Help with firming arms.

[Caitlin]

Hello, I'm one of those wierd people that actually really loves to exercise :) . I have so much trouble with my arms though. It seems like no matter how many push-ups, crab push-ups, weight lifting, yoga, etc. I do my arms will NOT firm up! Any good exercises for this? Thanks in advance!

P.S- I also don't know any good calve work-outs. All I know is the stand on a stool and tip toe on it up and down thing, and that irritates me beyond belief!

[Lara]

Hello, I'm one of those wierd people that actually really loves to exercise :) . I have so much trouble with my arms though. It seems like no matter how many push-ups, crab push-ups, weight lifting, yoga, etc. I do my arms will NOT firm up! Any good exercises for this? Thanks in advance!

P.S- I also don't know any good calve work-outs. All I know is the stand on a stool and tip toe on it up and down thing, and that irritates me beyond belief!

Hi Caitlin! When you say that your arms aren't firming up, are you saying that they are still "jiggly" or that you don't see any definition? It would help if you could email a picture to me so I have a better understanding of what you mean. How much bodyfat do you need to lose, if any? If you are diligent with your training and still not SEEING results, the culprit could be bodyfat covering the muscles you are working. Your arm muscles may very well be muscular, but you won't be able to see them. Please give me more feedback so we can figure this out.

As for the calves, honestly, the best calve workout is exactly what you are doing. You can add more resistance (weight) by holding weights or heavier objects while doing this exercise, or do this exercise while seated and put the additional weight right above your knees. Also, you can change the exercise up a little by pointing your toes in towards each other or out for a few reps. This will hit the gastrocnemius (calve muscle) at different angles. Even if you have access to gym equipment, there aren't a lot of different exercises to do that are much different--only different machines. I hope this helps. Please get back to me in regards to your arms.

Lara :)

[Caitlin]

Thanks! I'm gonna go try to find a picture right now, you're a great help!

[Lara]

Hey Caitlin--Did you get pictures yet? :D

Lara

[Caitlin]

Just sent you one. If you need a better picture I can look for a new one. Thanks again for the help.

[leagunner]

What is that workout for the calves?

[Lara]

What is that workout for the calves?

Hi Leagunner. We are talking about standing calve raises. It's like this:

Stand straight up with knees together on the edge of box, phone book or piece of sturdy wood.
With toes pointing forward, place the balls of your feet on the edge.
Lower your heels as far down as you can go.
Then raise up on the balls of your feet, tip toe style, focusing on your calves as you do it.
Slowly lower back down to starting position.
Repeat for the remaining reps.
Here is an example of the exercise but done on a machine: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Gastrocnemius/SLStandingCalfRaise.html

I keep using and love the exrs.net links because they show the exercise in motion. I'm in no way affiliated with the website or it's operators. :)

[MareMare]

Can you please post the arm exercises here?

[Lara]

Can you please post the arm exercises here?
You bet, Maremare!!! :D Here they are:
Biceps (front of your arm)

Dumbbell curl: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Biceps/DBCurl.html
barbell curl: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Biceps/BBCurl.html
Concentration curl: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Brachialis/DBConcentrationCurl.html
Triceps (The back of the arms)

Tricep kick back: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Triceps/DBKickback.html
Overhead tricep extension: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Triceps/DBOneArmTriExt.html
Bench dips--these can be done with feet on the floor. http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Triceps/WtBenchDip.html
Again, I have no affiliation with this website. I just like how there is a video to show the actual movement. :)

[Caitlin]

Hi Lara! I'm looking for some more pictures, hopefully I'll find some soon.

[MareMare]

Thanks Lara!

I want to start doing weights to tone up my body. Do you think I should do it after I get to my final goal weight or should I just do it as I go along with my weight loss? I ask this because I know weight training will make me gain weight (muscle weight) and maybe I'll just think that the cardio isn't working anymore lol

[Lara]

Thanks Lara!

I want to start doing weights to tone up my body. Do you think I should do it after I get to my final goal weight or should I just do it as I go along with my weight loss? I ask this because I know weight training will make me gain weight (muscle weight) and maybe I'll just think that the cardio isn't working anymore lol
MareMare--the weight training will speed your fat loss along, so start doing it now! :) I promise, you won't care much of what the scale says when your clothes are hanging off of you and you need to go to smaller sizes. :D

[debbie]

the scale is a number. but if you are fitting in smaller clothing it's because you are gaining muscle and muscle weight a lot more than fat. so i agree with lara.
i do push up for my pecs and back for my tricepts as well.
start off in the beginning with knees bent holding you body but not your legs and do small movements up and down. i'd do 10 reps 3 times.
eventually you will build up to not haveing to use your knees. but it's great for starters adn trust me you will feel it. lol
good luck

[MareMare]

Thanks gals. It's kind of hard for me to see if my clothes fit because most of them are stretchy material lol.

I can barely do a pushup. I was never able to and I still can't. I try doing just 1 and I fall flat on the floor. I don't know why I was never able to do it. And this is just doing it on my knees haha!

To Lara: What size weights do you suggest I do? I'm not strong and when I had my job I lifted cases of stuff but that's just once in a while not all the time. I was thinking to start off with 5lbs but not sure if I should jsut start off with a 10 or something