Tighten + Tone Tuesday: How to Enjoy Easter Candy without Regret

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! It's Easter week and Easter candy is everywhere.  Is it stressing you out? Do you feel guilty because you want to enjoy a childhood favorite, but you don't want to undo all the hard work you've put into your fitness routine? Fear not, my friend! This week's video brings you three tips for enjoying your Easter candy without regret.  That's right! I'm here to tell you that you can eat your Easter candy and enjoy it too!  

Even more exciting? The actual Easter bunny is my special guest for this week's video! Check him out hard at work editing our video footage here:

Nathan, the Easter Bunny, editing video footage. 

Most personal trainers will tell you to avoid candy altogether, but I think it's fine to indulge intelligently. If you REALLY want to eat that candy, you will. The longer you avoid it, the more you'll want it. Plus, I don't know about you, but Easter candy is the best candy! I've tried not enjoying any myself, and it's just no way to live.  By taking the tips I'm sharing this week to heart, you'll get to have the best of both worlds.  You can enjoy your favorite seasonal treats, but you won't feel like you've ruined months of hard work in the process.

Ready for my healthy Easter tips including one of my FAVORITE online fitness tools, Easter basket ideas to keep your favorite kiddos active, and to meet the Easter bunny? Check out this week's video:

Did you enjoy this video? Give it a thumbs up/share it for me on Google + and with your friends. 

Did you do your homework yet? I'd love to hear about your favorite Easter candy and the activities you'll add to your week or other treats you'll give up so you can enjoy your candy without guilt. Share your thoughts with a comment below: 

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: How to Select the Correct Running Shoes for Your Feet

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! This week's video gives me the chance to talk about two of my most favorite things in the whole wide world: running and shoes.

If you're here to learn how to select the correct running shoes for your feet, don't worry. I'm not going to break out my stiletto shoe collection and go for a run (or will I?).  Instead, I'll be providing some tips that will make your running shoe shopping trip go more smoothly.  

The big takeaway from this video is the importance of buying your running shoes for comfort and not style.  I won't be telling you to stop buying impractical shoes, because I wear them on my off days.  However, I will give you some tips that will make changing up the way you shop for your running shoes easier to understand.

To get my tips, watch click on the video to tune in:

Interested in checking out the shoe finder tool I talked about? Visit it on Runner's World by clicking HERE>>

One of the online shoe stores that offers an extended warranty is Road Runner Sports. Check them out through THIS link>>

Are you starting a running routine? If so, have you bought new running shoes yet? Share your thoughts on my tips and your new routine by leaving a comment below. Know someone who might enjoy this video? Please share it to spread the word.

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: Why exercise IS an effective way to lose weight and tips to maximize your routine

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! This week's video is the last in my March Madness series.  Yes, I know it's April 1st, but since March Madness at Fit Armadillo is more about shining a light on fitness myths than it is about March or basketball, I figured it was still timely.  Especially since it's April Fool's Day and this week's myth is one I don't want someone to prank you into believing!

What myth am I uncovering this week? It's the myth that exercise "just isn't proven to aide in weight loss."  This myth always really grinds my gears, because it's just not true!

However, haters are gonna hate and they keep talking all this trash about exercise. I think the myth comes from the fact that while your eating and exercising habits work together to impact your overall weight and weight loss goals, it's a lot easier to overeat than it is to overexercise! 

Most of us don't realize what we actually eat during the day and tend to overestimate the amount of exercise we enjoy.  But "most of us" doesn't have to be YOU! Take charge of your healthy living routine and get a few steps closer to your goal by getting real about your current routine with me.  If you're not sure where to begin, you'll love the quick tips for learning how to modify both your eating and exercising routines that I reveal in the video.


Find out more about my thoughts on the maddening idea that exercise doesn't work by watching this week's video here:

Did you enjoy this video? Share it with a friend and then share your thoughts with a comment below. Did you visit Choose My Plate yet? It's a great resource and I'd love to hear your thoughts on that as well :) Type away: 

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: Does Running Cause Knee Injuries?

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! This Tuesday I've booked you an appointment with a doctor. Don't worry, it's not for a check-up! Rather, it's to watch this week's March Madness video, which is an interview with Dr. William Turley who has stopped by to discuss the question: Does running cause knee injuries? 

Aside from being a medical doctor, Dr. Turley has been running for 45 years so he knows a thing or two about the sport.  In addition to providing his personal insights as a runner, he'll also teach you several reasons why tying up your laces should be on your to-do list this spring that might surprise you. The best part? You don't have to wait 2hrs in an uncomfortable chair reading old AARP magazines to hear what he has to say.  This might just be your favorite encounter with a doctor, ever! 

Ready to figure out if running is dangerous or worthy of your time? Check out the video here:

What did you learn from this video? Share your thoughts with a comment below and be sure to "share" this video if you found it useful!

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: Four Reasons that Women Lifting Light Weights is Madness!

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! This week's video is the second in the March Madness series.  If you're just tuning in, March Madness isn't about basketball here at Fit Armadillo.  Instead, it's about fitness myths that have been driving me MAD and uncovering the fit facts.

The fitness myth that has been driving me MAD this past week is the myth that women should only lift light weights.  This myth has been driving me mad for so many reasons.  In fact, if you watch the video you'll learn FOUR reasons why you want to put down those 3 pounders! You'll also get some proof that lifting the appropriate weight for your won't leave you looking like a body builder.

Ready to take your strength training routine and fitness goals to the next level, ladies? Tune in here:

Are you ready to change out those too-light weights? Which of the four reasons has you really feeling ready to make a change? Share your thoughts below:

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: March Madness at Fit Armadillo Week One

Happy Tighten and Tone Tuesday! Can you believe it’s already March? I know I’m having a hard time believing it!  During the month of February Tighten + Tone Tuesday focused on tips for your cardiovascular fitness and in honor of Heart Health month.  This month’s theme is March Madness. Don’t worry, I won't be breaking out my lack of basketball skills! Instead, I’ll be sharing fitness myths that have been driving me mad and letting you in on the fitness facts.   

This first video won’t cover a fitness myth.  Instead, it introduces this month’s video series and provides a link to a brief meditation I recorded for you to enjoy anytime you hear one too many fitness myths so you don’t really go mad.  The meditation I’ve shared is one that I often use at then end of my Pilates classes, but it can be used any time. You’ll be able to download the mp3 so you can take it with you  anywhere.

Week One of March Madness Video and Meditation:

You can find the link to download your meditation in the ABOUT section of the video on YouTube or just click HERE>>

Do you have a meditation practice? What about a fitness myth that is driving you mad? Share your thoughts with a comment below:  

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: Bid Farewell to Heart Health Month with a Test of Your Heart's Health (No Step Required!)

It's the last Tighten + Tone Tuesday of February and Heart Health Month.  If you've been away the last two weeks, don't feel bad. You can catch the reruns anytime! Last week's ode to the heart taught you a trick you'll want to do at home.  Learn it HERE>> Two weeks ago, I taught you about the Fat Burning Zone and if you need to stay in it to burn fat. Check out that video HERE>>

This week's video is short and sweet and still honors your heart.  In it you'll learn how to monitor your heart's health and your progress as you are up in the gym working on your cardiovascular fitness. You don't need a witness to get this one done.

Check out this week's tips here:

Found this video helpful? Don't forget to share it!Did you complete the test? Share your results below and come back in eight weeks to see how you've progressed! Have other thoughts? I'd love to hear them. Post your comments and questions below:

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: Finding Your Target Heart Rate Zone - DO try this at home!

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! This week's fitness video is the second part in a two video series that answers the fan question: "How important is it to stay in the Target Zone when working out?" In the first video of the series, I focused on the Fat Burning zone and whether you need to stay in it to burn fat. Catch up on the latest facts for getting your fat burn on by watching that video HERE>>

This week's video will answer the question more generally by taking a look at your Target Heart Rate Zone. You'll learn how to find your target heart rate zone and why you'll want to do this at home (hint: most cardio equipment and charts used outdated formulas to calculate your target heart rate zone).

Ready to honor your heart some more? It is Heart Health Month, after all!

Check out the video to pump up your heart knowledge here:

Did you calculate your Target Heart Rate Zone? How does it compare to the one you see at a gym? Share your thoughts below and share this post to share your new knowledge :)

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: How Important is it to Stay in the Fat Burning Zone if You Want to Burn Fat?

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! This week's video was inspired by fan, Roxanne, who wanted to know how important it is to stay in your Target Zone while training.  To fully answer the question I decided to break it down into two videos. Today, I'll reveal whether or not it is important to stay in the Fat Burning zone.  Next week, I'll talk about finding and calculating your Target Heart Rate in general and whether or not you can venture out of that zone.

Have you ever seen a heart rate zone chart? Have you wondered what it meant and whether or not it was important? This video will tell you all you need to know about the Fat Burning versus Fit heart rate zones and their place in your workout.

To understand whether or not your need to be in the "Fat Burning Zone" if you want to burn fat, check out this week's video:

Do you regulate your heart rate when you work out? Did you learn anything new about heart rate zones? Do you have another question? Share your thoughts below and share this post if you found it useful.

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: How to Get a Flat Stomach

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! A few weeks ago I asked my fans to submit their fitness questions for future videos.  This week's video answers one of the questions I'm most frequently asked: How do you get a flat stomach?  The video will go over basic tips for toning your abs and provide a checklist that you can use to make sure that your workout routine is complete.  It will also teach you a key ab-toning move that you can add to your fitness sessions.

Ready to learn how to get a flat stomach? Watch the video here:

Did you learn some new tips for toning your tummy after watching this video? Be sure to share it so you can help a friend tone his/her abs as well.  Anything that surprised you? Let me know what you think with a comment below: 

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: Baseline Assessments that DON'T Use a Scale!

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday!  This week you'll assess how tightened and toned you are right now and the best part is you WON'T need a scale to take most measurements (the exception is for males who will need to get on the scale for one optional assessment).

Taking your baseline measurements is a great way to track your progress.  If you have read my Goal Setting eBook, you know that a successful fitness goal must be a SMART goal.  I won't go into too much detail here, because that's what my eBook is for (didn't get yours yet? don't sweat it! it's yours when you subscribe to my newsletter HERE>>). A major part of a SMART goal lies in your ability to be able to Measure your progress as you work towards your goal.  One way to measure your progress towards a fitness goal is to track some body measurements over time.  If you have a fitness goal of "getting healthy", it's a lot harder to see if you've met that goal than if you are measuring your health by your body fat percentage.  The latter will result in a definite yes or no when you ask yourself if you've been successful.

Scales and weight measurements get a bad rep so today's measurements will focus on some other assessments you can complete and that health professionals use to assess patient health. The first assessment is a waist to hip ratio measurement and the second is a body fat percentage measurement.  Both assessments require circumference measurements. The video will explain what your score on each assessment reveals about your current health.  Just as with your old frenemy the scale, don't make these calculations if you don't think they will motivate you. You can always track the basic values from the circumference measurements shared here and compare those over time or take a before picture to track your progress.  Only do what will motivate you!

Ready to get some baseline measurements so you can see how awesome you are in a few weeks? Check out this week's video here:

Do you think you'll try these assessments? Do you prefer the scale? Share your thoughts with a comment below and please share this video if you found it helpful.

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: How to Perform a Dip

Another week, another Tighten and Tone Tuesday! The last few Tuesdays, I created some videos to help you set up your home gym.  Check out the first one HERE>> and the second one about selecting free weights for your home gym HERE>> .

When I help my personal training clients set up their home gyms, I always focus on solutions that work for a limited budget.  That's why I love the dip, the exercise featured in today's video.  A dip is an exercise you can perform without any equipment. All you need is a chair because you're working against your own bodyweight. This video shows three progressions for the move that targets your triceps (the back of your arms).  The video also offers an additional tip for increasing the move's intensity in between levels.

Learn how to perform a dip yourself by watching the video:

Do you perform dips as part of your current fitness routine? What do you think of the move? Share your thoughts with a comment below: 

Tighten+Tone Tuesday: How to Perform the One Exercise You MUST Have in Your Fitness Routine

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! This Tuesday I have a special video for you that is going to teach you the one exercise you MUST have in your fitness routine if you don't already.  It's not something that requires a lot of equipment. In fact, you can perform the full version just about anywhere. I say just about anywhere because it wouldn't work when you're skydiving and might be hard to complete underwater and maybe a few other extreme examples. However, I'm 99.9% sure that after watching this video, you'll be able to complete the exercise wherever you currently are right now.

Why is it so awesome? Here are a few reasons:

1. You can perform it anywhere*.
2. It targets your chest, shoulders, and triceps but also works your core muscles so it's basically a full body exercise in and of itself.
3. You can learn how to perfect it in secret and then impress your friends and family!

Curious as to what exercise I'm talking about? Check out the video and two modifications here:

***SPOILER ALERT***

Because, you may not have seen this on the image for the video above.  The exercise I'm sharing with you today is the push-up.

Can you do a full push-up yet? Are you ready to work on yours? Share your thoughts with a comment below:

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: How to Purchase Three Levels of Free Weights for Your Home Gym

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! A few weeks back I shared a video that taught you how to set up a home gym for under $200.  Didn’t set up your home gym yet? Don’t worry! Today’s video focuses on some tips to make the process easier.  Watch it and then head out to get yourself set up before next year!

In this video you will learn: 

-How to make purchasing free weights (dumbbells) as easy as 1-2-3!
-Three exercises to help you purchase a set of light, medium, and heavy weights
-The number of repetitions you should be able to complete with a weight if it is appropriate for your current fitness level

Ready to learn? Tune in and then share your thoughts and this post if you found it helpful!

Want to learn more about how to set up a home gym for $200 or less? View my previous post HERE>>

What did you think of this video? I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions! Share them with a comment below: 

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: Brain Workout with Special Guest Michelle Loch

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! This week I'm so excited to share with you a 10 - Minute Brain Workout by special guest, Michelle Loch.  Michelle visits us all the way from Brisbane, Australia where my little sister now lives! Check out her tips on how to exercise your brain and the benefits of doing so below.  To learn more about Michelle, visit her on the web or connect with her through the links at the bottom of the page. 


Brain Training – 10 Minutes a Day

Being ‘Brain Fit’ is just as important as being physically fit.  Challenging yourself with mental exercises and new activities keeps your mind running on all cylinders.

There are so many studies now showing the short and long term benefits of brain training and keeping a fit brain – some studies suggest that brain fit people are 63% less likely to develop dementia.   And if you combine brain fitness with physical exercising and good nutrition, you can boost your brain power by up to 78%.

This is surely enough evidence for us to start paying attention and incorporating brain training into our health and wellbeing plans.

The density of your brain’s grey matter has an impact on how well you can make decisions, make good choices and exercise self-control – and these activities are essential if you are to stay focused on your physical fitness program.  Brain Training is a great way to get and stay brain fit.

In developing your brain training routine, consider the following:

• Find ways to learn about how your brain works.  Having that knowledge helps you to control your brain, rather than it controlling you.
• Aim to engage in 10 mins of brain training at least three times a week (though every day is a great goal to aim for)
• Anytime you challenge yourself with anything new, you are, in essence, training your brain eg, 
• Like physical exercise, choose activities that you enjoy
• Variety is the key.  Investigate a number of exercises and create your own program that ensures different parts of your brain are being challenged each day.
• Plan your week’s 10 minute trainings in advance

Sample weekly brain training program:

Day 1:  Practice a Stroop Test:

Day 2:  Have an ‘opposite day’.  Build new neural connections by putting your non-dominant hand into action.  Use it to perform daily tasks such as 

• Brushing your teeth
• Combing hair
• Eating
• Using your computer mouse

Notice whether it becomes easier over the day.  If it does, you are creating new neural networks in your brain!

Day 3:  Do this brain teaser:

Day 4:  Practice counting backward

• Begin at 200 and count backward by 5 eg, 200, 195, 190…
• Begin at 150 and count backward by 7 eg, 150, 143, 136…
• Begin at 100 and count backward by 3 eg, 100, 97, 94…

Activities to investigate for developing your own program:

Online brain training

There are lots of online brain training programs, but these are worth a try…

• lumosity.com
• mybrainsolutions.com
• brainmetrix.com
• mindgames.com

Practice multi-tasking

Time yourself doing this activity:

Step 1:  Start the time and write the words ‘I am a great multi-tasker’
Step 2:  On the line below, write the numbers 1 – 20 eg, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7….19 20
Step 3:  Stop the timer
Step 4:  Repeat the exercise but instead alternate between the two lines, for example, write the letter ‘I’, then on the next line write the number ‘1’, then back to the first line write the letter ‘a’, then on the next line write the number 2 and so on.  Time yourself doing the entire exercise.  
Step 5:  Compare the times.  
Step 6:  Repeat the exercise every second day to see if you improve.

Practice memory techniques

• www.memory-sports.com
• http://www.wikihow.com/Remember-the-Order-of-the-Planets-in-Our-Solar-System

Brain games

• Crosswords
• Sudoku
• Google a day – agoogleaday.com
• http://www.prevention.com/brain-games

(though don’t just stick to one kind, engage in a variety and mix them up)

 
About Michelle:

Michelle Loch is a qualified and experienced Coach, Facilitator and HR Consultant with over 20 years of experience. She has trained leaders and executives across a variety of industries including Professional Services, Retail, Public Administration, Technology, Engineering, Mining, Real Estate, Education, Construction, Not-for profit and Finance.

 

Website: www.maxpotential.com.au 
E-mail: michelle@maxpotential.com.au    

Do you work out your brain? Share your thoughts or some brain exercises you enjoy by posting a comment below:

Tighten + Tone Tuesday: How to Build a Home Gym for Less Than $200!

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! The video blogging continues this week with a video that reviews 8 items that can get you started with your home gym for less than $200.  If you travel a lot for work or for pleasure (can you take me?), you'll appreciate some useful items that can help you work out without weighing down your suitcase.  Another reason to love this video? If you have some fitness fanatic friends on your Christmas list, you'll find a few inexpensive options that they might enjoy (or you can always just buy them coal and tell them that Santa said they'd been naughty this year).

View the video here:

Have any questions about building your home gym? Drop me a line with a comment below. Found this video helpful? Share it with your friends and maybe you'll be rewarded with a new workout buddy!

Tighten + Tone Tuesday

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! Three weeks ago I was just posting articles in this weekly spot that reviewed proper form for one exercise.  Then two weeks ago I shared my own 10 minute travel workout and last week Nicole LaBonde shared a 10 minute barre workout video.

I thought about going back to the one exercise a week idea, but then I got my new MacBook Air and I HAD to test out the video.  Now, this doesn't mean I'll do a full video every week (I hope!), but you will have a video this week and maybe next week (no promises yet, but I really love this new laptop...).

This week Tighten + Tuesday will focus on strengthening your ankles.  Not pumped yet? Your ankles are very important to ensuring you have proper form for any exercise and are just able to get around without falling everyday. So, show them some appreciation! In the video I'll review some balance exercises to help you strengthen this often forgotten area.  I'll also go over some ankle sprain rehab tips for people who may be R.I.C.E.ing it up (did that make ankle recovery sound as cool as living it up?...) like myself.

Show your ankles some appreciation tonight by trying out the balance exercises in this video (if you use your mom's favorite lace pillow, do not blame me when you get in trouble for ruining it):

Did you do your balance exercises today? Any idea why my custom thumbnail is not showing yet? Share your thoughts on this video with a comment below:

Tighten + Tone Tuesday 10-minute Workout with Special Guest and CABARRET Creatrix Nicole LaBonde!

Happy Tighten+Tone Tuesday! Last week I shared a 10-minute do-anywhere circuit style workout that I prepared for Jennifer at Yonder Tours for my travel-loving fitness fans.  This week, I have the pleasure of sharing another 10-minute workout that travels well.  Please welcome Nicole LaBonde, Creatrix of CABARRET who has shared her Barre Fitness Workout with us below:

Here is a 10 minute, Thigh-Toning, Booty-Blasting workout from CABARRET Barre and Dance Fitness!:

There is a reason ballerinas have done the same barre exercises for 100s of years-- they work! Barre is a high resistance workout- you control your body, while working your muscles to the point of fatigue, especially your legs, glutes, and upper arms!

CABARRET class includes specific barre exercises, done with resistance, for every woman's favorite targets: abs, booty, legs (especially thighs), and arms. Barre exercises also strengthen the feet and back (high heel pain, anyone?). Barre exercises strengthen core muscles and tone and tighten your legs, especially thighs and glutes, using resistance. Work at the barre translates to long, toned legs, a tight booty, a sexy stomach!

About CABARRET Creatrix Nicole LaBonde: Nicole LaBonde wants to live in a world where all women are confident with their voices, bodies and lives. As a multi-preneur, she’s been featured in Business Heroine, Philadelphia Magazine’s BeWell Blog, and multiple blogs and ebooks on Health and Fitness topics. Currently, Nicole is applying her vast experience in these fields into a new passion, her work as a mind and body transformation coach. Her clients have found success in: weight loss, increased energy, public speaking confidence, social media marketing and more. Find out how to work with Nicole at www.nicolelabonde.com.

Tighten + Tone Tuesday

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! This week I don't have one exercise for you. Instead, I have a whole workout! The best part is it's more like a "whole" workout because it won't take you the whole day to do. In fact, it's only 10 minutes!

Stop by Yonder Tours for this 10 minute do anywhere routine.  If you have extra time, repeat this cardiovascular and strength training circuit multiple times to burn extra calories.

I had my boot campers do this workout three times last week and they told me yesterday that they really felt it the next day.

What workout are you doing today? Let us know with a comment below and if you try this 10-minute option tell us what you think!

Tighten + Tone Tuesday

Happy Tighten + Tone Tuesday! If you follow this blog regularly, you rock! I love hearing your thoughts and helping you learn more about how to create a healthy lifestyle.  You also may recall that I was out of town last week. I had a great time visiting my family! It was hard to leave even though I'll be back to celebrate the holidays and it was freeeezing up in CT. Yup, I have some pretty awesome relatives!

How does my family time relate to Tighten + Tone Tuesday? Well, since I wasn't home and in the midst of my regular routine of fitness classes and the like I decided to take my dad up on his offer to use my parent's gym. Seemed like a great idea especially since it was 30 degrees outside (versus at least 70 degrees here in Houston, TX).  Seemed being the keyword, because I am STILL unable to unpack my suitcase from my workout on Saturday.  The gym broke me!  

OK so maybe I really can unpack my suitcase now, but the last few days have been pretty challenging.  Whatever did I do in the gym? It wasn't any gym rocket science!  In fact, the technique that got me feeling like I need a really good massage (except for the fact that I don't want someone to touch me right now....) is one you can use at home: Single-Arm (or Leg) Training. 

I ended up using this technique because some grunting gym guy (you know the type):

stole my bench when I was using the assisted pull-up machine (if you haven't used this and go to a gym that has one, get on trying it out ASAP).  I was doing a basic dumbbell chest press so I decided to go over to the weight machine circuit and exchange my dumbbells for the chest press machine.

Most weight machines force you to move the entire bar at once.  This one allowed me to move one arm at a time so it was very easy for me to do one set with my right arm and then switch to my left arm.

Boy, do I still feel the difference of isolating the exercise to one arm at a time! Usually weight machines are considered an entry level piece of equipment because they limit your range of motion and can help beginners avoid common form mistakes.  However, even if you are not a beginner it is worth checking out the weight machines once in a while to vary your workout.  One way is the way I chose, single-arm training.  Even if your weight machine is set up to work both arms or legs at the same time, you can always just use lighter weight and move your opposite arm or leg out of the way for the same effect.

How do you practice Single-Appendage Training at home? If you have your own dumbbells or resistance bands, complete the exercise with one arm/leg at a time. Determined face and silly photo evidence optional.... (if you take a photo like this, however, we'd love to see it!)

 Don't have any equipment?   No problem! Try this technique with any body-weight exercise to really challenge yourself.  A basic wall squat can be done with one leg by lifting one foot off the ground while in this position. For your upper body, a one armed or one legged push-up is also an excellent choice.  If you aren't able to do a full push-up yet you can always modify your form and complete it on an incline and try a one-armed version before progressing to a full push-up.

Have you done anything to change your exercise routine lately? What do you think of single-arm/leg training?  Let us know your thoughts by sharing a comment below: