As The Boy and I were spending
a delightful day at the park, I overheard a couple of women talking about how
they just can’t seem to find the motivation to add weights into their routines. As the discussion continued, one woman
lamented to the other that she hates how her arms jiggle underneath, but she
just doesn’t know how to get rid of it.
I contemplated inserting myself
into the conversation, but then I thought I would seem a) nosey for listening
and b) creepy, because how the hell do they know I actually know what I’m
talking about. Perhaps I should start
carrying around my credentials to pass out when I hear conversations such as
these?
Arm jiggle is a common worry
amongst women. First, it isn’t as
bad as you think. Even women with
very fit arms will have jiggle as they wave. It’s called gravity and your skin and muscles aren’t cement. So, give yourself somewhat of a
break! Second, there is an
extremely easy lift to combat that jiggle, and you’ve known how to do it since
you were a kid…
Arm circles! Funny how I can still hear the groans
of certain individuals from my Sculpt class as I say this. Yes, arm circles with the addition of
hand weights can firm up the underside of your arm quick as a flash with some
consistency.
To pick the right weight (after
all, you don’t want to hurt your shoulder in the process), choose a light
weight, like 2 or 3lbs (For instance, I use 6lbs and lift routinely). Holding it with your non-dominant hand’s
palm facing down and arm out straight in front of your body, lift that weight straight
over your head. If you can do this
3-4 times without thrusting your back, that’s the perfect weight for you. If it’s too easy, go up a pound.
Holding a weight in each hand,
have your arms out to the side and do arm circles with palms facing up. Then, palms facing down. Make big circles, make little circles,
switch directions. In between
circles, hold the weights out with straight arms and pause to the count of
10.
Consistency is key here. Do
this 3 times a week after your run, or Sun Salutations or whenever your child
is busy playing cars for a minute or two.
Time to fly,
Liz
Great to know! Thanks!
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