Anyone know what i can do to make my upper arms smaller... they aren't particularly fat, just chunky. It does not seem to budge. I'm worried exercising them will just add more muscle there. Any suggestions?

Cardio!!!!

Lots and lots of cardio.

GeeGee

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Yes, cardio will reduce the fat everywhere, including upper arms. So that's an excellent suggestion.

However, exercise with light weights--and the muscle tone you acquire--will also be very helpful. Don't worry about looking bulky. You're a female, right? You don't have the testosterone for bulk. When the fat is reduced, your arms will look shapelier, which is what you want.

I use Cory Everson's video workout Get Hard Arms with excellent results. I also like Gilad's Men of Steel Arms workout. There are countless excellent video workouts available, or you can get a book from the library or a bookstore on ways to workout those triceps, biceps, and shoulders.

Keep in mind that those "cut" arms you see on movie stars and fitness models are very unusual--a combination of very low bodyfat and very hard weight work. Not very likely for most of us.

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

I can't get enough of working my shoulders and biceps.
Whenever I wear a tank top to work, my little minions do precisely what they're told.
Heeheeeheeeeeeeeee

I used to have such big drumstick arms! But Atkins, cardio, & resistance training using light weights & high repetitions helped to whip them into shape.

Pilates helped trim my waist down, but that's a whole 'nother thread!

Sheila...you look awesome in the pics!! Please start the other thread and let me know what you're doing for exercise routine...I'm about where you were in your 'before' picture and need to whittle off several more inches.

I'm watching for that, Sheila.

WEBMASTER

vresistance training is the way to work the arms...light resistance (or weights) lots of repetitions and swimming is an awesome all over workout that really builds great arms. It trims most of you and builds a good set of lungs too...teh cardio side is up to you...you do have to work pretty hard to keep pushing yourself to get the speed work in but boy does it tone arms and legs. Yoga/pilates works the torso for toning too.

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Lori

232/190/130
My other journal http://www.lowcarbeating.com/bb/showthread.php?t=1130

I'm also 5'3, but--at 135 lbs--not constructed like Sheila. I suspect that I'm older than Sheila, too, at 59.

Let me see if I can post a recent picture, showing my results. "Sister" arm at the right is a kind of "before" shot--similar build. Please don't squeal to my sister. It's just my turn to be "the thin one."

Attached Thumbnails

 

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

AWESOME definition you got going there, Barb. What are you doing as far as weights??

I'm with the rest of this group - PLEASE tell us what you are doing!!!

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Started: 261
Currently: 182

I'm a home exerciser, with videos. My favorite arm work is Cory Everson's Get Hard Arms. When I'm in pre-summer shape-up mode, I try to do that one three times a week. Another one I like is an oldie-but-goodie, Gilad's Men of Steel Arms workout. You can probably find these on e-bay or any other used video source. I also use Tamilee Web's I Want Those Arms--short but effective if done consistently with challenging weights (5-6 lbs. is about my limit for this).

I also like Margaret Richard's workouts. She uses light weights, lots of reps. Her website is www.bodyelectrictv.com
You may also find her tv show on FitTV where you live.

Another good video source is www.collagevideo.com
All kinds of fitness videos, with good descriptions and excellent service.


Upper arms, like upper thighs, tend to chubbiness in my body type, and looser skin is, alas, a consequence of aging. I try to keep the "kimono arms" (underarm flaps) under control with triceps presses, etc. And, of course, keep the fat off with low-carb.

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Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal