It’s summertime and it’s hot. This means short sleeves and tank top weather. Recently I have had a few people ask me how they can get rid of the excess arm fat that seems to hang around like a turkey waddle, so I thought I would share:
First off, make sure that when you walk, swing your arms. A natural walking pattern has a reciprocal arm swing (that means when one foot is moving forward, the opposite arm is moving back). Not only is this a great waist slimmer, but an arm toner as well. Make sure that your arms are in a neutral position: the elbow crease and the thumbs are facing forward. The action or work phase of the swing is backward (toning the triceps) and momentum will carry it forward again. Check out the arm swing in this gait pattern.
Here are 3 simple exercises that will get those arms ready for the spaghetti strap dresses, summer weddings and beach time fun!
First off, make sure that when you walk, swing your arms. A natural walking pattern has a reciprocal arm swing (that means when one foot is moving forward, the opposite arm is moving back). Not only is this a great waist slimmer, but an arm toner as well. Make sure that your arms are in a neutral position: the elbow crease and the thumbs are facing forward. The action or work phase of the swing is backward (toning the triceps) and momentum will carry it forward again. Check out the arm swing in this gait pattern.
Here are 3 simple exercises that will get those arms ready for the spaghetti strap dresses, summer weddings and beach time fun!
 Take a yoga block or a book. Place it between your hands behind your back. Press into the block and lift away from your back and hold 30 seconds. Repeat a few times. Try to keep your elbow crease facing forward. |  Hold onto a yoga strap or belt behind your back. Make sure palms and elbow crease face forward. Lift away from your back and hold 30 seconds. Repeat a few times. |  Step on a resistance band. Bend your elbows to 90 degrees (for more resistance, step on more of the band). Keep palms facing the ceiling, elbows close to torso and move hands away from each other and then return to starting position. Repeat 10-20 times. |
Susan McLaughlin is a physical therapist who specializes in the management of pelvic floor and orthopedic dysfunctions. She is the owner of ALIGN integration|movement in Salt Lake City, UT. Helpful tips and other self care strategies can be found at www.alignintegrationandmovement.com.
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