Arm Workouts for Biceps and Triceps
Categories: Fitness
The upper arm is comprised of your biceps muscle (spanning the front of your upper arm) and your triceps (span the rear of your upper arm). Think of these two opposing muscle groups as the Hatfields and the McCoys: the biceps are always trying to bend the arm, while the triceps want to straighten it. This may seem like a contentious relationship, but it's actually a pretty balanced one that allows you to do things like hammer nails, carry heavy grocery bags and toss a ball. Strong arms also protect your elbows from injuries like tennis elbow and that annoying soreness you get from lugging around an overstocked purse with a straight arm. And of course, there's also the babelicious factor to consider. Would Jennifer Aniston, Madonna or Janet Jackson have such killer bods if they weren't sporting a gorgeous set of guns?
To get your arms in shape, try this biceps workout. Click through the photo gallery below for step-by-step arm-toning exercises.
Here's all you need to know to work out and sculpt your own pair of gloriously toned arms.
Once you embrace the thought that strengthening your arm muscles will make them look toned and sexy rather than chunky and unfeminine, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to get results. Arms are one of those body parts that respond quickly to training (especially the triceps) because they're typically under-worked in everyday life compared to say, your legs. Expect to see results -- possibly even dramatic results -- in about six weeks.
Because your elbow opens and closes like the hinge of a door, most arm exercises are pretty straightforward so there's very little chance you'll injure yourself while doing them. Even newbies won't have any trouble mastering the moves. That said, always be sure to keep your ab muscles firm while your arms are moving to protect your lower back and always lift slowly and with control so your elbows never snap or "lock".
Do this arm routine 2 to 3 times a week with at least one day of rest in between. All you'll need is an exercise band or tube that creates enough resistance, or force, to challenge you within 8 to 15 reps plus a sturdy chair so you can do this routine anywhere. Start with one set of 8 to 15 reps of each exercise; when you can do 15 reps easily, either switch to a heavier band, up it to two sets per exercise or graduate to the more challenging version of the move.
When you're ready to try something new, consider switching to dumbbells. The same movements feel completely different when you're pumping iron versus pumping rubber. And when you're ready for a more creative spin on these basics, check out an upper body toning classes at your gym or an arm training DVD.
To get your arms in shape, try this biceps workout. Click through the photo gallery below for step-by-step arm-toning exercises.
Here's all you need to know to work out and sculpt your own pair of gloriously toned arms.
Once you embrace the thought that strengthening your arm muscles will make them look toned and sexy rather than chunky and unfeminine, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to get results. Arms are one of those body parts that respond quickly to training (especially the triceps) because they're typically under-worked in everyday life compared to say, your legs. Expect to see results -- possibly even dramatic results -- in about six weeks.
Because your elbow opens and closes like the hinge of a door, most arm exercises are pretty straightforward so there's very little chance you'll injure yourself while doing them. Even newbies won't have any trouble mastering the moves. That said, always be sure to keep your ab muscles firm while your arms are moving to protect your lower back and always lift slowly and with control so your elbows never snap or "lock".
Do this arm routine 2 to 3 times a week with at least one day of rest in between. All you'll need is an exercise band or tube that creates enough resistance, or force, to challenge you within 8 to 15 reps plus a sturdy chair so you can do this routine anywhere. Start with one set of 8 to 15 reps of each exercise; when you can do 15 reps easily, either switch to a heavier band, up it to two sets per exercise or graduate to the more challenging version of the move.
When you're ready to try something new, consider switching to dumbbells. The same movements feel completely different when you're pumping iron versus pumping rubber. And when you're ready for a more creative spin on these basics, check out an upper body toning classes at your gym or an arm training DVD.
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