5 exercises to tone your arms at home
by Camille Dg, a journalist who can't sit still
Whether you've always trained at home or are now trying it out because of gyms closing, it's important to know that it can be done very easily, with little or no equipment. Now that summer is coming (yes, yes, we’re almost there), we want to be ready to enjoy all of our activities whether it's swimming, baseball, climbing, volleyball or whatever! Here are 5 super simple and effective exercises to tone your arms at home!
PS: Don't forget that if you experience pain, you should stop exercising and seek professional help.
Exercise 1: Push-up (and all its variants!)
A classic manoeuvre that we love for your arms, but also for your pectorals. It's simple: you move up and down by bending your arms and hands to shoulder width. Make sure to tighten your abdominal muscles. There are also several variations that will work different parts of the muscles: glued hands, clapping, one-handed, high feet, etc.
Exercise 2: Triceps with weights
A super effective exercise for your triceps! Place your hand with a weight on your upper back close to your head, and open your feet to hip width. Make sure you just bend your elbow out (only your forearm should move) and then slowly come back in. You can also increase the load to do the exercise with both hands.
Exercise 3: The above head V
This exercise, which is done with an elastic band, works the triceps and shoulders. You stand with your hands above your head extending the elastic band. We start by bringing the hands closer to the head, then we move them away quietly in small movements. The more tension there is, the more difficult the exercise!
Exercise 4: Bicep curls with elastic band
For this exercise that works the biceps, you will once again need your elastic band. You start by placing it under your feet according to the desired tension. Then you place your elbows against your body and slowly move your forearms up and down. You can do this with one arm at a time, or both arms at the same time. You can also make the exercise easier or harder depending on the tension you choose in your elastic.
Exercice 5: Dip
Another exercise for the triceps that can be done anywhere: with a staircase, a chair, a coffee table, etc... By placing your hands behind you on a flat, elevated surface, you simply lower yourself as far down as possible, bending your elbows 90 degrees, without sitting down, and then back up again. Make sure your abs are well engaged and keep your back close to the stairs / chair / table etc.
What's your favorite arm exercise?