Arm Workout


Need to Know

Arms

By Liz Neporent

The upper arm is comprised of your biceps muscle (spanning the front of your upper arm) and your triceps (span the rear of your upper arm). Think of these two opposing muscle groups as the Hatfields and the McCoys: the biceps are always trying to bend the arm, while the triceps want to straighten it. This may seem like a contentious relationship, but it's actually a pretty balanced one that allows you to do things like hammer nails, carry heavy grocery bags and toss a ball. Strong arms also protect your elbows from injuries like tennis elbow and that annoying soreness you get from lugging around an overstocked purse with a straight arm. And of course, there's also the babelicious factor to consider. Would Jennifer Aniston, Madonna or Janet Jackson have such killer bods if they weren't sporting a gorgeous set of guns?

Here's all you need to know to workout and sculpt your own pair of gloriously toned arms.

      Checklist

      • Cost: $5-$20.
      • Time Commitment: 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week.
      • Location Limitations: None.
      • Special Equipment Required: Exercise tubing or bands.
      • Potential Pitfalls: Low -- if you use good form.
      • Boredom Rating: N/A.
      • Potential Injury Risk: Use good form and no worries.
      • Level of Fitness Required: Low.
      • Calories Burned: 40 calories in five minutes.
      • Body Parts Worked: Biceps and triceps.
      • False Myths: That using a decent amount of weight will give you body builder arms. The truth is that high weight won’t make you bulky. A weight that pushes you hard for 10 to 15 repetitions per set will sculpt, firm and tone your arms, not bulk them up into sleeve rippers.

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