Tips for toning your arms
Challenge sent in by Courtney
I’m getting married in July and want to add toning to my gym outings. I have broad, but undefined, shoulders and arms. The dress is strap less, and If I’m going to spend $$$ on photography I’d like to like my shoulders in the photos!
I do cardio consistently, and pilates twice a week. I have tried a noon power pump class, but my work schedule is too varied to be locked into one thing. I’d welcome any suggestions!
In my opinion, adding upper body strength is one of the more rewarding things you can do in terms of changing how your body looks. It seems like one of those things that gives good results in a not-depressing amount of time, if you put some consistent work into it.
30 Day Shred made a big difference for me in toning my shoulders and upper arms, so I give that particular DVD a thumbs up if you’re looking for an overall workout to add to your mix. Other great DVDs for overall toning, including arms, are listed here.
If you’re looking to add strength work while you’re at the gym, hey, you’re in luck! That’s what all those machines and weights are for, of course. If you’re not sure where to start, I’d suggest having a trainer walk you through the machines and maybe even draw up a plan for you in terms of weights/reps/sets.
Otherwise, here’s an easy way to fit in some strength training without committing to extra gym time or a DVD routine: buy some 5-lb dumbbells and do strength workouts at home. In your living room. While you’re watching TV. I KNOW!
Here’s a sample workout: Triceps kickbacks, shoulder presses, front raises, and triceps extensions. Do about 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions of these, using 5-lb weights.
Google “tone your arms” for about eighty billion how-to articles like this one. Or hey, try the One Hundred Pushup Challenge.
Last but not least, don’t forget about food. A million pushups won’t give you the arms you want if the muscles are buried under excess fat, so be sure you’re also focusing on healthy eating in addition to your workouts.
Readers, what tips do you have for getting good arms?
December 17th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
The 30DS put me on the right track, but I am loving Jillian’s No More Trouble Zones for arms. It’s not as aerobic as 30DS, but the arm exercises are killer. Totally agree about arm toning not taking a depressing amount of time – and I don’t even do the whole DVD! I usually do a 30 – 40 min workout during naptime and that’s been enough to see a difference in a matter of months.
December 17th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
I’ve tried a lot of at-home work out DVDs and Jillian’s are the best, especially if you’re looking for quick results.
She doesn’t mess around, and even the modified moves are challenging. You may hate her while you’re going through it, but afterward you’ll feel empowered and grateful. Er ah, that’s how I felt anyway.
If you are prepared to cough up a lung, “gargle your heart”, and “feel like you’re going to die” she’s worth your time.
December 18th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Uh, my tip for getting toned arms for your wedding in July?
Love the arms you have right now.
You are beautiful as you are, and your wedding day is about the love you have with your fiance and family.
No, really. I’m not kidding. I’m 44, I’ve spent my whole life hating/ fighting with/ starving/ “shredding” my body.
I have never, never, never — no matter how low my BMI, no matter how many hours I spent in the gym, had slim, muscular arms. Genetically, it’s just not in the cards for me. (My fantastic slender legs, however, are another story.)
I wish I had spent all that time I wasted on trying to transform my body on doing something constructive instead, like learning to love myself, or making peace with my mother before she died, or establishing a daily meditation practice, or reconnecting with old friends.
December 30th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Ditto the suggestions for Jillian. It was crazy how quickly I saw results in my arms doing the 30DS.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Swimming laps twice a week has given me killer arms and shoulders. It’s also kind of awesome for abs and the back. Cardio and strength training in one neat, wet package!