I got my Shake Weight today. This device, the Shake Weight for Men, is a 5-pound dumbbell (the version for women is a 2.5-pound dumbbell) with springs at the base of each end designed to strengthen and tone the arms, chest, and shoulders. An instructional DVD is included in the box that provides an elementary-level primer on how to get started. The Shake Weight’s website promotional material claim it is based on a relatively new concept called “Dynamic Inertia” that tones muscles by creating multi-directional resistance. It is not motorized and does not use batteries. The loaded springs workout the muscles as you shake the weight.

The first thing I noticed is that the there weren’t any useful written instructions on what to do to get started using the Shake Weight. The printed material references the DVD and website and includes some warnings on improper uses. The DVD is not bad, showing a shirtless fitness trainer (that’s him in the picture up there) completing a series of exercises with the Shake Weight. None of the printed material provided much detail on how to use it. My biggest complaint for the DVD is that it is too short. Being only nine minutes long, I don’t think it’s sufficient enough given that the cost was $29.99 (the ladies’ version is $19.99). You don’t have to order it online or from the customer service fulfillment telephone hotline. I purchased mine from Bed, Bath & Beyond and I’ve seen them in Target, Walmart, and other brick and mortar stores.

Before I began using the Shake Weight, I watched the nine minute video, simulating the motions of the trainer pretending I was actually holding the gadget. The video shows three separate exercises: two arm front shake, two arm shake behind your head, and a single arm shake. I watched the video again, this time using the weight and following along with the video. It recommends you do a 30-second set with a 15-second rest in between. The trainer recommended two sets. I felt a moderate amount of soreness in my biceps and triceps and chest, but I don’t think two sets are sufficient enough to reap the most benefits. I did it for four sets and I feel distinct muscle soreness in my arms and significant amounts of soreness in my chest.

Long-term, I’m not sure how effective the Shake Weight will be in developing the kind of muscles as suggested in the infomercial. Only time will tell. But The Shake Weight definitely gives a great workout and will leave you out of breath. I will blog again in a few months to let you know how well it works on toning up my muscles. Wish me luck!