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We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

5 Standing Exercises for Bat Wings That Take Just 10 Minutes

Say goodbye to arm flab with this quick, equipment-free routine

Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMar 10, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
Meredith_Shirk8
I'm a Personal Trainer and These 5 Moves Banished My Clients' Bat Wings in Weeks
Copyright Meredith Shirk/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMar 10, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
Fitness & Workouts

We've all experienced it—waving goodbye only to notice the skin on the back of our arms continuing to wave after we've stopped. These "bat wings," as they're commonly called, are a frustration for many. "You guys know what bat wings are? It's when you're wavin, and it goes wave after you've stopped waving, it's still waving," explains Meredith Shirk, Founder of Svelte Training and NASM Certified Health & Body Specialist. The good news? Meredith has designed a simple, equipment-free workout that targets this troublesome area in just 10 minutes. "I am so excited because of an easy and effective bat wing workout. So we're gonna get rid of those bat wings," she promises. Ready to transform those bat wings into toned, defined arms? These five standing exercises might be exactly what you need.

Exercise 1: Tricep Kickbacks (30 seconds)

The workout begins with tricep kickbacks. "Chest up, shoulders back, palms up to the sky and just kicking straight back, bending over and really pressing through your heels," Meredith instructs in her post. This activates your posterior chain, including glutes, hamstrings, and calves while targeting those triceps.

"Push back and squeeze, back and squeeze. Really feel like you're getting that squeeze because that's what's gonna build the muscle," emphasizes Meredith. She reminds us to engage our core: "Pull that belly button in. Everything's core workout."

Exercise 2: Prayer Push Out (30 seconds)

Detail of wide open hands together in the front. Unrecognizable african american man doing a triangle sign shape with the hands. Stop racism and embrace different ethnics. Afro culture lifestyle. Prayer Push Out

Shutterstock

Next up is the prayer push out. "Hands together, like, oh, please for my arms. And then you're gonna push out into like almost a diamond and then push back in," says Meredith.

The effectiveness of this exercise depends entirely on tension. "Now the key is you can do this all day long and it's not gonna do anything for you. You have to press your hands together as hard as you can, press your feet into the ground as hard as you can, press your hands out, keeping tension," Meredith explains. "So if you feel like, oh, this isn't doing anything, you need to push your hands together harder here because you should feel it underneath and in that tricep."

Exercise 3: Lateral Arm Raises (30 seconds)

Group of multiethnic mature people stretching arms outdoor. Middle aged yoga class doing breathing exercise at park. Beautifil women and fit men doing breath exercise together with outstretched arms.Shutterstock

For the third exercise, extend your arms out to the sides. Meredith describes these as "just like angel wings." After the lateral raises, you'll hold your arms straight out: "Now going straight out. Don't let those arms drop, 30 seconds. So it's gonna get hard now."

Meredith emphasizes full-body engagement: "Chest up, shoulders back, engaging, push through your heels, engage in those legs and pull the shoulders back. You want this to be a full body workout even though you're just moving your arms." She adds, "Pull that belly button in towards the spine. Good, keep those fingers extending out, shoulders down."

Exercise 4: Crisscross Arms (30 seconds)

a man does an exercise with his knees. the boy does sports. Crisscross Arms, scissorsShutterstock

The fourth exercise involves crossing your arms in front of your body. "Crisscross applesauce. People used to say that to me. I don't even know what that means. What does crisscross applesauce even mean? But you're crisscrossing your arms," Meredith shares with a touch of humor.

As with the other exercises, proper form is crucial: "Things are pressing your hands out. So you're nice and tight in your shoulders and your triceps." She reinforces the importance of full-body engagement: "Don't forget about your legs because it all starts in the ground up. So push your feet in the ground, starting through heels, then go up through your ankles, into your calves, all the way up your hamstrings."

Exercise 5: Small Arm Circles (30 seconds)

Full-length photo of a young athletic woman performing arm exercises. Woman in standing pose with arms outstretched.

Shutterstock

The final exercise consists of small, controlled arm circles. "Forward for 30 seconds. Really feel like you're just making a, the size of almost, I'd say a baseball," Meredith instructs. The key is keeping the circles small: "You're going big volleyball, then you go, whoa, exercise ball, right? That's different. It's the little ones."

With her characteristic enthusiasm, Meredith adds: "Little ones, big ones, little ones. I feel like I'm talking to Cruz. Sorry, Cruz is my two and a half year old son. I just get confused sometimes."

Complete the 10-Minute Workout

Portrait of mature woman stretching her arms and looking away at gym. Beautiful woman performing yoga in warrior pose, Virabhadrasana.

Shutterstock

Meredith recommends performing the entire circuit twice for optimal results. "Now, time to do it again," she says after completing the first round. Since each exercise takes 30 seconds and you'll do two complete rounds, the total workout time comes to just 10 minutes (5 exercises × 30 seconds × 2 rounds = 10 minutes).

Between each exercise, shake out your arms briefly before moving to the next movement. "If your arms aren't burning, I'll tell you what, shake them out. Those things are gonna kill your arms," Meredith warns.

Why This 10-Minute Approach Works

Young woman pinching arm fat flabby skin10 Ways to Lose Your Arm Flab in 4 WeeksShutterstock

The beauty of this workout lies in its simplicity, efficiency, and effectiveness. No equipment needed, just your body weight and proper form. As Meredith says, "This is how you get rid of these bat wings."

While each 30-second exercise might seem brief, the combination of all five movements performed with proper tension and form creates an effective tricep-targeting routine. The short timeframe makes it easy to fit into even the busiest schedule—just 10 minutes, three times a week can lead to noticeable improvements.

Remember, while this workout specifically targets the triceps area, Meredith emphasizes making it a full-body effort by maintaining proper posture, engaging your core, and pressing through your feet.

Final Thoughts

Senior african american couple performing stretching exercise together at the beach. fitness yoga and healthy lifestyle conceptShutterstock

At the end of the workout, Meredith encourages: "I hope you love this bat wings workout. Now, if you want more awesome arm workouts and leg workouts and butt workouts, hit up there, like, subscribe, and check out all of our awesome videos."

With consistency and proper form, this 10-minute standing workout can be an effective tool in your journey toward more toned, defined arms. The best part? You can do it right at home, with no equipment, in less time than it takes to watch a sitcom episode.

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Fitness & Workouts

5 Standing Exercises for Bat Wings That Take 10 Minutes

Meredith_Shirk8
I'm a Personal Trainer and These 5 Moves Banished My Clients' Bat Wings in Weeks
Copyright Meredith Shirk/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMar 10, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

We've all experienced it—waving goodbye only to notice the skin on the back of our arms continuing to wave after we've stopped. These "bat wings," as they're commonly called, are a frustration for many. "You guys know what bat wings are? It's when you're wavin, and it goes wave after you've stopped waving, it's still waving," explains Meredith Shirk, Founder of Svelte Training and NASM Certified Health & Body Specialist. The good news? Meredith has designed a simple, equipment-free workout that targets this troublesome area in just 10 minutes. "I am so excited because of an easy and effective bat wing workout. So we're gonna get rid of those bat wings," she promises. Ready to transform those bat wings into toned, defined arms? These five standing exercises might be exactly what you need.

Exercise 1: Tricep Kickbacks (30 seconds)

The workout begins with tricep kickbacks. "Chest up, shoulders back, palms up to the sky and just kicking straight back, bending over and really pressing through your heels," Meredith instructs in her post. This activates your posterior chain, including glutes, hamstrings, and calves while targeting those triceps.

"Push back and squeeze, back and squeeze. Really feel like you're getting that squeeze because that's what's gonna build the muscle," emphasizes Meredith. She reminds us to engage our core: "Pull that belly button in. Everything's core workout."

Exercise 2: Prayer Push Out (30 seconds)

Detail of wide open hands together in the front. Unrecognizable african american man doing a triangle sign shape with the hands. Stop racism and embrace different ethnics. Afro culture lifestyle. Prayer Push Out

Shutterstock

Next up is the prayer push out. "Hands together, like, oh, please for my arms. And then you're gonna push out into like almost a diamond and then push back in," says Meredith.

The effectiveness of this exercise depends entirely on tension. "Now the key is you can do this all day long and it's not gonna do anything for you. You have to press your hands together as hard as you can, press your feet into the ground as hard as you can, press your hands out, keeping tension," Meredith explains. "So if you feel like, oh, this isn't doing anything, you need to push your hands together harder here because you should feel it underneath and in that tricep."

Exercise 3: Lateral Arm Raises (30 seconds)

Group of multiethnic mature people stretching arms outdoor. Middle aged yoga class doing breathing exercise at park. Beautifil women and fit men doing breath exercise together with outstretched arms.Shutterstock

For the third exercise, extend your arms out to the sides. Meredith describes these as "just like angel wings." After the lateral raises, you'll hold your arms straight out: "Now going straight out. Don't let those arms drop, 30 seconds. So it's gonna get hard now."

Meredith emphasizes full-body engagement: "Chest up, shoulders back, engaging, push through your heels, engage in those legs and pull the shoulders back. You want this to be a full body workout even though you're just moving your arms." She adds, "Pull that belly button in towards the spine. Good, keep those fingers extending out, shoulders down."

Exercise 4: Crisscross Arms (30 seconds)

a man does an exercise with his knees. the boy does sports. Crisscross Arms, scissorsShutterstock

The fourth exercise involves crossing your arms in front of your body. "Crisscross applesauce. People used to say that to me. I don't even know what that means. What does crisscross applesauce even mean? But you're crisscrossing your arms," Meredith shares with a touch of humor.

As with the other exercises, proper form is crucial: "Things are pressing your hands out. So you're nice and tight in your shoulders and your triceps." She reinforces the importance of full-body engagement: "Don't forget about your legs because it all starts in the ground up. So push your feet in the ground, starting through heels, then go up through your ankles, into your calves, all the way up your hamstrings."

Exercise 5: Small Arm Circles (30 seconds)

Full-length photo of a young athletic woman performing arm exercises. Woman in standing pose with arms outstretched.

Shutterstock

The final exercise consists of small, controlled arm circles. "Forward for 30 seconds. Really feel like you're just making a, the size of almost, I'd say a baseball," Meredith instructs. The key is keeping the circles small: "You're going big volleyball, then you go, whoa, exercise ball, right? That's different. It's the little ones."

With her characteristic enthusiasm, Meredith adds: "Little ones, big ones, little ones. I feel like I'm talking to Cruz. Sorry, Cruz is my two and a half year old son. I just get confused sometimes."

Complete the 10-Minute Workout

Portrait of mature woman stretching her arms and looking away at gym. Beautiful woman performing yoga in warrior pose, Virabhadrasana.

Shutterstock

Meredith recommends performing the entire circuit twice for optimal results. "Now, time to do it again," she says after completing the first round. Since each exercise takes 30 seconds and you'll do two complete rounds, the total workout time comes to just 10 minutes (5 exercises × 30 seconds × 2 rounds = 10 minutes).

Between each exercise, shake out your arms briefly before moving to the next movement. "If your arms aren't burning, I'll tell you what, shake them out. Those things are gonna kill your arms," Meredith warns.

Why This 10-Minute Approach Works

Young woman pinching arm fat flabby skin10 Ways to Lose Your Arm Flab in 4 WeeksShutterstock

The beauty of this workout lies in its simplicity, efficiency, and effectiveness. No equipment needed, just your body weight and proper form. As Meredith says, "This is how you get rid of these bat wings."

While each 30-second exercise might seem brief, the combination of all five movements performed with proper tension and form creates an effective tricep-targeting routine. The short timeframe makes it easy to fit into even the busiest schedule—just 10 minutes, three times a week can lead to noticeable improvements.

Remember, while this workout specifically targets the triceps area, Meredith emphasizes making it a full-body effort by maintaining proper posture, engaging your core, and pressing through your feet.

Final Thoughts

Senior african american couple performing stretching exercise together at the beach. fitness yoga and healthy lifestyle conceptShutterstock

At the end of the workout, Meredith encourages: "I hope you love this bat wings workout. Now, if you want more awesome arm workouts and leg workouts and butt workouts, hit up there, like, subscribe, and check out all of our awesome videos."

With consistency and proper form, this 10-minute standing workout can be an effective tool in your journey toward more toned, defined arms. The best part? You can do it right at home, with no equipment, in less time than it takes to watch a sitcom episode.

Fitness & Workouts

20-Minute Full-Body Workout You Can Do in Your Living Room

Nikolai_Puchlov_Headshot
Nikolai Puchlov
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMay 10, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

If you want to get a full-body workout in the comfort of your own home, investing in a few kettlebells is a must. “One of the greatest aspects of using a kettlebell for exercising is that you can use one light or medium kettlebell weight and an area roughly the size of a yoga mat to get a fun, full body strength and conditioning workout in as little as 15 or 20 minutes,” Nikolai Puchlov, Head Coach & Founder, Pro Kettlebell, tells Body Network. He created a home kettlebell workout exclusively for our readers, which tones and strengthens your entire body.

1. What to Know Before You Start

Colorful,Kettlebells,Row,In,A,GymShutterstock

A great thing about kettlebell workouts is that they are high intensity, low impact and can burn a lot of calories in a short time. And, like other forms of strength and weight training, you continue to burn more calories post workout than other cardio-based forms, due to post-exercise oxygen consumption. Puchlov adds that they help strengthen your muscles and joints and “provides cardio benefits at the same time.” This workout can easily be modified to the appropriate level by using lighter or heavier kettlebell weights and/or increasing or decreasing the pace at which you perform the exercise.

Related: I’m a Dietitian and Here’s What Happens to Your Body When You Give Up Sugar

2. Bodyweight Warm Up

Family,Workout.,African,American,Husband,And,Wife,Training,Together,high knees, warm, upShutterstock

First, start with a short bodyweight warm up.

  1. 30 seconds of air squats
  2. 30 seconds of toe touches
  3. 30 seconds of standing folding stars
  4. 30 seconds of high knees

3. Buns and Guns Kettlebell Exercises

Fitness,,workout,,Gym,Exercise,,Healthy,In,Exercise,kettleball,weights,kettlebellShutterstock

The first set of kettlebell exercises works the “buns and guns,” says Puchlov.

  1. Goblet squats
  2. Ribbons

30 seconds on 10 seconds off x 2 rounds

4. Chest and Core Kettlebell Exercises

,Sporty,Russian,Twists, abs exercises sit up, kettlebell, kettleball, gym, Personal, trainerShutterstock

Next, “turn that bird cage chest into a love nest and core,” says Puchlov.

  1. Bridge press
  2. Russian twist

30 seconds on 10 seconds off x 2 rounds

Related: I Lost Belly Fat With These 3 Easy Hacks You Can Do Today

5. Back and Biceps Kettlebell Exercises

,,Sporty,Athletic,Gym,curls,kettlebells,kettleballsShutterstock

The third section of kettlebell exercises works the back and biceps. “Baby got back and biceps,” quips Puchlov.

  1. One arm row (30 seconds per side)
  2. Cheat curls (30 seconds per side)

1 minute on 10 seconds off x 2 rounds

Related: Pro Bodybuilder Shows Off Six-Pack and Shares 5 Ways to Get Yours

6. Thigh and Triceps Kettlebell Exercises

Athlete,Exercise, Kettleball,Kettlebell,gymShutterstock

The final set of kettlebell exercises works the “thighceps and triceps,” says Puchlov.

5 repetitions each for AMRAP (As Many Rounds as Possible) in 3 minutes.

  1. Thrusters
  2. Deadlift
  3. Tricep Extensions

💪🔥Body Booster: Due to post-exercise oxygen consumption, you will not only burn a lot of calories in a short time during your workout, but will continue burning more calories post workout than other cardio-based forms of exercise.

Fitness & Workouts

5 Pilates Exercises for a Flat Stomach in 14 Days

Vas_Priebe
eso_transform_within/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJun 22, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Pilates is one of the most popular workouts in the world for a reason: It helps people achieve that long, lean, and perfectly sculpted body that so many celebrities and models have. Vas Priebe is a Holistic Health Coach who is certified in both yoga and Pilates. She recently spoke with The Body Network about how to incorporate Pilates into your life and how it can help you achieve a flat stomach in just a few weeks.

Stretch First

Female,Workout,,Fitness,Training,stretch,stretching,exerciseShutterstock

“The biggest tip is stretching first so that your body is more open. When your body is more open, your body functions more effectively making muscle engagement easier. Better engagement equals better results,” says Vas.

Keep the Following in Mind Before You Start

Profile portrait of young attractive yogi woman breathing fresh air, her eyes closed, meditation pose, relaxation exercise, working out wearing black sportswear top, close up image, window backgroundShutterstock

Before moving onto her 5 exercises, she starts with the following tips:

  • Open inner thighs and hips before you begin your ab workout.
  • Less is more with abs when done properly.
  • Be patient, move intentionally with your breath, feel your body as you move and take your time.
  • Keep your neck, jaw, face, throat soft.Tension in those places steals the work away from the abs.
  • Abs should always be softening inward, as if they are hugging and supporting your spine, not bracing outward.

Related: Patrick Mahomes' "Natural Dad Bod" Has Everyone Talking. Here's How to Ditch It, According to Expert

Exercise 1: Wide Legged Forward Fold

Beautiful young woman in bright colorful sportswear working out indoors on blue mat. Girl doing Wide Legged Forward Bend, Prasarita Padottanasana posture. Full lengthShutterstock

“Take your arms out to a T and step your feet as wide as your arm span. Keep your feet facing forward. Hinge at your hips and place hands on the ground. Bend your knees and lengthen your spine to a table top position, arms beneath shoulders. Crown of head away from tail. Shift your weight back to the right heel as you lengthen and straighten your left leg. Hold for a breath cycle and then switch. Go back and forth, moving with breath for a minute or so,” says Vas.

Exercise 2: Runner’s Lunge

Positive athletic senior woman doing runner's lunge yoga pose on home workout, copy space. Sporty mature lady stretching her legs, exercising in living room. Domestic training during covid lockdownShutterstock

“Step your right foot outside your right hand. Turn your toes out slightly. Step your left leg back and lower back knee. Come to finger tips, lengthen and lift your spine tall, square your shoulders. Engage your glutes as you bend deeper into the lunge. Maintain length in spine and length through the back leg. Hold for 30 seconds or a few breath cycles and then switch,” she instructs.

Related: Fitness Guru Whitney Simmons Reveals 6 Secrets to Her Flat Tummy

Exercise 3: Table Top Knee Taps

Shirtless athletic man doing high plank knee touch workout on rooftop floor, home open air exercise concept, selective focusShutterstock

“Start in a table top position. Lengthen and lift your spine, crown of head reaches from tail. Square off shoulders and hips. Take an inhale and widen through your rib cage as you firmly press into the ground and maintain a long spine. Sustain your width and length as you exhale and lift your knees 2 inches from the ground.Inhale and tap them gently back down. Exhale and lift. Repeat 2 sets 8-10 reps,” suggests Vas.

Exercise 4: Supine Marches

Fitness woman working out on mat at homeShutterstock

“Lie on your back, arms by your side, legs in table top. Flex your ankles. Maintain a neutral pelvis. On an exhale, hinge at your hip and lower your right leg towards the ground. Knee stays bent in the tabletop position. Belly softens inward as leg lowers. Inhale and lift the leg back to start position. Move with your breath slowly, ensuring a sense of the abs softening inward on your exhale. Repeat 2 sets 8 reps on each side,” says Vas.

Related: 12 Powerful Ways to Transform Your Body at Any Age

Exercise 5: Chest Life

Side view of female in green wear sleeping outdoors after doing yoga exercises. Crop of woman relaxing peacefully after yoga exercising among grass holding hands behind head. Concept of calmness.Shutterstock

“Lie on your back, neutral pelvis, hands behind your head at the base of your skull. Elbows slightly wider than the shoulders. Lengthen through your under arms. Take legs to a table top position, knees together, toes pointed. Prep is important here. Lift your head and chest and hold. Take a big inhale into your side body as you lengthen through you under arms and engage your triceps and lats. Hold your head up with your arms so that you often your neck and engage your core. As you exhale, soften your abdominals into your body maintaining width through your rib cage and lower abs. Avoid your belly popping upwards, brace inward instead. Hold the position keeping an eye on your abs. Watch them on the exhale to ensure they are softening inward. Take 8-10 long slow breaths holding the position, legs in table top, head and chest lifted.”

💪🔥Body Booster:Research backs up the many benefits of Pilates. Studies have found it can help increase muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility, and improve posture and balance.

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Britany Williams Shares 10-Minute, Zero Equipment Beginner Workout

britany-williams-4
britanywilliams/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothAug 05, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Britany Williams is a personal trainer and influencer whose workouts are featured on the Sweat app. She regularly shares mini workouts via her Instagram account, many of which can be done without any equipment and in the comfort of your own home. She recently shared a quick but effective routine for beginners. “Need a no fuss QUICK workout? Try this 10 minute workout with no equipment needed from my new program The Daily 10 Challenge in the @sweat app 🎉” she captioned the series of clips, which demonstrate each of the exercises. Here is everything you need to know about the workout and all of her other diet and fitness tips.

No Equipment Needed

She recommends 5 exercises, doing each for 30 seconds, and completing 3 rounds of the set. “This workout targets your shoulders, core, quads and glutes - no equipment needed,” she explains.

  • Bird Dog
  • Supine March
  • Shoulder Cars
  • Glute Bridge
  • Lunge

Eat Foods That Make You Happy

Photo of excited beautiful young pretty woman sitting in cafe indoors have a breakfast eating saladShutterstock

In a TikTok clip, Britany encourages her followers to change the way they eat. “Often we leave off the foods that give us joy when building our plate. When in reality, what if we started there? What if when you were building your meal plan or your diet or your whatever it is, what if you started your meal plan with keeping in the foods that make you happy and then you had to build around that? What on my plate today supports my nutrition and supports my goals, but what also supports my joy?” she says.

Related: I Lost 30 Pounds With This Walking Routine

Work Your Upper Body When You Are Unmotivated to Work Out

,Working,Out,Gym,Weights,dumbbellsShutterstock

“If you're the kind of girly who's motivated most days to workout, but then there's that one to two days a week that you just struggle with, save your upper body workouts for those days,” she suggests. “Mentally, there is something easier about standing still and just moving weight around with your arms and upper body than there is about having to lower your entire torso down into a squat or a lunge and getting back up. Zero percent backed by science, but a hundred percent backed by my own personal experience.”

Run More with These 5 Tips

Tired,Runner,Rest,Running,recover,jogging,exerciseShutterstock

In a TikTok video, Britany unveiled “five realistic tips to make it a little easier” to go running. “Number one, sometimes run without your watch. Get used to how your body feels without always worrying about pace. Number two, a quick warmup is a game changer before longer runs, especially if you run in the morning. Number three, if you're a beginner, take breaks. Alternate walking and running for one minute intervals, increasing the length of the run interval every couple of weeks. Number four, get the right shoes. I get new shoes every 400 miles or so, and my knees thank me every time. And number five, realize every step forward, whether it be for five minutes or for an hour, is a step forward in your goals.”

Related: #1 Best Breakfast for Proteins According to Dietitian Who Lost 100 Pounds

How to Do a Push Up If You Struggle

Shutterstock

Britany admits that she has “struggled with pushups for years” and offers a tip on how to make them easier. “The idea of doing pushups on your toes was just never approachable for you. You need to elevate your hands on a chair. The higher your hands are relative to your feet, the easier it's going to be and it's going to be so helpful,” she says.

💪🔥Body Booster: Try and do at least a 10-minute workout every day for a week and then ask yourself how you feel. You will likely be motivated to do longer workouts the next week. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

I'm a Personal Trainer and These 5 Moves Banished My Clients' Bat Wings in Weeks

Meredith_Shirk8
Copyright Meredith Shirk/YouTube
Alek Korab
By Alek KorabOct 14, 2024
Alek Korab
Editor
Alek Korab is Founding Editor of Body Network
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

We've all been there – standing in front of the mirror, waving our arms, and watching that extra flab jiggle. But what if you could transform those "bat wings" into toned, sculpted arms with just a few minutes of targeted exercise each day? Enter Meredith Shirk, a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) and the founder of Svelte Training. With her impressive credentials, including specializations in Fitness Nutrition, Behavior Change, and Weight Loss, Meredith has designed a quick and effective arm workout that promises to help you say goodbye to flabby arms for good.

Understanding Arm Fat

Before diving into Meredith's workout, it's important to understand what arm fat is and why it matters. According to WebMD, "Arm fat is extra skin and fat located under your arms." While some arm fat is normal and healthy, excessive amounts can be more than just a cosmetic issue. WebMD explains, "While having some subcutaneous fat is good for your health, having too much can cause health issues, including an increased risk for certain cancers, fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease, and more."

The Root Causes of Arm Fat

Close-up Of A Woman Holding Arm With Excess Fat On Grey BackgroundShutterstock

Arm fat doesn't appear out of nowhere. WebMD states, "Extra skin and fat in the arms can be caused by obesity, significant weight loss, or genetics. Individuals born female are at a greater risk of carrying excess weight in their arms." Understanding these factors can help you approach arm fat reduction more effectively.

RELATED: I’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 4 Fall Comfort Foods That Can Help You Lose Weight

Say Goodbye to Bat Wings

"I have an awesome bat wing workout, so you're not going to be waving those wings any longer," Meredith enthusiastically begins her post. This workout is specifically designed to target those troublesome areas and help you achieve the toned arms you've always wanted.

Monkey Pumps: Your Secret Weapon Against Flabby Arms

Young woman pinching arm fat flabby skinShutterstock

Meredith kicks off the workout with her favorite exercise: monkey pumps. "It's just as it sounds," she explains. "Grab it and pull it down." To perform this move:

  1. Align your elbows with your shoulders and wrists
  2. Open up and close your arms
  3. Keep your elbows above your chin to target your triceps and chest

Meredith emphasizes the importance of proper form: "You want to think about keeping that elbow above the chin line because that's really going to push a lot on your triceps and your chest."

Arm Circles: Small Movements, Big Results

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Next up are small arm circles. "Really think about tennis ball size here," Meredith instructs. Perform these circles in both forward and backward directions. This simple movement targets multiple muscle groups in your arms and shoulders, helping to tone and define your upper body.

Lateral Raises: Engage Your Whole Body

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Lateral raises are more than just arm exercises. Meredith explains, "You actually have to do something with your body, meaning you're here, you're lifting and you're really pulling your legs in together at the same time as squeezing your core and your rhomboids and your lats." This full-body engagement maximizes the effectiveness of the exercise, helping you burn more calories and build more muscle.

RELATED: Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Scissors: Cross-Training for Your Arms

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The final exercise in Meredith's routine is scissors. "We go from here, we're here, right? And then we're here and then here," she demonstrates. "So now we're crisscrossing our arms." This movement targets both your biceps and triceps, providing a comprehensive arm workout in one simple exercise.

Fine-Tuning Your Technique

Meredith offers additional advice to maximize your results: "If you want to get a little bit more of your bicep, come across with it here and then go inside. You can have almost overlapping bicep curls. You do more tricep by putting your hands flexed and then going faster, pulling your chest back, shoulders up."

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Putting It All Together

Meredith combines these exercises into a quick, high-intensity routine:

  1. 30 seconds of monkey pumps
  2. 30 seconds of arm circles (15 seconds forward, 15 seconds backward)
  3. 30 seconds of lateral raises
  4. 30 seconds of scissors

"Those are our exercises. We're going to be doing all types of exercise. Make sure your triceps, your biceps, and your back, stay lean. So we avoid the bat wings," Meredith explains.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach

While Meredith's workout is effective, it's important to remember that spot reduction isn't possible. WebMD advises, "Natural treatment options for arm fat include diet and exercise. Since arm fat is often associated with being overweight or losing a significant amount of weight, the first step is changing your eating habits and incorporating more exercise into your days."

The Key to Effective Workouts

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Throughout the workout, Meredith encourages movement: "When you think about this, you can walk around because you shouldn't be in a static place anyway. Life should not be static for you. Working out should not be static for you."

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Push Through for Results

Meredith doesn't sugarcoat the challenge: "If your arms are not feeling like 1 million pounds, then you're not doing this right." She encourages you to push through the discomfort, reminding you that "it's going to burn, and it's okay."

The Foundation of Effective Exercise

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Throughout the routine, Meredith emphasizes proper form: "Chest up, shoulders back, meet in the middle, come out and reach." She also reminds you to "Face those hands to you. Come out and reach."

Don't Forget This Crucial Element

Meredith consistently reminds you to breathe throughout the workout. "Breathe in. Breathe and pull," she encourages, highlighting the importance of proper breathing techniques during exercise.

The Path to Success

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Meredith concludes with an inspiring message: "Do this consistently and you will see that fat go away!" She adds, "It doesn't have to be hard, it doesn't have to be long. It doesn't have to be scary, but it can be a lot of fun and you can do it in less time you thought possible."

However, it's important to set realistic expectations. As WebMD notes, "You shouldn't expect to see results right away. In fact, losing stubborn fat can take months of continuous effort. Your progress will depend on you. If you're already at a healthy weight, it may take only a few weeks to notice results. However, those at a higher weight may not see results for a while."

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You Can Do It

While Meredith's workout is an excellent starting point, remember that a holistic approach is key. WebMD suggests, "For the best results, it's important to combine a decent sleep schedule with a well-balanced diet and a vigorous exercise routine." By combining Meredith's targeted arm exercises with overall healthy lifestyle habits, you'll be on your way to toned, sculpted arms in no time. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

Nutrition & Diet

6 Secrets From a Coach Who Lost 20 Pounds and Kept It Off

Mahtab Ekay fitbymahtab
I Lost 20 Pounds as a Coach and Here Are My 6 Secrets to Losing Weight Fast and Not Gaining It Back
Copyright fitbymahtab/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 16, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to lose weight fast without gaining it all back? According to one expert, it’s possible if you have the right tools. Mahtab Ekay is a fat loss coach and social media influencer who has lost over 20 pounds and helps others do the same. She reveals a few game-changing hacks for sustaining weight loss in a new post. “If you want to lose weight safely by summer 2025 and not gain it all back, here are 6 things you need to do,” she writes.

Start Every Meal with Veggies

Her first tip? Start every meal with veggies. “I know, I know—veggies first isn’t the most exciting, but trust me, it works! 🥦 Starting with veggies fills you up with fiber and nutrients and it will help with preventing glucose spikes and your tendency to binge later,” she says. Some tasty veggie ideas: green salad, edamame, baby carrots, or bell peppers. “Your future self will thank you!)”

Stop Snacking

Her second tip: Stop snacking. “If you’re craving something sweet, save it for dessert after your meal. 🍫 Snacking on an empty stomach can mess with your blood sugar and lead to overeating later,” she writes.

RELATED:5 Walking Techniques That Burn More Fat Than Running

Walk It Out

You also need to start walking. “Walking is a game-changer for fat loss, and there are so many easy ways to add steps,” she says. Her suggestions? Walk your dog, play with your kids, get a walking pad for your desk, go on walking dates or hangouts, or walk while you chat on the phone.

Lift Weight

“Start lifting weights,” she continues. “Not just to burn calories—but to build muscle! The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn at rest. Plus, you’ll look toned and feel stronger!”

RELATED:The Only 4 Exercises You Need for Total-Body Fitness

Hydrate

Tip five, “hydrate, hydrate, hydrate,” she says. “Drink half your body weight in pounds in ounces of water. Staying hydrated keeps you full, helps with digestion, and supports your energy levels. Pro tip: grab a cute water bottle to keep you on track!”

Sleep

Finally, get your sleep in. “Aim for 50 hours of sleep per week. If your schedule doesn’t allow 7 hours per night (shift workers, I see you!), just focus on getting enough over the week. 💤 Sleep is a game-changer for fat loss and mental clarity,” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Nutrition & Diet

4 Foods to Eat to Lose 10 Pounds by Easter

Brittney Blanco
​Greek Chicken Wraps
Copyright bylt.by.britt/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 15, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you unsure what you should be eating to lose weight? One expert has the answer. Brittney Blanco is a Macros Nutrition Coach and social media influencer who regularly shares her creative weight loss meal recipes with her followers. “If you want to lose 5 to 10 pounds by Easter, these are the foods I would eat daily,” she writes.

Fuel Your Body the Right Way

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According to Brittney, she understands the ratio of what you should be eating to lose weight. “Want more energy, muscle, and balanced hormones? It all starts with your plate! Here’s how to fuel up the right way,” she says.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Prioritize Protein

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First, prioritize protein. “Protein keeps you full, builds muscle, and boosts metabolism. Aim for 0.8-1g per pound of body weight (or at least 100g daily)” she writes. The best sources? Eggs, turkey, chicken, steak, salmon, yogurt, cottage cheese, whey, and tuna. Why? “Helps burn fat, maintain muscle, and curb cravings!” she says.

Eat More Fiber

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Next, eat more fiber, mostly veggies and fruit. “Fiber supports digestion, gut health, and blood sugar balance. Aim for 25g daily,” she says. The veggies she recommends are broccoli, green beans, kale, asparagus, and zucchini, and fruits, berries, banana, mango, kiwi, and oranges. Why? “Keeps you full and supports a healthy gut!”

Carbs

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Next up carbs, which equal energy. “Carbs fuel your body and workouts. Choose quality sources,” she writes. Best options: Potatoes, quinoa, farro, bulgur, rice. Why? “Prevents energy crashes and supports muscle recovery,” she writes.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

Healthy Fats

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Amp up your healthy fats intake for hormone balance. “Fats help with hormones, brain health, and nutrient absorption,” she says. Best sources: Egg yolks, avocado, cheese, olive oil, chia seeds, almonds, nut butters. Why? “Supports metabolism, mood, and glowing skin!” she writes.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Build a Balanced Plate

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Using these sources, build a balanced plate. “Keep it simple,” she urges. Why? “Provides balanced nutrition, steady energy, and prevents cravings!” Here is the plate she recommends.

¼ plate protein 🥩

¼ plate carbs 🍚

Thumb-size healthy fats 🥑

½ plate veggies 🥦

And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Nutrition & Diet

Coach Reveals the Truth About Intermittent Fasting

McKenna Olsen mckennahenrie
Woman Added 800 Calories Daily and Lost 10 Pounds Without Exercise in 90 Days
Copyright mckennahenrie/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 15, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Over the past few years, intermittent fasting has been one of the buzziest terms in weight loss. So, should you try it? McKenna Olsen is an influencer and health coach who recently lost 10 pounds. In a new social media post, she answers the question: Is intermittent fasting beneficial for weight loss? Here is her answer.

Why Intermittent Fasting Is Popular

“Firstly, it’s important to know WHY it’s a popular strategy,” she explains. “It’s not ‘magic’ by any means but it’s popular because it helps to put you in a calorie deficit,” she says. While time restricted eating “can be useful for those who tend to OVERconsume,” not everyone will benefit from it.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Cortisol Levels Are Higher in the Morning

Here is why. “Firstly, understand that our cortisol levels are highest in the AM,” she says, “so they are going to be exacerbated if we fast for extended periods.” Also, “if you are active in the morning, it just increases cortisol.” ⁣

Fasting Can Cause a More Rapid Decline in Hormones for Women

“Second, when it comes to hormones, women are MUCH different than men. We already deal with declining sex hormones as we age, so extreme levels of fasting CAN cause a more rapid decline. We also need to keep blood sugar levels more stable. If your body is under chronic stress, it’s going to produce more and more insulin which (based upon severity) can lead to cases like insulin resistance,” she says.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

Fasting Can Lead to Undereating During the Day

⁣”Not only can fasting be stressful, but also can lead to undereating during the day (especially if you have a busy life and ALREADY have a hard time eating enough), which leads to ultimately under recovering, especially for those who are active, too, which can cause a cascade of hormonal issues because exercise IS a stressor, so eating insufficient amounts due to extreme levels of fasting can wreck havoc on recovery,” she says.

It Can Also Make You More “Food Focused”

⁣”Lastly, fasting simply can make you more food focused, can sometimes cause hunger hormones to build leading you to overconsume when it does come meal time and for some, lead to an unhealthy relationship with food,” she says.

She Doesn’t Recommend It⁣

Overall, she doesn’t recommend it. “I know intermittent fasting has become a weight loss trend, but it’s mostly because it puts people in a caloric deficit to help control intake if you struggle with overeating,” she says.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Here Is What She Does Recommend⁣

“Working with so many women who have struggled with yo-yo dieting, I have found eating regular balanced meals, nourishing their bodies properly and regularly is more sustainable and healthier hormonally, for the long term,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

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