What exercises will help tone my flabby upper arms?

[Anonymous]

I am 36 years old and have inherited my mother's flabby loose triceps. I am 5'4" and about 123 lbs so I am not overweight but my upper arms look terrible in short sleeve shirts (I don't even attempt sleeveless). What exercises can I do to at least tone the flab? I do have 5 lb hand weights at home. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

You have to do upper body exercises at the highest possible weight, at least 3 times per week. I Work with Heidi Chute if Alexandria and she is AWESOME! Let me know if younwant her email.

I was always overWeight and am 36 and now 11 months after having my second child i am in better shape than since i was a kid. Heidi is just awesome, she has changed my life. I also have upper arm issues and can now wear sleeveles. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thanks but I'm a single mom on a budget (maybe $40K for my HHI). I was thinking of some exercises I could do at home with my hand weights. I'm going to search the Internet for some ideas but just thought someone might know themselves what works.

[Anonymous]

check out oxygen magazine -- www.oxygenmag.com it's targeted at women's fitness (a la fitness competitions), so it's pretty hard-core, but you'll get lots of tips on exercises to do at home. i have 5 and 10 lb weights at home and work on my upper arm strenght -- i too was blessed with flabby arms. i find that working on my shoulders is easier (and more fun) and gives you definition much more quickly than just working on the triceps.

[Anonymous]

believe it or not - old school Push Ups - do them until you burn. Get some heavier weights do arm extentions- above your head and backward = increase the reps - do everything until you can't do another set.

[Anonymous]

Dips

[Anonymous]

I've rented several Jillian Michaels DVD's from the library...30 Day Shred in particular...so check out if your local library has some exercise DVDs specializing in upper body (I'm sure they do) and go that route. It'll be free, and you'll get some professional help, and can do them at home! My suggestion is to look at the online catalog of your library system and then put the DVD you want on hold at your local library. That way if the actual DVD is at a library that's inconvenient for you, you can instead pick it up at your local branch, and you can search for the DVD at throughout your library system, not just your local branch. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Try taking a Zumba class. It's great for the arms and particulary works on toning the upper arms. I take it at the Chevy Chase Ballroom on Friday nights at 6:30 and Saturday mornings at 10 am. The teacher is wonderful and has very muscular arms!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the idea about the DVDs from the library. I went online and put a few on hold. I'd love to go to a gym or attend a class but don't have money for it (or for a babysitter). I'm fine with a video. I also found some video clips online about how to do some exercises (since I'm a visual person and need a demo).

[Anonymous]

Lots of people bring their kids to my class at Chevy Chase Ballroom - although I understand you may want some time away for yourself!

[Anonymous]

My trainer (god bless her) recommended these as two of the most effective triceps exercises. Best part: no hardware needed, just your own bodyweight.

Triceps pushups - keep your arms under your shoulders, fingers facing forward, elbows facing backwards. Your arms should graze your side and your elbows stay tucked in as you do the pushups. Start on your knees if you have to, and work your way up to doing them on your toes.

Dips - you can use the stairs for these. Hands on the step behind you, fingers facing forward. The farther away from the step you put your feet, the harder they are. Don't support yourself too much with your quads - let your triceps do the work.

I would do 12-15 reps of each and repeat 2-3 times at least 3 days a week, but every day is better If you do 5 days a week you will see results within the month. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am 36 years old and have inherited my mother's flabby loose triceps. I am 5'4" and about 123 lbs so I am not overweight but my upper arms look terrible in short sleeve shirts (I don't even attempt sleeveless). What exercises can I do to at least tone the flab? I do have 5 lb hand weights at home. Thanks!

I dips. Dips. Dips. Your own weight is best weight to lift. Sit on a ledge or chair feet flat in front. Take a step out while seated. Lift your bum up dip down past the chair or ledge. Do until easy. Then make it harder.
First you maybe can only do 2. Only do every other day. Within two months you should be able to do repetitious sets.


Next do those old fashioned push ups. Bend your knees nobody has to be tough like a boy anymore. Good Luck

[Anonymous]

Tricep kick backs. Also - go on yotube and do a search on tricep exercises.

[Anonymous]

Try these (links are to videos demonstrating the moves) --

Tricep kickback http://www.muscleandstrength.com/exercises/tricep-kickback.html

and standing two arm dumbbell extension

http://www.muscleandstrength.com/exercises/two-arm-standing-dumbbell-extension.html

[Anonymous]

Tricep kickbacks, like a PP noted, and also, try the 100 pushups program: http://hundredpushups.com/ It will keep you motivated to keep doing it several times a week, and it works out your chest, back, arms, and core.