Arm Yourself, Mamas!
Sure, we lug around a heavy diaper bag all day and maneuverer busy malls carry a toddler, but sometimes this just isn’t enough to tighten that arm jiggle us moms often complain about. Tank top season might be over here in Toronto, but that doesn't mean you give up on toning those arms of yours. Last summer we shared this post on the Lot801 Blog so just in case you missed it, I want to make sure you're in the loop with three moves you can do to help you achieve shapely toned arms. Who wouldn’t kill for arms like celebrity moms Madonna and Sarah Jessica Parker? Me please! Not to worry, this doesn’t involve rushing to your local gym and lifting dumbbell after dumbbell; these moves can be done right at home (with no weights required) and hopefully you’ll be sporting a tank top with confidence in no time!
1. Say Yes to Double Dipping.
The triceps dip is a simple, but staple move in your arm routine.
How to do it: sit on the edge of your couch with hands just outside of your hips. Lift your body up and walk your feet out until your knees are directly above your heels. Bend your elbows at about 90 degrees. Start by lowering your hips towards the floor and then press your body up, extending elbows. Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 reps. Keep your back close and parallel to the couch during the entire movement!
2. Get Pretty with the Push-Up.
This move isn’t just for your chest, it actually also targets your shoulders, triceps and biceps.
How to do it: Place your hands about shoulder width on the floor. Stretch your body out so your hands are touching the floor and the rest of your body makes a smooth plank. If you are a beginner, start with your knees on the floor. Lower yourself to the floor by bending your arms, then push your arms straight to raise yourself back up and repeat. Try 3 sets of 10 reps.
3. Love you to the Moon and Back!
Known as one of the ‘easier’ moves, but still a goodie, is the half-moon rotation. This exercise should be performed with a high number of reps for the best results.
How to do it: Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart and your toes facing forward. Lift your arms so they are parallel with your shoulders and your palms facing down. Rotate your arms so your palms are facing up, then rotate them back so your arms are facing down. Continue for as many reps as possible until you feel it … and you will!
If all else fails, grab that cute baby of yours and safely use them as a weight. Keep your abs and core tight to protect your back as you lift them in a curling motion to work your biceps or raise them straight up into the air to target your shoulders and triceps. I promise your arms will feel the burn and your mini will enjoy the ride! Good luck, mamas!
