The second thing to go were my upper arms. Now, I'm pretty sure the flesh underneath your biceps is not an integral part of the baby-growing process -- as far as I know there are no important childbirth-related organs stored in there -- and yet in both my pregnancies my arms got all squishy and flappy and generally had to be sausaged into all those ridiculously short-sleeved maternity shirts invariably adorned with shoulder ruffles (WHY?). Sure, this may have happened because I wasn't working out and I allowed myself a trough or two of ice cream on a daily basis, but really, I've noticed even pin-thin celebrities tend to get the Pregnancy Arms. Well, except Angelina Jolie, but I think she may actually be some sort of sensual-lipped robot.
I really wanted to get my arms back in shape after the baby was born, mostly because I was thinking ahead to summer and sleeveless outfits and not wanting a stiff breeze to create visible ripples in my arm-pudge, but also so I could carry the carseat without collapsing on the ground and sobbing.
In the last few months, I've seen major improvements in my arms -- they are much more toned than they were, and while I suppose they'll never be Madonna-esque in their musculature (and really, I'm not sure I'd want them to be, because holy CRAP) they're actually pretty strong right now. I thought I'd share some of the exercises I've been doing to tone this area:
• Triceps kickbacks, shoulder presses, front raises, and triceps extensions. I usually do about 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions of these, using 5-lb dumbbells.
• Yoga. So many yoga poses work your arms, but in particular the Chaturanga (I hope I'm spelling that right) really adds strength. I take a yoga class at the gym once a week and I follow along with the "Inhale" show on the Oxygen network at least two or three more times.
• Turbo Jam. I swear I don't work for the Turbo Jam people, I just really like this workout. All those repetitive punches work the holy heck out of your arms and shoulders, and there's a great strength training video on the "5 Rockin' Workouts" DVD (hey, I didn't name these) that includes a whole-body sculpting routine.
• Crunch: Boot Camp Training. This isn't my favorite exercise DVD but I really like the segments that work the arms, particularly the super-strengthening shoulder presses, lat pulldowns, and rows. The pushup sections are a nightmare, but obviously they give you a good workout too.
So, how about you -- are upper arms a challenge area for you too, or are you one of those sinewy, naturally-Pilates-toned types who look awesome in cap sleeves? (If so, you know I hate you, right? In a loving kind of way?) Have you ever tried to tone specific areas of your body, and were you successful? Because I could use some tips on how to deal with the BELLY next.
Living a balanced life - it's easier than you think! And there are some small changes you can make each day to make a big difference. Read weekly articles in Balanced Living about eating better, and share your own tips for balanced living. Click here to join the group to stay updated and to publishyour own content.
Â
Â
To stay up-to-date with Linda Lee's articles:
recommend
Facebook
Twitter
bookmark 
print
Comments: 17
yep, i have arm issues and avoid sleeveless attire....i used to have decent looking arms,but now that i am in my 50's they just seemed to deflate....am not overweight,but need toning for arms and legs....am diabetic and have lost some muscle
have the handweights and just need a routine that works quicker than not....
thanks for writing n' sharing this info
cheers, gayle
Triceps kickbacks, shoulder presses, front raises, and triceps extensions. I usually do about 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions of these, using 5-lb dumbbells.
will give em' a go.....cheers,gayle
I got a ton o' tips, just not enough time to jot em all down here. But here's a few things that you might find help...
- PUSHUPS are one of the best ways to work your upper arm area. You can do pushups just about anywhere you are. For example, I can usually fit in a few sets while my dinner is being nuked. I do em standing up, straight back, suck n tummy, lean forward in a diagonal position, hands on the counter or back of chair or desk, etc, depending on where you are. What matters is the speed at which you do em and where you position your hands. If you put your hands directly under your armpits you get your bicep. If you move your hands closer in so your thumbs are touching then you get your triceps. in just 1 minute of nuking I can get in a set of 10-12 in each of the different hand. positions. To build more muscle do em slower, count from 1-4 or 5 (or even higher) on the way down, hold for a count or 2 and then count from 1-4 or 5 as you return to your start position. And remember, always exhale on the effort, inhale on the release. And be sure to never lock your joints, so pay attention to your wrists and elbows. Your end psition is just before the joint locks all the way straight, you want the elbow to be just slightly bent.
- BACKUPS are what I called it when you turn backwards to whatever you're holding on to (counter, chair, desk, etc) and work the tri's from that postion. That gets a different part of the tri and some of the shoulder and will hurt more.
But honestly, Linda, from how I see your arms looking right now - if that's you in the pix - your arms are looking quite bodacious already grrrl!
But now I'm the boss and don't work as much and with all the different kinds of arm movements I do - the bat wings were still a problem. It's an age thing, I guess.
if those are your arms, you're tone.