I'm a Personal Trainer and These 5 Moves Banished My Clients' Bat Wings in Weeks
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
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.
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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
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:
- Align your elbows with your shoulders and wrists
- Open up and close your arms
- 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
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
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.
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Scissors: Cross-Training for Your Arms
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:
- 30 seconds of monkey pumps
- 30 seconds of arm circles (15 seconds forward, 15 seconds backward)
- 30 seconds of lateral raises
- 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
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
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
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.
