which didn't get high marks from me because it didn't make enough noise to warn anybody of a car heading in their direction. The test brought out these comments from you.
T0nya writes: "We have something better than the backup item. We have a reare light that replaces one of your current ones and it beeps pretty loud. I have used it for five years and it costs $20".
Earl writes: "Hey Andrew, sticking anything on a light on your car is illegal as per PA state inspection law". If that is true, maybe I should alert the makers of the Reverse Alarm.
Carolyn chimes in: "My Reverse Alarm beeps constantly when the sunlight hits it".
Finally, some woman called our newsroom and didn't leave her name but said the following: "I dod not appreciate the comment you made about your insurance being paid up. You're endorsing that people have accidents so that they can collect the insurance money".
OK.
So thanks to all of those folks who shared their thoughts and insights. I would love to hear from you, too. If you have a question, comment, suggestion or complaint, send it right here. We'll print some of your responses each Wednesday and we may even use you as the tester on "Test It Tuesday".
Posted at 4:36 AM by Andrew Stockey
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The Reverse Alarm
The premise made all the sense in the world: Turn your car into a school bus which makes a loud noise when it backs up or moves in reverse. It's designed to help alert children and pets that you may not be able to see in your rear view mirror that you are coming. For any parent, it's a dream come true ... but for $9.99, can the Reverse Alarm actually do what it claims and save a life?
We put it to the test at Spitzer Acura located in McMurray. The folks at Spitzer were nice enough to let us use their carport to simulate conditions indoors -- like in a garage -- and then we went outdoors to test it in the elements.
As you witnessed in the story, the reverse alarm actually does work: making a sound when the car backs up. The problem is the level of sound it makes. Indoors, I was able to stand behind the car and hear the beep. However Gail Duchess, who tested the product for us, could not hear the beep going off inside the car which would lead me to believe another driver probably could not hear it either. Outside, while I could hear it as well, I wonder if a child could pick it up given how chidren are often yelling and screaming when they are playing outside.
Given all that, it was difficult for me to rate Reverse Alarm higher than a two on my four scale. Still, if all you want to make some noise when you are backing up .. just in case .. then it might be worth the investment. I guess an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in this case.
Watch the Video Here
Posted at 12:39 PM by Andrew Stockey
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Clever Clasp
This week, I put the clever clasp to the test. The idea seems simple: clipping magnets onto the end of each part of the necklace clasp and then having the magnets meet at the bottom to form the connection.
We went to Goldstock's Jewelers downtown to test the product - and thanks to the staff of Goldstock's in the Clark Building for being our "laboratory". They were more than willing to host us and provide Melanie Burke-Pohl to be our expert. She has been in the jewelry business for years and was more than pleased with the product the first time she used it.
While it makes life easier for anyone who wears necklaces and bracelets, it's primary benefit is for older woemn who may not have the flexibility nor dexerity to put jewlery on. That's the one thing that I saw as a huge plus: giving those who physically struggle to do so the ability to once again weat their favorite jewels. That's why I gave it four stars.
Hey, I want to thank everyone who took the time to submit ideas for upcoming "Test It Tuesday" segments. Keep them coming and don't be surprised if I call you in the coming weeks to help me test a product. Join me for another "test" next Tuesday.
Click here to watch the video of "Clever Clasp" on Test It Tuesday.
We went to Goldstock's Jewelers downtown to test the product - and thanks to the staff of Goldstock's in the Clark Building for being our "laboratory". They were more than willing to host us and provide Melanie Burke-Pohl to be our expert. She has been in the jewelry business for years and was more than pleased with the product the first time she used it.
While it makes life easier for anyone who wears necklaces and bracelets, it's primary benefit is for older woemn who may not have the flexibility nor dexerity to put jewlery on. That's the one thing that I saw as a huge plus: giving those who physically struggle to do so the ability to once again weat their favorite jewels. That's why I gave it four stars.
Hey, I want to thank everyone who took the time to submit ideas for upcoming "Test It Tuesday" segments. Keep them coming and don't be surprised if I call you in the coming weeks to help me test a product. Join me for another "test" next Tuesday.
Click here to watch the video of "Clever Clasp" on Test It Tuesday.
Posted at 3:27 PM by Andrew Stockey
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The One-Touch Jar Opener
The one-touch jar opener looks more like a pair of brass knuckles than an automatic jar opener, but the device did the trick. Nicol Lachimia of Wexford showed us just how easy it was to turn on, put on the jar and let it do the rest of the work.
I was very much impressed with Nicol's ingenuity before we brought the device over to her house. Before we starting shooting, she showed me how she would often open jars with a knife, as well as a green rubber glove. Best of all, she had another "As Seen on TV" item she tried to use: a rubber suction cup-like thing for grabbing a firm hold of the jar top and opening it up. As Nicol said in the story, it didn't work either.
As for the "One Touch", sure it does what it says but it takes forever to make it happen. I think in all - from start to finish - it took about 30 seconds to open the jar. In that time, you could run upstairs and get that big strong husband who claims he can open anything and let him do it.
It's a cool invention - and we did give it three stars out of four - but I don't think it's worth the money.
A big thanks to Nicol Lachimia for inviting us into her home and her kitchen.
Click here to watch the video of "One Touch" on Test It Tuesday.
I was very much impressed with Nicol's ingenuity before we brought the device over to her house. Before we starting shooting, she showed me how she would often open jars with a knife, as well as a green rubber glove. Best of all, she had another "As Seen on TV" item she tried to use: a rubber suction cup-like thing for grabbing a firm hold of the jar top and opening it up. As Nicol said in the story, it didn't work either.
As for the "One Touch", sure it does what it says but it takes forever to make it happen. I think in all - from start to finish - it took about 30 seconds to open the jar. In that time, you could run upstairs and get that big strong husband who claims he can open anything and let him do it.
It's a cool invention - and we did give it three stars out of four - but I don't think it's worth the money.
A big thanks to Nicol Lachimia for inviting us into her home and her kitchen.
Click here to watch the video of "One Touch" on Test It Tuesday.
Posted at 4:54 PM by Andrew Stockey