Beat Bra Strap Bulge
Posted on Sep 3rd 2009 3:00PM by Holly St. Lifer![]() |
| Photo: jupiterimages |
It's easy to ignore what we can't see, like the bra-line bulge accumulating on our backs, for instance. Another reason we don't think about it much is that muffin tops get all the attention; they're front and center and directly affect whether or not we can get into our skinny jeans. But our upper backs are another spot that our slowing metabolism helps turns to pudge if we don't pay attention to it.
While you can't spot tone away fat (it's going to distribute itself wherever it damn well pleases), you can tighten up your muscles -- specifically your lats, rhomboids and traps -- and you will definitely see a difference. Here are a few moves that will do the trick, courtesy of Celeste McMillin, a personal trainer at WITH-U (Wellness in Total Health University) in Tustin, Calif. Do two sets of 12 to 15 reps a few days a week.
- Cobra: Lie face down on floor, arms at sides. Squeeze shoulder blades together, engage abs by pulling belly button toward spine and tighten butt. With chin tucked, lift chest off floor. Hold for 2 seconds. Lower and repeat.
- Pullover: Lie on your back on a bench or stability ball and grip one dumbbell with both hands and rest them on your chest, elbows bent. Straighten elbows until dumbbell hovers directly above your face. Lower dumbbell behind head. You can bend elbows slightly. Don't lower weight to the point where you feel a strain in shoulders. Return to position directly above face; repeat.
- Bent over row: Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand in a staggered stance with right leg in front, knee bent, hingeing forward at hip 90 degrees, back flat, not arched, abs tight. Squeeze shoulder blades together as you pull elbows straight back to ribs. Return to start; repeat.
Also try to step up the intensity of your cardio to help blast more fat. For a quick fix, get a professional bra fitting to ensure that you have the right band size. Or do it yourself by using the bra-fitting guide at Bare Necessities.
The good news is no one's immune from occasionally spilling over their lingerie. Check out these celeb underwear faux pas.
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