As women get older, they start to lose muscle tissue, which leads to loose, and flabby-looking skin on the underside of the arms. If you’ve stopped wearing sleeveless shirts or short sleeves because flabby upper arms embarrass you, it’s time to start working out your triceps, biceps, shoulders and chest. You’ll tighten your arm flab, leading to a leaner, healthier look. Don’t worry — you won’t end up with pumped up, bulky biceps.
Push-ups
If you’ve avoided push-ups in the past, it’s time to put aside your fears. The exercise may not be pleasant, but it produces results, strengthening your chest, toning your arms and working your core. Place your body in the plank position, with your arms under your shoulders and your weight on your toes and hands. Your hips and shoulders should be in a straight line. Bend from the elbows, bringing your chest towards the floor. Your upper arms should be at a 45-degree angle to the floor and your hips should stay flat. If the traditional push-up is too difficult, try supporting your weight on your knees instead of your toes. If it’s too easy, place your feet on a stability ball and try to lower your chest to the floor. Try to do 10 push-ups a day and increase the number as you grow stronger.
Triceps Extension
Tone the underside of your arms with triceps extensions. Stand with your feet together and raise your right arm into the air. Hold a 2-to-5-pound weight in your right hand. Support your right elbow with your left hand. Bend your right elbow and lower the weight behind your head, and then straighten. Repeat 10 times and then switch to the left hand. You can also raise both arms above your head and hold the weight with both hands. Bend both elbows to lower the weight behind your head, and then straighten.
Push and Squat
Hold a 5- or 10-pound hand weight in both hands. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Bend your elbows and hold the weight in front of your chest. Bend your knees so that you’re in a squat position. Straighten up, pushing the weight away from your chest as you do so, until your arms are completely extended in front of your body. Pull your arms towards your chest again as you squat. Repeat 10 times. This exercise will work your butt and legs, as well as your arms.
