Focus, Fix & Flaunt: Arms
PIN IT!
As you all know, I’m getting married in less than 8 months. Well, as I try on dresses, mainly strapless, I can’t help but notice how not up to par my arms are. I know how critical I am of my body, so the last thing I want to do is feel “fat” on my big day or disappointed/disgusted when I look at my wedding photos. So this week, I’m focusing on my arms and am working to get them as toned and sexy as Jessica Biel’s [see above!]. Below are a few of my favorite arm workouts that are incredibly effective in shaping and toning biceps, triceps, shoulders and your chest.
What you’ll need: 2 10-20 pound dumbbells, a chair/step and a yoga mat.
Lunge Press
Photo by fit celeb
1. Grab 2 10-20 pound dumbbells in both hands and start in the lunge position, with your right leg bent behind you.
2. Do one lunge forward, then stand, lifting both arms above your head in a push up motion.
3. Return to lunge position and repeat exercise for 10-12 reps.
Dips
- Sit on a chair or step with legs slightly bent and your feet flat on floor. Place hands on chair/step by thighs and press palms into step to lift butt.
- Next, slide butt off edge and bend elbows to drop hips 3 inches from floor. Straighten arms and slide hips back without sitting down. Do 8-12 reps.
Lateral Raises
1. Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, hold a 10- to 20-pound dumbbell in each hand, arms slightly bent.
2. Slowly raise right and left arms to shoulder height, without locking elbow. Hold for 10-20 seconds. Do 8-12 reps.
Modified T Push Up
Photo courtesy of Fitness Magazine
1. Begin in push up position, slightly modified where your wrists are below shoulders, your abs are tightened and your knees are on the floor.
2. Bring your right arm toward the ceiling, rotating your upper body to the right [Like photo]. Hold this position for up to 5 counts.
3. Return hand to floor and do a push-up, bending elbows to 90 degrees. Return to starting position; repeat on left. Do 8-12 reps.
Dumbbell Push Press
1. Hold a 10- to 20-pound dumbbell in right hand in front of shoulder, palm facing left.
2. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, place left hand on hip, and squat slightly.
3. Straighten legs as you press weight overhead. Return to start; repeat 8-12 times.
For other great arm workouts, visit Fitness Magazine, Shape or Glamour!
