Skip to content
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.

4 Best Exercises to Lose Flabby Arms

This doctor knows how to get strong, toned arms.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Attractive young fitness woman holding dumbell. Fitness woman. Fit woman in nature in spring. Happy blonde lifting dumbbells
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Alan Mandel, DC (@motivationaldoc), says one of the most common questions doctors, therapists, and trainers are asked is how to get rid of flabby arms. “You’ve probably noticed over the years that your arms continue to get flabbier. You might've been on diets, and you say to yourself, how come my arms are still flabby? Well, you must understand that as we get older each year, after the age of 35, we continue to have less lean body weight. That means less muscle. So if you've been trying to fight that weight with whatever diets you've tried already and you're not increasing lean body weight, which is muscle, your metabolism is going to continue to slow down.” So what does he suggest? Here are the nine best ways to get rid of your arm flab for good and achieve the strong, toned arms of your dreams.


Overall Fat-Burning

Dr_Alan_Mandell_motivationaldoc4Copyright motivationaldoc/YouTube

You can’t just work out your arms and expect fat-burning in one spot only. “So here is the big problem: no one's telling you that while you've been burning the fat and losing weight, you're also burning the muscle,” Dr. Mandell says. “That's why your arms continue to get flabbier. Please understand that there is no such thing as spot reduction. We need to get your whole metabolism kicking up. By doing so, your body will choose the right areas to burn fat while you increase that lean body weight, which is muscle. So I'm going to teach you the right components to lose arm fat and tighten and tone those saggy arms.” For weights, Dr. Mandell says men should use heavier ones than women do.

Water and Nutrition

Beautiful running woman making a break to drink a water form bottleShutterstock

Dr. Mandell emphasizes the importance of burning off more than you’re taking in. “Our body requires lots of water to allow the bodily functions to work correctly,” he says. “This is extremely important for fat burning. Make sure you're getting the right nutrition, vitamins, and minerals, and take the time to eat the proper foods so it is time to start making smart choices. Yes, this is all about calories. As your body burns more calories, it's going to burn more fat. Doing aerobic activity increases oxygen, and that's what burns the fat. Entertain each other. Make your exercise fun. This is a great motivational tool to help you get those great results.”

Make It Fun

beautiful young girl walking in forest in running clothes standing on logShutterstock

Dr. Mandell recommends finding a workout you actually enjoy to burn fat and lose weight. “Make time to take those simple walks around your neighborhood and look forward to breathing in that fresh air,” he says. If you like to stay active, then start doing some aerobic classes. Using light weights will help build muscle. There are many different aerobic classes. Some may involve dancing and listening to music.”

Use the Incline

Legs of woman running on treadmillShutterstock

Dr. Mandell suggests using the incline for people who like walking or running on the treadmill. “Some like getting on a treadmill. If you're walking or running, moving the treadmill to a higher incline will increase your heart rate and will help your metabolism burn fat quicker. If you have any pets, take the time to walk them. Not only is it healthy for your pet, but your body is definitely reaping the benefits.”

Swimming Workouts

Female swimming front crawl.Shutterstock

Dr. Mandell recommends swimming for a full-body workout. “Swimming is one of the best exercises for the entire body. You'll use almost every muscle within your body where there is a little force on the joints. If you like to go out and see nature, then go for a bike ride. This is an excellent way to help increase that aerobic activity.”

Exercise #1: Light Dumbbells

Fit woman at the gym lifting weightsShutterstock

Dr. Mandell recommends using light weights (or as much as you can handle, depending on fitness). “Stretching is always important to help increase blood supply to those muscles… For those people who have bands, you can get great resistance stepping on the back of the band as you continue doing [this] tricep exercise. These tricep kickbacks will tighten and tone those arms. Light dumbbells are great, but if you don't have dumbbells, use any other object with weight.”

Exercise #2: Bench Dips

Fitness workout at home. Healthy fit young woman doing triceps dips exercise in the living room.Shutterstock

Dr. Mandell loves bench dips and push-ups. “Bench dips are one of my favorite exercises. You can do these exercises anywhere on a chair, a bench, or a bed, whatever works for you. This will really isolate those triceps to get them stronger. Push-ups are great for those triceps as well. It will also work your chest muscles. If you can't do a full push-up, do them on your knees. You'll still reap the benefits of strengthening those weakened muscles.”

Exercise #3: Bicep Curls

Woman training in gym room ready for fitness biceps exercisesShutterstock

Dr. Mandell recommends bicep curls. “Now we're going to focus on the bicep, which is the front part of the arm. Doing half-bicep curls will isolate that muscle to get it nice and toned. Using two light dumbbells, strengthening the biceps, and doing over-the-head presses will help strengthen and tone those biceps and shoulder muscles.”

RELATED:I Lost 22 Pounds in a Week on Egg Diet

Exercise #4: Resistance Bands

Young female athlete using resistance band while working out in the living room.Shutterstock

Dr. Mandell recommends exercise bands for working out at home and on the go. “You can also strengthen those biceps by using exercise bands. They are light and very easy to travel with. Make sure you keep good form while doing this exercise. These light over-the-head presses will help tone those shoulders. Make sure you're using a lightweight one so you don't strain your neck. So, I want you to pick four to five exercises where you work different muscles. You're going to do anywhere between eight to 12 repetitions, two to three sets every other day. You need to stay strong mentally and persevere. Continue to move forward, and you will see amazing results.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

More For You

Attractive young fitness woman holding dumbell. Fitness woman. Fit woman in nature in spring. Happy blonde lifting dumbbells
Shutterstock
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.

Alan Mandel, DC (@motivationaldoc), says one of the most common questions doctors, therapists, and trainers are asked is how to get rid of flabby arms. “You’ve probably noticed over the years that your arms continue to get flabbier. You might've been on diets, and you say to yourself, how come my arms are still flabby? Well, you must understand that as we get older each year, after the age of 35, we continue to have less lean body weight. That means less muscle. So if you've been trying to fight that weight with whatever diets you've tried already and you're not increasing lean body weight, which is muscle, your metabolism is going to continue to slow down.” So what does he suggest? Here are the nine best ways to get rid of your arm flab for good and achieve the strong, toned arms of your dreams.


Overall Fat-Burning

Dr_Alan_Mandell_motivationaldoc4Copyright motivationaldoc/YouTube

You can’t just work out your arms and expect fat-burning in one spot only. “So here is the big problem: no one's telling you that while you've been burning the fat and losing weight, you're also burning the muscle,” Dr. Mandell says. “That's why your arms continue to get flabbier. Please understand that there is no such thing as spot reduction. We need to get your whole metabolism kicking up. By doing so, your body will choose the right areas to burn fat while you increase that lean body weight, which is muscle. So I'm going to teach you the right components to lose arm fat and tighten and tone those saggy arms.” For weights, Dr. Mandell says men should use heavier ones than women do.

Water and Nutrition

Beautiful running woman making a break to drink a water form bottleShutterstock

Dr. Mandell emphasizes the importance of burning off more than you’re taking in. “Our body requires lots of water to allow the bodily functions to work correctly,” he says. “This is extremely important for fat burning. Make sure you're getting the right nutrition, vitamins, and minerals, and take the time to eat the proper foods so it is time to start making smart choices. Yes, this is all about calories. As your body burns more calories, it's going to burn more fat. Doing aerobic activity increases oxygen, and that's what burns the fat. Entertain each other. Make your exercise fun. This is a great motivational tool to help you get those great results.”

Make It Fun

beautiful young girl walking in forest in running clothes standing on logShutterstock

Dr. Mandell recommends finding a workout you actually enjoy to burn fat and lose weight. “Make time to take those simple walks around your neighborhood and look forward to breathing in that fresh air,” he says. If you like to stay active, then start doing some aerobic classes. Using light weights will help build muscle. There are many different aerobic classes. Some may involve dancing and listening to music.”

Use the Incline

Legs of woman running on treadmillShutterstock

Dr. Mandell suggests using the incline for people who like walking or running on the treadmill. “Some like getting on a treadmill. If you're walking or running, moving the treadmill to a higher incline will increase your heart rate and will help your metabolism burn fat quicker. If you have any pets, take the time to walk them. Not only is it healthy for your pet, but your body is definitely reaping the benefits.”

Swimming Workouts

Female swimming front crawl.Shutterstock

Dr. Mandell recommends swimming for a full-body workout. “Swimming is one of the best exercises for the entire body. You'll use almost every muscle within your body where there is a little force on the joints. If you like to go out and see nature, then go for a bike ride. This is an excellent way to help increase that aerobic activity.”

Exercise #1: Light Dumbbells

Fit woman at the gym lifting weightsShutterstock

Dr. Mandell recommends using light weights (or as much as you can handle, depending on fitness). “Stretching is always important to help increase blood supply to those muscles… For those people who have bands, you can get great resistance stepping on the back of the band as you continue doing [this] tricep exercise. These tricep kickbacks will tighten and tone those arms. Light dumbbells are great, but if you don't have dumbbells, use any other object with weight.”

Exercise #2: Bench Dips

Fitness workout at home. Healthy fit young woman doing triceps dips exercise in the living room.Shutterstock

Dr. Mandell loves bench dips and push-ups. “Bench dips are one of my favorite exercises. You can do these exercises anywhere on a chair, a bench, or a bed, whatever works for you. This will really isolate those triceps to get them stronger. Push-ups are great for those triceps as well. It will also work your chest muscles. If you can't do a full push-up, do them on your knees. You'll still reap the benefits of strengthening those weakened muscles.”

Exercise #3: Bicep Curls

Woman training in gym room ready for fitness biceps exercisesShutterstock

Dr. Mandell recommends bicep curls. “Now we're going to focus on the bicep, which is the front part of the arm. Doing half-bicep curls will isolate that muscle to get it nice and toned. Using two light dumbbells, strengthening the biceps, and doing over-the-head presses will help strengthen and tone those biceps and shoulder muscles.”

RELATED:I Lost 22 Pounds in a Week on Egg Diet

Exercise #4: Resistance Bands

Young female athlete using resistance band while working out in the living room.Shutterstock

Dr. Mandell recommends exercise bands for working out at home and on the go. “You can also strengthen those biceps by using exercise bands. They are light and very easy to travel with. Make sure you keep good form while doing this exercise. These light over-the-head presses will help tone those shoulders. Make sure you're using a lightweight one so you don't strain your neck. So, I want you to pick four to five exercises where you work different muscles. You're going to do anywhere between eight to 12 repetitions, two to three sets every other day. You need to stay strong mentally and persevere. Continue to move forward, and you will see amazing results.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Close-up profile side view portrait of her she nice attractive lovely brunet cheerful wavy-haired girl showing strong muscles isolated over bright vivid shine vibrant yellow color background
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Leah Groth
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.

Do your arms feel like they are sagging? There is no better time to shape them up. According to one expert, you can strengthen your arm muscles in just two weeks. Risa Sheppard, Master Pilates trainer, creator of The Sheppard Method, offers up five effective exercises to firm up flabby arms in 14 days. Sheppard explains that these exercises can be done with or without weights. “If you choose to do weights, use only 2 or 3 pounds,” she says.


Hug a Tree

A middle-aged Caucasian man assumes the static posture of Tree Hugging, an essential technique in Chi Kung practice.Shutterstock

Lie on your back with your knees bent. Open your arms to the side with the elbows slightly bent. Pretend you're holding something in your hands (or weights if you prefer). Now, imagine a tree that you are wrapping your arms around. Make it a good size trunk.

Wrap your arms around the imaginary tree trunk until your fingers touch each other. Keeping that same shape open your arms to the side and again wrap your arms around the tree trunk. Repeat 8 to 10 times.

Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Triceps

Rear view of woman stretching her arm and shoulderShutterstock

Bend your elbows and place your hands next to each ear. Keep your elbows facing the ceiling and try not to move the elbow or hand. Keeping your elbows straight up, slowly extend your forearms until the arms are straight. You should feel it working in your triceps, or the back of the arm. If you are not using weights, use the air as resistance against the arm.

Slowing lower the forearms back to their original position. Always make sure the elbows are facing the ceiling. Repeat 10 times. Rest, then do another set.

Biceps

Strong woman with broccoli in the kitchenShutterstock/Terelyuk

Sit facing a mirror if you can. Extend your arms straight out in front of you. Again, using the air as resistance, slowly bend your arms until the hands are next to your ears.

Try to keep the arms level, but if that is too difficult place your elbows at the rib cage. Repeat 2 or more sets of 10.

RELATED: Beat Joint Pain in 2 Weeks With This Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Chest and Arms

Shot of a beautiful athlete woman doing push ups in an abandoned building.Shutterstock

Sit on a floor in what we call a tabletop position. You are on your hands and knees. Arms are slightly bent and knees are under your hips. Shift your body forward a bit with your elbows close to your body. Lift your feet from your knees and slowly bend your arms with your chest to the floor.

These are modified push-ups. You don’t have to go all the way to the floor. Just gently let the chest lower as much as it can. arms and then come back to their original position. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

RELATED: #1 Surprising Mistake That's Sabotaging Your Weight Loss

Deltoids

Portrait of attractive cheerful sportswoman with headphones in her ears. Sporty woman doing exercises with dumbbells for shoulders in the gym on the background of brick wallShutterstock

Stand facing a mirror. Lift your arms out to your side and hold for a count of 8. Slowly lower the arms to your side. Repeat 5 to 8 times. Try not to lift your shoulders to your ears. Concentrate on lifting the deltoid and not the shoulder.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to firm up your arms, stick to a few effective, targeting exercises and repeat daily.

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.

Tank top weather is just a few months away. Even if you have been avoiding the gym all winter, there is still time to get your arms shaped up in time for summer. “We all despise that stubborn back arm area of our grandmas that we used to play with,” celebrity fitness trainer and health and wellness expert Jenna Willis, tells The Body Network. According to the Los Angeles-based fitness expert, whose clients include Camila Cabello and Lala Kent, these 5 moves can help you go from flabby to fit fast. “You can add them into your routine, or use them as a routine on their own, guaranteed to target those arms so you can confidently rock your tank top!” she tells The Body Network.


Do Three Sets of 15 Reps

Jenna_Willis5Jenna Willis/Facebook

Willis recommends repeating each exercise for three sets, 15 repetitions each, minus the Tricep Pulses, “repeat for 3 sets of 50 reps,” she says. “Use a light weight so you can move through each rep, but heavy enough so the last 2 to 3 reps of each exercise feel challenging!”

Related: 5 Ways You're Ruining Your Body After 55, Say Experts

Bicep Curl to Overhead Press

Woman training in gym room ready for fitness biceps exercisesShutterstock

  • Start standing with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand and palms facing forward
  • Begin by performing a standard bicep curl (bend elbows and raise dumbbells towards shoulders, keeping upper arms stationary)
  • Once dumbbells reach shoulder level, rotate palms to face forward, transitioning into overhead press movement
  • Continue pressing dumbbells overhead until arms are fully extended. Avoid locking elbows at the top position, keeping tension on the muscles.
  • Slowly lower dumbbells back to starting position by reversing movement, bringing them back to shoulder level with palms facing forward and then lowering back down to sides with palms facing body

Bent Over Hinge Pullback

,Dumbbells,,,Rack,hym,weights, fitness, exerciseShutterstock

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Grip dumbbells overhand but have palms facing each other.
  • Hinge forward at hips while keeping back straight so torso is nearly parallel to ground, keeping slight bend in knees for stability
  • Allow arms to hang straight down towards floor with elbows slightly bent
  • Begin movement by retracting shoulder blades (pulling them back) and keeping upper arms close to sides
  • While keeping elbows in fixed position, exhale and extend arms straight back behind, focusing on contracting triceps
  • Slowly lower dumbbells back down to starting position while maintaining control over movement

Alternating Inner Bicep Curl to Front Overhead Press

Beautiful blonde middle age woman doing weights exercises with dumbbells outdoors, sunny summer evening. Healthy active lifestyle, body consciousShutterstock

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbell in each hand by sides with palms facing inward towards body in neutral grip position
  • Begin by curling one dumbbell towards shoulder while keeping upper arm stationary
  • Rotate palm inward so it faces shoulder at top of movement
  • After completing bicep curl, instead of lowering dumbbell back to side, drive hand with palm still facing inward straight up to overhead press
  • Lower dumbbell back to starting position in controlled manner
  • Repeat same movement with other arm while maintaining smooth, controlled pace

Tricep Pulses

Woman doing triceps workout with light dumbbellShutterstock

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold dumbbell in each hand
  • Hinge forward at hips, keeping back flat and chest up until torso is almost parallel to ground
  • With slight bend in elbows, lift dumbbells upward and behind by extending arms straight back. Keep upper arms close to sides throughout movement.
  • Once arms are fully extended, initiate small, controlled pulses by moving dumbbells slowly up and closer together in short range of motion. Focus on squeezing triceps with each pulse (avoiding swinging, jerking motions, as movement should be isolated to triceps.)

Related: How to Lose 5 Pounds of Bloating ASAP, According to an Expert

Bent over Curl to Kickback

Crop sportswoman doing triceps kickbacksShutterstock

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand
  • Hinge forward at hips, keeping back flat and chest up until the torso is almost parallel to the ground. Allow arms to hang straight down towards the floor with palms facing the body.
  • Bend elbows and curl dumbbells towards shoulders, keeping upper arms close to sides. Squeeze the biceps at the top of the movement.
  • Straighten arms behind while keeping upper arms stationary. Palms should now be facing upwards towards the ceiling.
  • With arms fully extended behind, engage triceps and straighten elbows further, lifting dumbbells towards ceiling. Focus on squeezing triceps at top of movement.
  • Return to starting position

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to transform flabby arms, do exercises that target the biceps and triceps. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Portrait of fit middle aged woman doing arm stretching isolated on grey background
Shutterstock
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.

Want beautifully strong, toned arms but have no time or inclination for the gym? We talked to celebrity personal trainer Kollins Ezekh about the best exercises you can do for toned arms right from the safety and comfort of your home. “These exercises can be done with minimal equipment, using just your body weight and household furniture, making them perfect for a home workout routine to tone your arms,” Ezekh tells Body Network. Read on to find out more.


Push-Ups

Close Up of a Beautiful Fitness Girl in an Athletic Top Doing Push Up Exercises While Using a Stopwatch on Her Phone. She is Training at Home in Her Living Room with Minimalistic Interior.Shutterstock

Push-ups require no equipment whatsoever. “Push-ups are a versatile exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core,” Ezekh says. “They help build upper body strength and improve muscle endurance.”

Tricep Dips

Fitness workout at home. Healthy fit young woman doing triceps dips exercise in the living room.Shutterstock

All you need for tricep dips is a bench or chair that stays put. “Using a sturdy chair or bench, tricep dips focus on the triceps,” Ezekh says. “They also engage the shoulders and chest, providing a comprehensive upper body workout.”

RELATED: 12 House Cleaning Chores That Burn Calories After 50

Plank to Push-Up

Strong Beautiful Fitness Girl in Athletic Workout Clothes is Doing a Plank Exercise While Using a Stopwatch on Her Phone. She is Training at Home in Her Living Room with Cozy Interior.Shutterstock

Plank to push-up is an advanced bodyweight exercise. “This exercise targets the triceps, chest, and shoulders while engaging the core,” Ezekh says. “It improves upper body strength and stability.”

Arm Circles

Woman, weightlifting and exercise with dumbbells for training, workout or muscle gain on outdoor balcony. Young female person with small barbells for sport, fitness or health and wellness in natureShutterstock

Arm circles require no equipment. “Arm circles are an effective way to tone the shoulders and arms,” Ezekh says. “They improve muscle endurance and help warm up the shoulder joints.”

Diamond Push-Ups

Young man in good physical shape, with bow tie, shirtless, and shorts, doing diamond-style push-ups on a mat on the floor in his bachelor's room, trainingShutterstock

Diamond push-ups are another arm workout that you can do anywhere. “Diamond push-ups are a variation that places more emphasis on the triceps and inner chest muscles,” Ezekh says. “They enhance upper body strength and arm definition.”

RELATED: Lose Weight Faster with These 11 Effective Workouts

Inchworms

Side view of handsome fit muscular caucasian man doing inchworms exercise and looking at camera.Shutterstock

Try inchworms for another arm exercise you can do at home. “Inchworms target the shoulders, chest, and triceps while also engaging the core,” Ezekh says. “This dynamic exercise improves flexibility and upper body strength.”

Elevated Push-Ups

Fitness woman doing feet elevated push-ups on a bench in the city. Sporty girl exercising outdoorsShutterstock

Elevated push-ups need a sturdy platform. “Using a chair or a low table, elevated push-ups increase the intensity on the upper chest and shoulders,” Ezekh says. “They help build strength and endurance.”

Shoulder Taps

Close up woman hand doing push ups exercise in a gym in morning, sunlight effect.Shutterstock

Shoulder taps are another arm exercise that you don’t need equipment for. “In a plank position, tapping each shoulder alternately targets the shoulders, triceps, and core,” Ezekh says. “This exercise enhances stability and upper body strength.”

Tricep Extensions

Fitness arm workout Asian girl training triceps muscles doing tricep overhead extension exercise outdoor in park banner. Happy athlete working out outside with pink dumbbells.Shutterstock

Tricep extensions can be done with dumbbells, but a heavy bottle does the job, too. “Using your own body weight or household items like water bottles, tricep extensions focus on isolating and strengthening the triceps,” Ezekh says.

RELATED: 10 Daily Rituals to Boost Metabolism and Lose Weight Over 50

Wall Push-Ups

Sporty woman doing press ups against a white wall outside.Shutterstock

Wall push-ups require no equipment and can be done practically anywhere. “Wall push-ups are a great beginner exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps,” Ezekh says. “They help build foundational upper body strength.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Use household furniture like low tables, a bench, or a chair for arm workouts. Pay attention to form to make sure you are getting the most out of your exercises.

Brutal athletic woman pumping up muscles with dumbbells
Shutterstock
FACT CHECKED BY Alek Korab
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.

Finding the right arm-toning workouts for women looking to achieve sculpted shoulders and biceps is now easy with the help of this curated collection by fitness pros. We'll explore exercises recommended by leading experts, including Portia Page, who introduces us to the simplicity and effectiveness of countertop push-ups and plank rocks, and Petrina Barber, who guides us through the foundational yet transformative world of push-ups, tricep-dips, and the equally effective pull-ups.


Miranda Esmonde-White, a former ballerina turned fitness trainer, shares insights into the importance of engaging both major and micro muscle groups, while Lesley Logan, a Pilates expert, emphasizes the precision and control integral to Pilates exercises for arm toning. Kamille McCollum introduces Reformer Pilates moves for an added challenge, and Nader Qudimat, along with Jose Guevara, rounds out our expert advice with their take on integrating equipment like dumbbells and cable machines for arm sculpting success. Join Body Network as we navigate through these expert-recommended routines designed for women seeking to tone, sculpt, and redefine their upper body strength.

Countertop Push-Ups

Fit businesswoman doing stretching exercises on a wooden office table while working on her laptop computerShutterstock

Portia Page, PMA, ACE and AFAA certified and Balanced Body Educator, recommends two easy exercises you can do at home that helps tone shoulders and biceps. The first is countertop push-ups. "Place hands on top of desk, and step back until body is in one long diagonal line. Bend and straighten arms. As arms bend, body lowers toward desk, as arms straighten, body returns to starting position. Although arms are working hard, spinal muscles and core are working to support the spine, and legs should be active to support lower body. Ten repetitions is all you need.

Plank Rock

Fitness,plank,Mountain,Climber,Exercises,home,fitnessShutterstock

"Come to the floor on all fours with the knees under the hips and the hands under the shoulders. Straighten one leg, then the other, keeping the back long and straight. Rock forward on the toes and back to bring the heels forward and back while keeping the spine long and straight. Repeat the rocking back and forth for 1-minute," says Page. "Why is this important? It works the entire body while building strength and control in the upper body and arms."

Push-Ups

Sporty Asian woman doing push-ups outdoorsShutterstock

Petrina Barber, fitness expert and founder of Beyond the Stoma, recommends three top workouts to sculpt and tone arms and shoulders for any fitness level. The first is a classic: pushups. "Push-ups are a classic compound exercise that uses more than one muscle group. The shoulders, the chest and arms are engaged during a push-up. The great thing about pull-ups is they can be modified to suit different fitness levels, making them ideal for beginners as well as more advanced fitness enthusiasts," she says.

"In practice: If you are a beginner start with an incline such as a wall or bench. This will reduce the intensity but still engage enough muscles to make it challenging at the start of your fitness journey, allowing you to build up slowly at your own pace. When you feel ready for more, progress the workout by practicing what is commonly seen as a ‘traditional push-up’ – this is where the push-up is performed on the floor and one's own full body weight is used. A traditional push-up involves keeping your knees on the floor, or for more of a challenging push-up, use your toes, keeping your knees off the ground to really activate your core muscles. An even more difficult variation involves a decline or diamond push-up which uses gravity and a change in weight distribution to target smaller muscles and more intensity to make it more difficult."

RELATED: 5 Foods to Melt Your Belly Fat Away

Tricep-Dips

Fitness workout at home. Healthy fit young woman doing triceps dips exercise in the living room.Shutterstock

"We’ve all heard of biceps, but triceps are the muscles on the back of the upper arm. As we age or if you have experienced significant weight loss, their appearance can appear saggy due to loss of skin elasticity and a natural decrease in muscle mass, which is common, especially as we mature. Tricep-dips are great as they target this area and with repetition, you can slowly define muscle whilst also engaging the chest and shoulders," says Barber.

"In practice: To start, sit on the edge of the chair with your hands placed approximately shoulder-width apart, holding tightly to the edge. Then, extend your legs out in front of you, ensuring your heels are on the floor. Once in a stable position, slowly lower your body by bending the elbows to 90-degrees. Then pull back up to your starting point. If it is the first time performing a tricep-dip its advisable to bend your knees and ensure your feet are closer to your body. This will reduce the intensity of the move ensuring you are not putting too much stress or pressure on your body. When you feel ready to up the game, do so by extending your legs fully and you could even go one step further by elevating your feet on another surface which will increase the intensity of the workout even further as you will be working against gravity."

Pull-Ups

,,Muscular,Girl,,Pull,ups,Exercise,Gym,fitness,exerciseShutterstock

"Pull-up or an assisted pull-up is a brilliant exercise for targeting the biceps, back and shoulders. It is one of my personal favorites albeit more challenging than push-ups and tricep-dips. A pull-up is challenging because it involves lifting up your entire body weight using your arms but great at building up muscle definition. You might want to start with assisted pull-ups if you are a beginner to help guide you without risking injury. If in the gym, pull-up machines are a great way to perform a pull-up with guidance/assistance and you can gradually up your reps and increase the weights when you feel ready," says Barber.

"In practice: If you are performing a pull-up stand with your feet on the ground and then grip the bar with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Ensure the palms of your hands are facing away from you. Always engage your core and make sure your posture is aligned properly to avoid injury - ensuring your shoulders are pulled down and back, also ensuring you keep the same movement with each movement and rep. Maximize the benefits of the exercise with a smooth range in the motion pulling your chin as close to the bar or higher if you can, pushing your elbows towards the floor."

Barber adds: "Remember, desired results take time. Whether you are a beginner or advanced and looking to progress further, consistency is the key to progression. Always listen to your body and build up slowly. It is ok if it is a gradual process! Seek an expert trainer/PT if you are embarking on a new fitness journey to ensure you are doing things properly/safely and effectively."

Pumping Arms

Woman, sunshine, sun, light, happy, sunset, sunriseShutterstock

Miranda Esmonde-White proposes a key exercise taken from the Essentrics toning and strengthening workout that she created, as a former ballerina turned fitness trainer to numerous professional athletes and Olympians. "It's important to create a well-balanced muscular body to avoid injury when trying to build strength. When toning arm exercises that work our major muscle groups such as the biceps and shoulders, and the micro muscles aren’t engaged, they slowly shrink and atrophy from disuse. The stabilizing muscles are no longer strong enough to do the job of protecting the joints. This leads to joint damage," she says.

"Essentrics offers arm exercises that fully engage all major and minor muscles groups to ensure equal strength, flexibility and balance. One's arms are already a sufficient weight to lift when trying to strengthen the shoulders and spine. You don’t need to add additional free weights to strengthen your muscles. The following is an eccentric exercise that strengthens the muscles by lengthening them, which reverses compression on the joints, and relieves and prevents joint pain.

When you do this movement of lifting your arms without weights, you can actually relax the joint muscles and actively pull the muscles into a lengthened position.

RELATED: Simple Full Body Home Workout For Small Spaces

Here's the Pumping Arms movement:

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

"Use visualization to stimulate your neurons: Imagine pressing your arms down against an invisible force that prevents you from lowering them both rapidly and more than a few inches.

This sequence will strengthen and stretch the connective tissue of your underarms, helping to reduce unwanted underarm flab. It helps strengthen the bones of your spine to prevent and reverse osteoporosis and will improve your posture. It lengthens the shoulder girdle muscles, giving you more range of motion in your arms.

You should be feeling the work in your shoulders, underarms, biceps and upper back muscles (trapezius).

  • Start with your legs slightly wider than hip-width distance apart, with your feet comfortably placed on the floor. Some people are more comfortable with their feet slight turned slightly in, and others prefer to have their feet slightly turned out. Choose the position that works best for you. Keep your knees and spine straight.
  • Extend both arms to shoulder height, elbows straight.
  • Slowly pump your arms downward, pushing against an invisible force. Don’t let them move more than 3 or 4 inches from their starting position.
  • Repeat 16 times.
  • Slowly pump your arms backward, pushing against an invisible force. This movement will be small. The arms are capable of moving only 2 to 3 inches back from your starting position. Be careful not to let your back move forward into an arched position as you pump the arms back. Hold your core tight to protect your back.
  • Repeat 16 times.
  • Repeat the complete sequence again."

Shoulder Bridge

Side view of young woman doing gymnastics the half bridge pose in fitness studio or home practices yoga warming up exercises for spine, backbend, strengthening back and shoulders muscles.Shutterstock

"Here are some proven Pilates workouts tailored for women seeking sculpted shoulders and biceps," says

Lesley Logan, Pilates Expert at OnlinePilatesClasses.com. "These Pilates exercises offer a comprehensive approach to sculpting and toning the shoulders and biceps, focusing on controlled movement, proper alignment, and engaging the targeted muscles effectively. Integrating these workouts into your routine can help achieve defined and strong arms."

For Shoulder Bridge, "start lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-width apart. Lift your hips into a bridge position, engaging your glutes and abdominals. Extend your arms overhead, then bring them back to the sides of your body, maintaining stability in your shoulders and core. Repeat several reps, focusing on controlled movement."

Push-Up With Shoulder Stability

Concentrated beautiful young sportswoman doing plank exercise on mat in gymShutterstock

"Begin in a plank position with hands directly under shoulders. Lower into a push-up while keeping your shoulders stable and core-engaged. As you press back up, narrow your elbows and focus on engaging your biceps and shoulders to lift your body. Modify as needed by performing push-ups on your knees or using a higher surface for elevation," says Logan.

Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Arm Circles with Resistance Band

Young female athlete using resistance band while working out in the living room.Shutterstock

"Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, holding a resistance band in both hands. Extend your arms straight out to the sides at shoulder height. Make sure your core is engaged, and make small circles with your arms, gradually increasing the size of the circles. Reverse the direction after several reps. This exercise targets the shoulders and engages the biceps as you maintain tension in the band," says Logan.

Side Bend

Fit woman in sportswear doing side bend and stretching arms while doing exercise doing fitness workout in summer field and looking at cameraShutterstock

"Pilates involves engaging the core muscles while laterally flexing the spine, often performed in a seated or standing position with arms extended overhead. This movement helps strengthen the obliques, deep abdominals, and muscles along the sides of the torso, promoting better posture and spinal alignment. Additionally, as the arms are typically extended overhead during side bends, they are actively engaged to stabilize the shoulders and maintain balance, thus contributing to improved arm strength, particularly in the shoulder and upper arm muscles. Regular practice of side bend Pilates enhances core stability and aids in toning and sculpting the arms, making it a beneficial exercise for overall strength and flexibility," says Logan.

Rowing with Weights

Sport and active lifestyle concept. Caucasian woman training, sportswoman exercising with dumbbells holding her hands forward outdoors on sunny day, close-up.Shutterstock

"Rowing with weights involves sitting upright with legs extended, arms holding weights, and shoulders relaxed. The movement entails simultaneously pulling the arms back in a rowing motion while engaging the shoulder blades, activating the biceps and shoulders. This exercise targets multiple muscle groups, including the biceps, shoulders, upper back, and core, promoting strength and stability in the upper body. Pilates rowing with weights strengthens the biceps and shoulders by incorporating controlled, fluid movements. It improves posture and overall upper body tone, making it an effective workout for sculpting and defining these muscle groups," says Logan.

Work With Light Weights

,Dumbbells,,,Rack,hym,weights, fitness, exerciseShutterstock

"To achieve sculpted shoulders and biceps it is extremely important women change the type of workout they do each day. Working with light weights (ex: barre and Pilates) alternating with a heavier weight workout is ideal to change the stimulus on the muscles. This will sculpt and tone the biceps/shoulders in the best possible way. Working the biceps/shoulders 3-4 times a week is ideal to see change/avoid burnout," says Cara D'Orazio, a certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and specialist in sports conditioning through the American College of Sports Medicine for eighteen years.

Related: Benchmark Your Progress with Our Lean Body Mass Calculator

Hug the Tree (Reformer Required)

Single adult woman doing yoga arm work with straps exercise on reformer pilates bedShutterstock

Kamille McCollum, a pilates expert at BODYBAR Pilates, offers some Reformer Moves, starting with Hug the Tree. "This ballet-inspired move is a great exercise for toning the arms. Kneeling with the core engaged, participants slowly round their arms overhead, with one hand holding the reformer cable handle, mimicking the act of hugging the tree. For an added challenge, incorporating a weight in the outer arm intensifies the workout, ensuring that both arms receive equal attention."

Draw a Sword (Reformer Required)

Pilates fitnessShutterstock

"This exercise is a super sculptor. Kneeling with the core engaged, and with one hand holding the reformer cable, extend the arm from the hip across the body and up to the sky. It simulates the motion of a pirate drawing a sword and raising it overhead. The effectiveness of this exercise lies in the separation of movements—waiting to extend the arm until the elbow reaches its peak height," says McCollum.

Tricep Dips

Woman exercising working out triceps and biceps doing dips with own bodyweightShutterstock

"Using a chair or bench that does not move, place hands on the edge at shoulder width, lower yourself until your elbows are at a right angle, then push up. It's a classic that never fails," says McCollum.

Plank Ups

Close up woman hand doing push ups exercise in a gym in morning, sunlight effect.Shutterstock

"Start in a plank position. Lower into a forearm plank, one arm at a time, then press back up to your hands. Think down, down, up, up," says McCollum.

Arm Circles

Woman, weightlifting and exercise with dumbbells for training, workout or muscle gain on outdoor balcony. Young female person with small barbells for sport, fitness or health and wellness in natureShutterstock

"Standing tall with feet hip distance apart, extend arms out to the sides and draw small circles. For extra credit, add light weights," says McCollum.

Deadlifts, Dumbbell Shoulder Presses and More

Strong woman exercising with heavy weights. Fit female doing deadlift workout with barbell in old warehouse.Shutterstock

"Deadlifts are the most comprehensive exercise, as they are the ultimate workout multitasker, engaging almost every muscle group, including the arms for unmatched efficency," says Nader Qudimat, Bodybuilding Specialist and Consultant at Bodybuildingreviews.com. Additionally:

  • "Dumbbell shoulder presses do more than strengthen, they sculpt the shoulders into personal strength and dedication. Concentration curls are about connecting the mind to the muscle, focusing completely on one bicep at a time.
  • Modified push ups are not only a great upper body exercise but they also improve our perception of strength, allowing for progressive overload.
  • With bent over reverse fly, we're focusing on muscles that complete the shoulder roundness, ensuring they are toned all around.
  • The essence of resistance band bicep curls is to provide a consntant source of tension, throughout the entire rep.
  • The simplicitiy of arm circles offers a gentle but potent way to enhance shoulder endurance.
  • Tricep dips are a great way to challenge your body's limits, helping enhancing your endurance and strength while enhancing the way your arms look.

Cable Machine Workout

Sporty woman exercising on multistation at gym for arm and shoulders muscles. Fitness exercising in gym.Shutterstock

"Look to a cable machine to carve sculpted shoulders and biceps," says Jose Guevara, Shredded Dad. "The constant resistance created by a cable machine keeps muscles under tension for longer periods of time, giving you better results. For sculpted shoulders working the middle deltoid is essential to create definition and 'separation' between the arm and shoulder. Lateral raises on a cable machine or with resistance bands allow for constant tension through the full range of motion of the exercise. Compare that to dumbbell lateral raises, where you lose tension in the deltoids at the bottom of the exercise where your arm just hangs.

Same goes for the biceps...Do bicep curls on a cable machine to experience constant tension.Practice a combination of standing bicep curls, preacher curls, incline bicep curls, and you'll get some nice, defined guns. Combine those exercises with a caloric deficit to lose fat and you'll have defined arms."

💪🔥Body Booster: Getting the results you want takes time. If you're just starting out or looking to take it further, being consistent is what matters most. Listen to your body and take it slow. Stick with it and you'll get there.

Dylan Hornof dylanjfit
Copyright dylanjfit/Instagram
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 just getting started on your weight loss journey and are overwhelmed by all the advice you are getting? According to one expert, there is a simple, foolproof approach. Dylan Hornof is a personal trainer and fitness coach who transformed her body and helps others do the same. In a new social media post, she reveals that a handful of habits were instrumental in her weight loss. “5 things I’ve done to lose 20lbs and keep it off for years,” she writes in the post.

Drinking Less Alcohol

You might consider putting down the bottle if you are drinking your calories. Dylan reveals that drinking less helped her lose more weight. “I worked through my relationship with alcohol - I had to break the habit of drinking multiple days on the weekend,” she said. There is another non-weight-related benefit. “This helped me lose lbs and lower a lot of inflammation in my body and face)” she says.

Walking More

Dylan also recommends walking. “A walk a day (move your body more) it’s that simple. We are not meant to sit all day. Outside, on a treadmill - get your steps in!” she says. How much should you walk for weight loss, according to science? A 2018 study published in Obesity found a link between walking 10,000 steps a day and weight loss and weight management. Other studies published by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in JAMA Neurology and in JAMA Internal Medicine also linked walking 10,000 steps a day to less dementia and less cardiovascular disease overall, with less heart disease, less heart failure, and fewer strokes.

Eating Consistently

It can be tempting to starve yourself to lose weight. However, Dylan points out that you need to fuel your body. “Ate MORE food consistently. Hear me out - when you’re eating 1,200 calories and falling off all the time you’re not going see results. Up your calories and find consistency with your food,” she says.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Strength Training with Purpose

Dylan points out that you should focus on quality over quantity in your strength training workout. “I train with purpose. My weight lifting is intentional - I push myself and challenge myself with the weights I use,” she says.

Focusing on Whole Foods

And finally, she cleaned up her diet. “I stopped hitting my macros with whatever food I could fit in. I choose to eat 90% whole foods everyday (I do believe in balance and I am a huge foodie - you CAN fit ‘fun’ foods in) but focusing on more clean foods helped me feel less ‘puffy’.” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Jenna Bernhardt jennabernhardt10
Copyright jennabernhardt10/Instagram
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 but don’t want to give up fast food? According to one expert, you don’t have to! Jenna Bernhardt is a fat loss coach and personal trainer who gained and lost 35 to 40 pounds during her three pregnancies. In a new social media post, she reveals her go-to fast food meals that can help you lose weight. “It’s sometimes nice to just go grab fast food! But what if you have goals to hit!? A certain calorie range to stay in? Believe it or not- It can be done!” she writes. “My favorite fast food under 300 calories.”

Chick-fil-A

  • Egg white grill has 290 calories, 8g of fat, and 26g of protein
  • Greek Yogurt Parfait with granola has 270 calories, 9g of fat, and 13g of protein
  • 5 count of nuggets is 160 calories, 7g of fat, and 17g of protein
  • 8 count of nuggets is 250 calories, 11g of fat, and 27g of protein
  • 2 count of Chick-fil-A chicken strips is 200 calories, 9g of fat, and 19g of protein
  • A small mac n cheese bowl is 270 calories, 17g of fat, and 12g of protein
  • A bowl of chicken noodle soup is 255 calories, 5.5g of fat, and 16g of protein.

Starbucks

NEW YORK CITY - MAY 2015: Starbucks store. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world.Shutterstock
  • The reduced fat turkey bacon breakfast sandwich is 230 calories, 5g of fat, and 17g of protein.
  • The spinach, feta, and egg white wrap is 290 calories, 8g of fat and 20g of protein.
  • The kale and portabella mushroom sous vide bites are 230 calories, 14g of fat, and 15g of protein.
  • The bacon and gruyere sous vide bites are 300 calories, 20g of fat, and 19g of protein.
  • Their cake pops range anywhere from 140 -170 calories
  • The marshmallow dream bar is 230 calories, 5g of fat, and 1g of protein

Subway

Subway,Restaurant,sandwich,fast,foodShutterstock
  • Veggie Delite A 6-inch Veggie Delite on 9-grain bread has 200–250 calories, 2 grams of fat, made with 9-grain wheat bread and contain two servings of vegetables.
  • Any of the salads are under 300 calories WITHOUT the dressings!
  • Add extra meat to load up on protein!

Taco Bell

Taco,Bell,Restaurant,fast, food, junk, Mexican,Shutterstock

All under 300 calories!

  • Grilled Chicken soft shell fresco style
  • Crunchy Taco with beef fresco style
  • Grilled Steak taco fresco style
  • Veggie Power Bowl- no rice or ranch

Taco John’s

Taco John's exterior and sign. Taco John's is fast-food restaurant featuring Mexican-inspired fast-food.

Shutterstock

  • Crispy Taco, Chicken: 160 calories
  • Softshell Taco, Chicken: 210 calories
  • Street Taco, Chicken: 170 calories
  • Potato Oles-1/2 a small order 250😉

McDonald’s

Ayutthaya,Thailand - March 7, 2018 :View in Porto Go Bangpa-in, McDonald's Restaurant in Ayutthaya,Thailand. McDonald's is an American hamburger and fast food restaurant chainShutterstock
  • Egg McMuffin has 300 calories, 12g of fat, and 17g of protein
  • One hash brown has 150 calories, 9g of fat, and 1g of protein
  • 4 piece chicken nuggets has 190 calories, 12g of fat, and 9g of protein and the 6 piece has 280 calories, 18g of fat, 13g of protein
  • Plain hamburger has 250 calories, 9g of fat, and 12g of protein
  • Cheeseburger has 300 calories, 13g of fat, and 15g of protein
  • One sausage burrito has 300 calories, 16g of fat, and 12g of protein.
  • Fruit and maple oatmeal has 290 calories, 4.5g of fat, and 5g of protein
And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear

.

Emma Hooker
Copyright emmaa.getsfit/Instagram

Do you want to start your weight loss journey but aren’t sure what exercises to do? One expert has a simple routine that helped her lose big. Emma Hooker is a Certified Fitness & Nutrition Coach who lost weight via sustainable habits and non-restrictive lifestyle habits. “Down 160 pounds,” she writes, sharing a before and after photo and sharing her beginner dumbbell workout.

Focus on Form Over Weight

“Starting your weight loss journey can feel overwhelming, but I promise you, we all start somewhere! This beginner-friendly push workout is perfect if you want to start working out! Remember: Form > Weight ALWAYS! Start light and focus on feeling the movement in the right muscles,” she says.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Here Is the Workout

  • Dumbbell floor press: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Dumbbell shoulder press: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Dumbbell chest fly: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Dumbbell lateral raise: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
  • Tricep kickbacks: 3 sets of 12-15 reps
  • Overhead tricep extensions: 3 sets of 10-12 reps
  • Rest 60-90 seconds between rounds.

Pro Tips

She also offers the following pro tips, reminding beginners to “focus on form first. If you need to do fewer reps or take longer breaks, that’s totally okay! Listen to your body.”

• Start with a 5-10 minute walk to warm up your body

• Keep your core engaged throughout each movement

• Breathe! Exhale on exertion

• Take your time between sets

• End with a gentle 5-10 minute walk to cool down

• Stay hydrated!

She Used to Weight 330 Pounds

In another post she discussed her weight loss journey. “When asked what my dream life would be 3 years ago, I would’ve said material thing. Ask me today? This is my dream life. I am living out every adventure that I couldn’t do when I was 330 pounds. I’m doing this for old Emma, who never thought there would be a way out. I savouring the freedom denied to me when I was at my heaviest,” she says.

It’s Never Too Late to Get in Shape

“I am sharing my story with hundreds of thousands of people. It isn’t about the number though. It’s about reaching that one person, showing them that it’s possible. Reminding them that it is never too late and you are never too far gone. I am a warrior, emerged from the shadows, and with a flame ignited within me that will never be extinguished,” she said. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.