The top fitness tips you haven't been trying

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

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Did you know that doing push-ups alone can keep your entire body fit? Or that running barefoot may be better for you than in high-tech running shoes? Or that starting at the couch may be the best place to begin a fitness program?

It's true, according to Lifehacker. In a September 2010 article, Lifehacker editor Kevin Purdy offers 10 fitness tips that may surprise you. Here's a look at a few items that made the list:

Stick with push-ups for overall fitness. "How can something as old-school as push-ups ... still be in use, and even be growing in acceptance?" Purdy writes. "Because it works out your whole body, it's better on your back than crunches, and you can use your raw push-up count as a graduated curve toward fitness."
Go barefoot, or just skip expensive running shoes. The simple truth is, "people run very differently in shoes than barefoot," Purdy writes. What's more, he says, "running barefoot isn't just a natural kick — it's usually better than wearing expensive, engineered running shoes."
Try a new fitness plan. Have you ever heard of shovelgloving or the Couch to 5K plan? If not, it's a good time to investigate something new — especially something that doesn't require a lot of expertise or an already advanced level of fitness to start. "Switching up your routine, using new tools and picking up a different fitness plan can stretch your body and skills in helpful ways that don't require a whole new set of gym equipment to get started," Purdy writes.

For all of Purdy's top 10 tips, read the full article on Lifehacker.