Say Goodbye to that Jiggle and Hello to Killer Arms
With spring just around the corner, there’s probably one thing on your mind—tank top season! But not so fast… you do realize that shedding those winter layers comes with one small detail: showing off your arms. Not feeling quite ready for that yet? We had a feeling, which is why we’ve got a plan to amp up your regular arm workout. Do these moves just a couple times a week, and before you know it, you’ll be dying to flaunt your newly sculpted arms! Got it? Listen closely.
· Head to the monkey bars. Seriously. The last time you probably swung across these was when you were a kid but it’s an awesome way to strengthen your arms. Spend two to three minutes climbing across and back to work out the muscles around your shoulders. Want more intensity? Try some pull-ups or a wide-grip hang for as long as possible.
· Hit it hard. Can you tell this one’s our favorite? Keeping your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent, stand with your fists at chin level. Tighten your abs as you punch with your right arm and twist from your waist. Add more power by rotating your shoulder forward. Then bring your fist back and repeat with your left fist. Keep alternating sides. You can even hold a light weight in each hand while you punch for an even more powerful workout.
· Round and round we go. Arm circles are a no-brainer but get your legs involved for an extra challenge. Stretch your arms to your sides while you stand with your right knee at hip level and bent at 90°. Circle your arms forward slowly for about a minute. Reverse for another minute. Then try them again after switching your legs.
· Feel the resistance. Tone and tighten your triceps wherever you are with resistance bands (great for when you’re on-the-go!). All you have to do is hold the band across your chest with your arms bent. Squeeze your shoulder blades and extend one arm to the side, then return to the center. Do these 15 to 20 times one side, then switch and repeat.
· Got a pool? Even if you can’t swim, you can still use the pool as your gym. Stick to the shallow end (no more than 4 feet deep), of course. Do a deck press by placing your hands on the side of the pool with your arms bent. Press your arms and lift your body. Hang along the edge of the pool and then lower your body back to the water. Focus on using your arms to lift yourself instead of your legs. Repeat 15 times.
Try these arm-strengthening moves to get yourself in the shape you want so you don’t have to think twice about going sleeveless as the weather warms up.
