Welcome to my Virtual Fitness and Nutrition Studio – based in the Rio Grande Valley
A site created to educate and share information on Fitness and Nutrition as part of a Healthy Lifestyle. I hope to demonstrate my nutrition and personal fitness training expertise.
Don’t live in RGV, or travel a lot? I’ve got you covered! You can still train with me remotely from anywhere using Skype and FaceTime. All you need is a webcam or an ipad or smart phone.
Exercise Video Segment – Cardio+Thigh & Glute Toning
This video targets thighs and butt and gets your heart rate up! You can perform it standing on the floor or up on a stepper. Watch the brief tutorial first to check your form, then have at it!
Take care and enjoy,
Margo
Exercise Video Segment – Squat Overhead Combo
This exercise video is for strength and muscle tone. As usual with my videos, you’ll feel a nice heart rate rise as well if done slowly, with purpose and proper form. The Squat part (sitting back on heels, proper back alignment – I always turn sideways so you can see it) works glutes and legs. The dumb bell and bar part works your arms and shoulders. I demonstrate this using free weights or a weighted body bar.
Take care,
Margo
Exercise Video – Abs in Plank Variation
As usual, please watch this through once first to see the form and pace. This variation of “Plank” strengthens not only your abs, obliques and back, it also gets your arms, shoulders and heart rate!
Take care,
Margo
Eating Right is Easy
I have two great places I want to suggest Austin folks (they do deliver though too) that are FABULOUS for portion control, therefore weight control, hence weight loss and maintenence!
Mels Meals: https://www.melsmealsaustin.com/
AND
My Fit Foods: https://www.myfitfoods.com/
Take Care and Eat Well!!!
Margo
Exercise Video – Thigh, Glute, Shoulder Exercise
As usual, please watch it through first (I spend a couple minutes anyway here showing you proper form) before actually doing it. After that, have at it – you can do it twice through for a super effective full body muscle toning, heart raising segment. Another one of my favs to do with clients.
Enjoy and take care,
Margo
SKYPE – Personal Training Live On Line
It’s been a while since I first mentioned Skype training here at my blog. Many of you never heard of Skype before then; now you see it used often in television to broadcast someone live. That is exactly how I utilize Skype as well. If you have a computer with a camera, you have the capability to have me full screen (oh fun) training you LIVE, in real time, from my studio. Go to any of my videos; click the little arrow, third icon from left, and you will see how I can appear full screen only training you live. Many of you reading this reside outside of Texas – we can once again train live!
Skype itself is FREE – and easy to sign up for on PC or Mac.
Hope you check it out!
Take care,
Margo
Full Body Exercise – Inch Worm
Incorporate this easy-to-learn exercise segment into your workout. It hits your hamstrings, abs of course, arms, chest and shoulders. It’s called “worm” or “inch worm” since you walk out slowly and back, bending in the middle. Do the pushup modified or military; it is effective either way.
Take care,
Margo
Plank for Abdominal Toning and Strength
This video demonstrates Plank, which strengthens your entire core, front and back, while also taxing your shoulders and arms. Start with a few seconds hold time, either on your forearms or in full plank with arms extended; hands below your shoulders. I demo both positions, as well as the most challenging – going back and forth from forearms to full extension and back. You’ll notice a good cardio kick too, doing the back and forth one, half a dozen times or so, and repeating. Enjoy this easy to learn move that has a big payoff.
Warm regards,
Margo
Interval Exercise Segment
This video demonstrates a full body segment that hits your thighs, glutes, waist, arms, shoulders and cardio, all at once! Watch it through first to get the gist; then I recommend doing each segment, or the same one twice, 8 reps. In other words, one lunge left, (then center) then to the right, is one repetition. Go slow, and sit back on those heels keeping eyes forward and your back aligned as I demonstrate on video.
Enjoy!
Margo
Shake Weight – As Seen on TV
Okay, I need to chime in on this product being parodied on the likes of SNL and other shows. If you workout, don’t expect much. Mostly, it’s just embarrassing to use, so the comedians are having their fun with it. See me below?
I’m holding a homemade “shakeweight” – hahahaha. Close enough; save your hard earned money and pass on this one people.
Sincerely,
Margo
Full Body Fitness Interval – Burpees
Hi all,
I have no idea where I got the name for these (maybe elementary school?). There are other versions and names, I just like “Burpees”. This move has 6 steps, and exercises (challenges) your Heart, Legs, Abs, Arms, Shoulders, Chest, Glutes, and Skeleton from impact! Its about 10 seconds to do ONE all the way through. I recommend my clients (depending on fitness) aim for 6 to 8 in a row; take small break, then repeat!
As always, watch it through once first, then practice along with me as I call out the timing for each move.
Take care,
Margo
Tone Abs and Upper Body doing “Slides”
Watch this video first before executing so you can learn the movement. It’s key to keep your shoulders over your hands, in a push up position as you see me point out. Keep abs tucked up, elbows slightly bent, for maximum effect.
Take care,
Margo
Quick Arm Toning Workout
Here is a 2 Minute quick and effective arm workout. It requires nothing but you and your arms; no equipment. Remember to stay flexed – hang in there, it seems longer then it is!!! Shoulders will kick in too; don’t “shrug” and keep neck retracted back a bit.
Take care,
Margo
PS If you’ve seen the infomercial for “Shake Weight” dont’ buy it. Hilarious to watch though!
Torso Flexion for Core Strength
As I say in this brief video, you may use a regular swiffer, broom, or pole of any sort as long it’s light. You do not need a special bar at all; anything around the house will do! This is great for ab strength, tone, and flexibility. It can actually feel good, too. :-)
Take care,
Margo
BOSU Abs in Two Minutes
Many of you own a BOSU and/or use the BOSU when you are here with me. It’s a multi-use piece of equipment, and today I’ll demo a Two Minute Abdominal workout. It hits your shoulders, arms and entire core at the end. Enjoy!
Take care,
Margo
3 Minute Yoga Routine
Relieve stress, improve flexibility, increase muscle tone and strength, by doing what I call my “yoga 10”. It’s ten easy to learn yoga moves that flow. Watch it through first once, then once you do it a few times, you can just listen without looking, since I will call each move and say when to inhale and exhale. Easy easy, with huge results. If you have time, do it more then once in a row!
Take care,
Margo
7 Minute Muscle Workout
Here’s a 7 minute workout to do alone or in combination with my other workout videos. I recommend you warm up first by jogging or marching in place, or better yet, first do my “3 Minute Cardio” video then do my 7 minute head to toe muscle and strengthening workout. You will need only one set of hand weights, 5, 8, or 10 lb, depending on your fitness. I recommend you watch it through once, then have at it.
Take care,
Margo
Skype Personal Fitness Training
Live Personal Fitness Training can come to you! If you have a webcam you’re all set.
See video below and visit my website: https://www.1-on-1fitnesstraining.com to learn more about getting Skype so you can do personal fitness training with me, live, from my studio to your location .
Take Care,
Margo
Exercise and Running Shoe Wear & Tear
Hi all,
It’s that time of year when more of you will be heading outside to walk or run, and perhaps hitting the workouts even more for the proverbial warm weather clothing. That means it’s time to check your shoe tread. On the right you can see bald areas on my shoe bottom; left are my new ones.
Shoe Tread
If you aren’t sure by ‘feel’ if you need new shoes – look at the tread. If you see any worn or bald spots it’s time to toss them and get new ones.
Warm regards,
Margo
3 Minute Cardio Workout
I recommend watching it though once first to see the moves before actually doing it. I move quickly combining low and high impact moves to really get your heart rate up and muscles going!! :-) Modify to low or non impact to suit your level. I’ll do low and non impact versions soon. Have fun doing this!
Warm regards,
Margo
Mini Stability Ball Workout
Exercise your abs, glutes and chest on the Stability Ball in couple of minutes.
For those of you who enjoy the Stability Ball and are short on time, here is a 3 minute workout hitting your abs, glutes, chest and arms.
Take care,
Margo
3 Minute Workout from your Desk
As the title suggests, this video is designed for those of you at a computer monitor who will find 3 minutes the right amount of time (and incentive) to take an exercise break, without leaving your desk. It’s important to still do some cardio and a bit more strength work during the week; however, in the event that isn’t possible, this is a great little workout to make you feel better, that can be done more then once a day, without changing clothes, from your home office or corporate office.
I will publish more ‘desk workouts’ and “quick from your desk cardio” to choose from. This first 3-minute workout is a great start to get you moving when time is tight – I hope you enjoy it.
Take care,
Margo
Exercise & Nutrition Journal
Nutrition & Exercise Journal
If you are a past or current client of mine, you understand the value of making a written commitment on these two things. Putting your plan to paper, as in writing your exercise homework from me (if I didn’t hand it to you), solidifies your intention. It is cause in making you more likely to stick to it.
If you are on a weight management program, you understand the major value of writing on a food log sheet . You understand how seeing it in writing – what you consumed, and jotting your meal plans, helps keep you on track.
There isn’t enough space here for me to emphasize the value of committing to paper what your exercise intention for the week is, nor the value in weight management and well being of putting to paper what you are eating during the week.
Tip for the week: Write it down. Put it on your calendar “take 15 minute walk before work”. You will make time for it this way. Writing in the food log will be a HUGE value and major hindrance to “amnesia eating” and will lead to weight loss.
Take care,
Margo
Relieving Neck Stress & Tension
Energy Label on drinks and foods
It drives me nuts when companies use the word ENERGY to sell drinks and bars. They come in nice brightly colored packaging of cobalt blue and purple. They have lightening bolts and photos of people sky diving and simulating fast motion and fun, fun, fun.
When the label says “energy” I want you to NOT buy it. If something says “energy drink” or “energy bar” you couldn’t make me ingest it. It will be loaded with something I don’t want in my body, nor should it be in yours. That most likely is a LOT of added SUGAR – or worse, High Fructose Corn Syrup, along with caffiene and more sugar (both disguised with another name to trick you). Go ahead and google high fructose corn syrup…it’s illegal in any food product in most countries but NOT this country.
I’m keeping this blog post to the point. Do NOT buy anything being marketed with the word “energy” on it.
Have a great day,
Margo
Weighted Body Bar Exercises
Previously under the category Exercise Equipment titled “Weighted Body Bar” I mention a few exercises using this apparatus. The less complex a piece of equipment is, the more likely you are to use it. Here are just a few demo shots of body toning exercises you can do with a weighted body bar. As always, for the New Year I’m all for using mostly gravity, you and your body, and a minimal amount of apparatus. That said, if you want to add apparatus, this body bar, along with stability and medicine balls and a Bosu, are plenty to get anyone started and fit. I’ve mentioned these simple exercise tools previously, and will expand on what to do with them more this month. Here are a few shots of Weighted Body Bar moves. As always, I’m here for you via email or phone for details on these exercises.
BICEP CURL TRICEP PRESS
BACK ROW CHEST & SHOULDER PRESS
Take care everyone,
Margo
Plank – Abdominal Exercise
This exercise for strengthening your trunk/core requires no equipment; just you and gravity. The picture above demonstrates “plank”. During this time of year when many of you struggle with exercise time; do plank to hit those abs. A strong core is key to wellness. Hold plank for 15 seconds, relax, then work up to 30 seconds, or a minute. You will feel your arms and shoulders too.
More advance moves include raising a leg or an arm; but let’s keep it simple for the start of this New Year on our heels. If you own a Bosu, you can do this as shown below to add difficulty and stability to this move.
More exercise and nutrition tips coming for 2010!
Warm regards,
Margo
Holiday Sweets – Do’s and Don’t’s
I’m going to address one particular do and don’t here today: SWEETS!
This is the week where everyone is bringing candy and baked goods to work, the gym even (yes, I see instructors and trainers do this, it annoys me), as gifts from friends, and as hostess gifts to dinner parties,etc. MODERATION is key. What you see in my hand? NOT moderation. I got this today, for FREE. It came as a gift with purchase, so to speak, and it is going right in my freezer (out of sight out of mind, remember that!!!).
Remember what I just said above: Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Keep sweets OFF of your kitchen countertop and off your desk. You will avoid that amnesia, unconscious nibbling if you do this. A few more tips:
1) Don’t have sweets on an empty stomach. Eat NORMALLY this week in particular, especially breakfast, so you are set up to be in good blood sugar, to help keep those cravings for sugar ‘in sight’ at bay.
2) Don’t skip lunch to “save calories” if you ate candy or baked goods mid morning. I digress, eat lunch to tame the sugar buzz from stuff you may have tried, so come later afternoon you don’t feel the enemy beckoning “eat me….c’mon…eat some more….”. SELF-CONTOL IS VERY DIFFICULT WHEN YOU ARE IN ‘BAD’ BLOOD SUGAR. EAT REGULAR FOOD, AND YOU WILL EAT LESS SUGARY STUFF.
3) Drink water. Sweets will make you thirsty, and thirst will feel like hunger (it’s mostly just thirst)
4) Last but not least. MODERATION. Have a holiday treat you love. Don’t eat stuff just because it’s there; be discriminating. But DO have it. Have what you love. A piece of cake. A cookie or two. A few candies. It won’t kill you, or throw off your weight loss if that is the goal. MODERATION. BE DISCRIMINATING. BE IN GOOD BLOOD SUGAR by not skipping regular healthy meals this week and next, and all will be just fine.
Take care,
Margo
Beverage alternative for Weight Loss and Health
This time of year especially, many of you struggle with the whole “moderation” thing, and can feel pressured to have alcohol to fit in, or will not decline the offer for fear of hurting the hosts feelings. Look, it’s time to realize you won’t make anyone feel badly by saying “no thank you”. That’s their issue, not yours.
That said, I too, get tired of a plain old glass of water at parties, or even just with dinner at home. My clients often ask if diet soda is okay. My answer is this: “If sugared soda or alcohol is the other option, diet soda is fine”. Then I suggest the very thing I do, as pictured below. Club soda, aka “Sparkling Water”. Simple, interesting from my usual tap water, and HEB has a low cost, recycle can, that comes in a case of 12. I prefer the individual can, as the larger bottles can lose their fizz. Other brands are La Croix, Perrier, Pellegrino, etc., but for a higher price tag. Me? I’m easy, HEB’s is great and under 3 bucks usually, and it kills that craving for when I want something else, not so healthy. 
Remember two things while you’re here: Thirst will often rear itself as hunger, so if you feel hungry you may very well just be thirsty. Secondly, diet sodas, even this club soda, will not necessarily kill your thirst; they can make you feel thirstier! Chase or precede a carbonated beverage with regular water. If you drink alcohol, alternate with water.
Take care,
Margo
Back on Track after Thanksgiving
Okay everybody, playtime’s over! haha
Remember how lousy you feel every January because you are one of the ones who gained weight in November and December? Let this NOT be that year. Your stomach and body don’t know it’s “holiday season” so don’t take that fact out on your body this time. Thanksgiving really, is the one day. All the days after are about feeling badly from the one day. It’s JUST ONE DAY of splurge. Okay, if it’s a few days for some of you, that’s still a blip on the radar screen of weeks or months of healthy new habits and new weight loss. Weight control is a process, not perfection. Enjoy the get togethers with friends and family; the next day eat properly again; move a bit more if you overdid, and realize that one day, or those few days, do not “blow everything” or all your hard work and new habits you acquired the weeks before. This is when you DECIDE. Not this year, I’m not going to drop it just because I had some fun. You didn’t “blow it”.
Like I said above, playtime’s over, back on track time. December can be a great month; it’s not too hot to exercise outdoors, the gyms are usually slower with people out shopping, traffic is easy with school breaks, so you have more time to focus on “watching it”.
Let THIS be the year you wake up January 1st and feel better from what you did in December. I’ll help you.
BACK ON TRACK, her too, sand play done! 
Warm regards,
Margo
Resistance Ring
Many of you have asked me what this is when you’ve seen it in the background of some photos. I have some funny names for it, but the correct name is Resistance Ring, most commonly used and known in Pilates circles (excuse the pun).
I like it because it’s light, travels well, challenges stability, and is easy to use. It’s comfortable when pressed against your body, and is useful in trunk stability and strengthening, and for targeting inner thighs, and chest as shown below. Resistance can be increased by squeezing, so it works with many strength variables. There you have it! Now when you see it hanging in a photo, you know what it is, although your imagination might be more fun!
Chest Press on Left
Inner Thigh on Right
Warm regards,
Margo
Fitness & Health – Holiday Gift Ideas
Stuck? Need Gift Ideas?
Many of us experience difficulty in shopping for family and friends. Another thing we all experience? Receiving gifts we will NEVER use. A client of mine suggested I share this with you here. Spare friends and family the expen$e of giving you an unwanted gift. Instead, try what she did and suggest a Gift Certificate from One-on-One Personal Fitness Training! I do them every year for people surprising significant others or friends. They aren’t just for new people to get them started; it makes a great gift for someone already committed to fitness and health, who’d love to get one session, or a week of sessions or more, as a holiday gift. I can mail it or you can pick it up! What better gift to give someone then an investment in their health and well being.
May I also suggest the following gift ideas! A book about the food industry to fascinate and educate, “In Defense of Food” or “The 5 Day Miracle Diet” a book about ending cravings and eating for life long health.
GIVE A BOOK TO YOUR READER FRIENDS!!!!
Another great fitness gift idea is exercise bands! They’re affordable, fun, light, easy to store, and work great for body strengthening and toning, and travel easily! 
Last but not least, for the beginner walker to hard core runner, give them a “Polar” brand heart rate watch and strap for keeping track of their heart rate perpetually, and to track time and exercise intensity!
All these are great gifts that show you care not only about them, but their health and well being too! Hope these ideas help make your shopping easier!
Take care,
Margo
Rebounding (and as seen on TV)
Rebounders or mini-tramps have been around for many years. The models sold today are a bit bigger and more sturdy then those of days gone by (from what I’ve seen), and the DVD’s that come with it supply a lot of variety (and imagination ala ‘hip hop’ and ‘yoga’) to keep it interesting and fun. They are easy to learn, and easy to store…this model folds up! The model I am endorsing and show here is the “Urban Rebounder” that I purchased on line. Email me for details on that. 
I like it for stability and balance work, and the fact it allows you to jump without hard impact. I’m still a fan of hard impact; yet many of my clients have varying reasons why they may need to reduce or eliminate hard impact, and this rebounder is a great alternative. And fun.
The model I have also comes with workout bands that attach to the sides so you can do arms, shoulders, etc, while standing and/or bouncing. It also comes with a detachable handle bar (shown in the photo above) to hold onto for security and balance, or as a tool when lifting one leg or for sitting and working abs, etc. Lots of options!!!! And fun (did I say that already?)
I love the Rebounder for burning calories, jogging without hard impact, twisting and jumping jacks and squats, abs and more. I think it’s effective, beneficial in too many ways to list, (and lots of fun). The DVD’s that come with are a hoot, and great for novice to advanced.
Take care,
Margo
Ab Wheel for Core Strength
The ab wheel is an effective piece of equipment for core strengthening. However, do not let the fact it’s lightweight, and appears easy to learn, fool you. A little movement goes a long way. Most of you will feel it work immediately starting slow and easy, and will have to work up slowly to more difficult moves.
Simply put, the ab wheel works your front stomach muscles, sides (the obliques) and back muscles; all the supporting trunk muscles known commonly today as your “core”.
In most cases, you will start slowly rolling forward (I suggest on carpet to avoid slipping when new to this) keeping your trunk stable as shown, rolling out a foot or so only, then slowly rolling back to the start position.
Over time you will gradually go further, perhaps change floor surfaces, and begin to make arcs to right the and left to challenge the core muscles. This is by no means a necessary piece of equipment; it’s handy for certain sports-specific training, but for most of us it would just be something challenging and different. I like to share all the equipment I use here in my studio.
Take care,
Margo
Stair Stepper Exercises
Most of you see stair steppers in gyms being used for ‘step’ and aerobic classes. My stepper is primarily used for muscle conditioning and occasional cardio intervals. Today I will demonstrate just a few of my favorite muscle toning uses for a stepper instead of just for group step class.
I’m partial to the Reebok model (shown above) for two reasons. It is non slip with flat edges, and has easy to change detachable gray ‘steps’ to create varying heights that ‘lock’ in place. When standing on the step for leg squats/lunges shown below, the varying height is a great way to change the intensity.
Below I’m demonstrating a tricep exercise on the left and push up on the right. By adjusting the detachable steps to a higher level would create a deeper more difficult tricep dip. Likewise, if you are just learning to do pushups, a higher level gives you a several inch advantage to enable you to execute this type military pushup.
The stepper can also be used for abdominal work in many ways. Below I’m demonstrating a reverse crunch on a decline, by removing one of the adjustable steps, making the execution more difficult.
These are just a few effective and easy to learn muscle toning exercises to do with the stair stepper. Below is what I substituted for a squat; trying to grab the step for the webcam shot, over and over, until I got it right and got up before the camera snapped the shot! :-) haha
Take care,
Margo
Stability Ball – Abs and Your Neck
As mentioned in previous posts, I like the stability ball for many exercises. I am partial to the brand “FitBall” for its durability and feel. I’m holding it in gray, yet it comes in white and other colors. It also comes in two sizes; I prefer the 22″/50cm size as shown directly below.
Below I am demonstrating the don’t for your chin/neck position when laying back on the ball. It does feel good to just let your neck relax back momentarily for a passive backbend and neck stretch; no problem. However, when executing your ab crunches, do not let your head go ‘dead weight’ and fall backwards, only to snap it back in the up position.
Instead, as shown here below, is the “DO“; the correct neutral chin/neck posture. Imagine your holding an apple under your chin to your chest. For optimum control, with focus on your core, keep your neck and chin in this neutral position throughout the entire range of motion, and your elbows to the side.
Warm regards,
Margo
Instant Low Back Pain Relief
I realize many of you experience pain in your lower back on occasion (or more then on occasion) and I have addressed treating your own back in a previous blog entry. Today I’m giving you a visual of the basic relief exercises to do if the book I recommended isn’t handy, but access to the internet is; click on this blog.
Lay down first, as shown here, holding for a few seconds and taking some deep breaths to RELAX removing tension. Turn head to one side; arms beside your body.
Now place your elbows below your shoulders leaning on forearms. Hold this for a couple minutes and take deep breaths to RELAX low back muscles.
Only after these two above, commence by pressing yourself up to straighten your elbows, RELAXING your torso, pelvis and legs allowing yourself to sag. Hold for a second or two, lower and repeat several times. You may maintain the up position longer, if any discomfort starts to wane, and low back starts to relax.
In the event you are unable to lay down where you are, do this standing back extension; although it may not be as effective as laying down, it will absolutely help. It is also effective in the prevention of further low back issues. Keep knees straight, feet slightly apart, maintain backbend for a moment or two then repeat going further to maximum degree.
Take care of your back, and it will take care of you!
Warm regards,
Margo
Which “Cardio” is Best? Treadmill, Stairmaster, Lifecycle
Stationary Bike & Treadmill
and Stairmaster
This is an easy answer without going into all the detail of the different mechanics of each one, OR the calories each burns, OR which is best depending on your state of injuries or lack thereof. The simple answer to which one is best?
THE ONE THAT YOU WILL DO!!!
Obviously, you may not all have access to this equipment, in which case you can guess what I’ll say, right? Head outside and propel yourself by walking or jogging. It’s nice and cool with the new rain and cooler temps. It’s because of the heavy rain the last couple of days I decided to toss these indoor alternatives out there, and surmised some of you would wonder which is “best”. I digress, the one that you will do is best, or even a combo by splitting your time between two different ones.
Enjoy the cooler temps!
Regards,
Margo
AFTER BITE
When Bug Season Hits – especially mosquitos, my go-to is “After Bite”. Stops me from scratching. Fits in purse, backpacks, and doesn’t spill.
Warm regards, Margo
Include imbalance & asymmetry into exercise
Above: Extend one arm and opposite leg and hold. Balance on one leg; make sure cat helps.
Balance and symmetry is what you experience when you are at rest, “static”. Imbalance and asymmetry are what you would most likely experience during activity. It is good for people of all ages to disrupt that natural tendency of even, symmetrical “dynamic” movement; the place most of us are familiar and comfortable.
Simply stand on one leg to begin. Besides what we do here in my studio, you may find hundreds of links on the web for balancing exercises; yoga people are already familiar I’m sure. The benefits are wide-ranging from practicing asymmetrical workouts (using one limb at a time) and balance exercises. Not the least of the benefits will be improved core strength. Notice the first time you stand on one leg how wobbly you feel; now pull in your abs and notice how you steady up real quick-like.
Pictured above: V-SIT FOR CORE STRENGTH AND BALANCE, with Sara Belle
Once you become more proficient at the one leg stance, you can incorporate your arm and leg weights with asymmetrical positions. That is, working one leg or arm at a time, while balancing. You will notice balance improvement very quickly as all your muscles adapt to this new challenge.
Benefits of asymmetrical weight workouts are discovering and correcting any strength imbalances; you may feel like your right arm is stronger, or your left leg works harder then your right. It will also intensify your workout, and challenge your center of gravity. Try both; asymmetrical weights while balancing on one leg as shown below. Again, make sure the cat is watching. haha
Take care,
Margo