3 Simple Arm Toning Exercises

Losing excess weight is not complete unless you are able to tone your muscles. This true especially for overly obese women who managed to lose their excess weight: no matter how much weight you lose, the flabby arms will always be there. Two main culprits of flabby arms are extreme weight loss and the aging process. Arm toning exercises would be the best solution to get rid of your problematic flabby arms.

While there are surgical procedures that you can turn to, there are natural ways to achieve toned arms. Why not learn some effective toning exercises and save yourself of spending extra cash?

Try these 3 arm toning exercises:

The Bicep Curl

This is a very simple exercise that you can easily perform. The bicep curl is best done with the aid of a barbell. There is no need to lift weights like bodybuilders do. You can begin with a weight that you are comfortable lifting. As you progress, you can adjust on the weights.

Step #1 - Starting position: stand with feet slight apart. Keep your back straight. Maintain both feet's alignment with your shoulders.

Step #2 - You can now start lifting the barbell up with both hands. It has to reach above your pectoral muscles. When you lift the barbell up, your chest must follow a rhythm. Maintain your back's upright position. Your elbows have to be by your side all the time.

Steps #3 - Slowly lower the barbell to starting position.

Alternate Dumbbell Curl Exercise

The alternate dumbbell curl routine lifts the weights one arm at a time. This is one of the most used arm toning exercises.

Step #1 - Begin with the starting position: feet parallel to the shoulders.

Step #2 - You'll need two dumbbells on both hands. Starting with the right arm, left the dumbbell up and slightly touches your right shoulder. Don't forget to keep your back straight all the time.

Step #3 - Slowly put the right arm down and go back to starting position.

Repeat the procedure with your left arm.

Skull Crushers Routine

The skull crushers exercise focus on your triceps. There is a proper way of performing this exercise to ensure that you do not get injured. You will need a lightweight barbell and a bench press for this routine.

Step #1 - Starting position: lie on back on the bench while holding the barbell.

Step #2 - Lift the barbell over your head. Your palms should face the roof as you lift the barbell up. Lift the barbell slowly. Keep your arms straight as you lift the weight.

Step #3 - Carefully lower the barbell down and go back to starting position.

The secret to the success of these 3 arm toning exercises is to ensure that you have proper positioning at all times. Correct pacing of movements is also important to avoid injuries. All these exercises should not be rushed since you are dealing with weights here. If you take these reminders to heart, you'll have fabulous-looking and toned arms in no time.

If you like this article and are interested in learning more, check out articles on exercises for flabby arms. You can also check out other related articles at http://www.getfitnessideas.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jess_Perry

Top Secret for Sustaining a Fitness Habit

Working out at the gym is fabulous. However, if you rely on getting to a gym in order to work out it's unlikely you will sustain a lifelong fitness habit.

The #1 secret for sustaining a lifelong fitness habit is to have a plan for working out at home.

As life unfolds there will be times when you have no car, no babysitter, no money, no time, etc. These times could last for weeks or months. The interruption in your workouts could cause you to quit forever.

If you learn how to get a great workout at home you'll have no obstacles and no excuses.

You can easily set yourself up for fitness success in your home. All you need is determination, a flexible approach to working out and a little planning.

Try these tips:
• Place your fitness equipment in plain sight. If it's out of sight it will be out of mind. So what if your dumbbells don't match your draperies. Proudly place your fitness equipment someplace in your home so that you pass it often and it's convenient to use. Don't choose between a healthy, attractive body and a lovely living room. You can have both. The kitchen and the laundry area are particularly great spots because there is always some waiting going on in those rooms.

• Dress for success. If you're dressed and ready to work out all the time you can impulsively capture a moment here and there to do a little something. To the greatest possible extent plan outfits you can move freely in without taking additional time to dress for a workout. Many movements for arms can be done in almost any outfit. Legs and stretching movements are a different story. Stretchy fabrics and slip-on shoes work great.

• Make a new rule for yourself. Call it the 'pass and pick up' rule. Whenever you pass by your dumbbells pick them up and do a set. This choice takes 30 seconds. "No time" is no excuse.

• Use your bed to exercise. A hard floor is unforgiving but a soft bed feels good to your bones. Try rolling around and stretching on your bed. Leg lifts (with slightly bended knees) are a good abdominal exercise and can be done more easily on a bed than on the floor. After you gain strength you can give the floor a try. Initially the bed is a good choice if you are totally new to abdominal exercise.

• Try a "bits and pieces" approach to working out if it's difficult for you to find a block of time to work out or if thinking about working out for 20-30 minutes turns you off. Thirty seconds is enough time for 1 set of most weight training movements. Capturing 30 seconds here and there throughout the day will add up to a significant total and will energize you as the hours fly by.

• Don't "kill yourself" when you work out. Go easy and use a "touch of Zen" approach. Your weight lifting movements will be "more inner than outer" as you keep your focus on the muscle you're working. Your workout experience doesn't have to include huffing and puffing.

• Warm up to your weight workout with some cardio. A brisk walk works well. A bit of a jog is good if you need more intensity.

With longevity in mind, a guiding principle for your workouts should be 'make it an effort but never a strain.' Remember that a lifelong fitness habit is a truly priceless gift you give yourself.

Nina Lomax and Frankie O'Brien teach and share what they've learned from 80+ years of fitness experience and expertise. Visit http://www.fithealthylady.com for weight training videos and fitness encouragement.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frankie_O'Brien