Your Wedding Body: Building Toned Arms
While not every dress will expose your arms, many of them will. This is especially true if you are interested in buying a strapless gown. For this reason, many brides-to-be are interested in toning their arms before their big day. Even if you have never worked your arms in the past, you can start a regimen that will surely get them in shape. You do not need a lot of special equipment or tons of time to build toned arms. If you are willing to put in one hour, three to four days per week, you will be just fine.
To have the most success in building toned arms, you need to take part in the appropriate exercises. While there are many exercises that you can do, the following three will help you to achieve the best results.
1. Start with dumbbell pullovers. In order to do this exercise you need a dumbbell, probably in the 10 pound range, as well as a bench or fit ball to lie on. On your back, you will lower the dumbbell behind your head and then extend your arms until they are completely straight. This exercise is a great workout for the triceps muscle which is located in the back of the arm. Many women suffer from excess flab in this area, but dumbbell pullovers are sure to correct this problem in no time at all.
As mentioned above, a 10 pound dumbbell is the perfect weight for most women. Of course, you may want to use something heavier if possible. Remember, you want to work hard so that you see results sooner rather than later. If 10 pounds is too much for you, there is nothing wrong with dropping down to eight or five.
2. Bicep curls are common among women and men alike. If you are trying to tone your arms for your wedding, this is one exercise that you do not want to forget. As the name suggests, these curls are meant to isolate the bicep muscles. But remember, you do not want to lift for mass. Instead, you are simply trying to tone your arms and give them some shape.
With a 10 pound dumbbell, sit on a bench and curl the weight from a resting position to touching your shoulder. While doing these, make sure that you are only using your arm to lift the weight. In other words, do not throw all of your weight into raising the dumbbell.
Most women find that three sets of 10 reps works out fine. By the time you are on your third set you will begin to feel the burn; this means that you are doing everything right.
3. Simple pushups can go a long way in toning your arms. This is a great exercise because you do not have to leave home to do them. In fact, you can do pushups at home, at your office, or anywhere else that you can find spare space on the ground.
Pushups work your triceps, as well as your shoulder muscles. This helps to cut back on flab in the back of your arms, while also toning and smoothing the shoulders. Additionally, pushups are also good for building and strengthening chest muscles.
To get the best results, complete three sets of pushups two times per day. If this is too much for you, start with three sets once per day. As you become more comfortable with this exercise you will be able to expand.
In a wedding gown, your arms will be noticeable to everybody. While it is important to be comfortable with who you are you may want to work on toning your arms before your wedding day arrives. With the three exercises above, you should be able to see major results after one hard month of work. If you get started well in advance of your big day, you will definitely be happy with the look of your arms when you put your gown on!
