Wave Goodbye to Underarm Flab

Because Flab Ain’t Fab…

Many of my female clients have a major issue with “wing flap” syndrome – the loose area of skin beneath the bicep that tends to have a mind of it’s own sometimes!

Here are 5 very effective moves you can add to your daily fitness regimen with ease…and keep in mind that you will need to do these exercises daily for about 21 days before you will start to see awesome results.

Push-Ups

One of the beacons of old-fashioned exercise enthusiasts, push-ups provide all sorts of benefits. To tighten and tone your underarms, you’ll want to place your hands close together on the ground. Once in the push-up position (on your toes or knees, torso straight and arms extended out to hold your weight above the ground), lower your body to the ground. As you go down, keep your elbows against your side. Once your chest touches your hands, push yourself back to the starting position, careful to keep your elbows by your side throughout the motion. Go for three sets of 8 to 15 repetitions each.

Dips

Looking for another easy triceps-shaper that you can do no matter where you are? Dips fit the bill nicely. To perform dips, find a weight bench, an ottoman or a couple of sturdy chairs. Facing away from the bench, bend down and place your hands behind you on the bench. Place your legs directly in front of you, the heels of your feet resting on the ground. Slowly lower your body until your arms make a 90-degree angle. Push yourself back to the starting position and repeat 8 to 10 times. Go for 3 sets.

Dumbbell Extension

Unlike the first two exercises, you’ll need to grab a dumbbell for this one. When first getting started, use a three- or five-pound dumbbell. Standing up straight, hold the dumbbell directly overhead with both hands. Keeping your elbows and arms parallel to one another and your elbows in the same position throughout the movement, lower the weight behind your head. Once the weight is close to your shoulders, raise the weight back to its original position and repeat for three sets of 15 repetitions each. As the exercise gets easier, increase the amount of weight you use.

Tricep Kickbacks

With the same dumbbell in your right hand, place your left knee and left hand on a weight bench, your right foot on the ground to keep your body balanced. Hold your right arm at a 90-degree angle, with your bicep against your side and your back straight. From this position, lift the weight backward until your entire arm is straight and against your side. Hold for a moment, return to the starting position, and repeat for three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions on both sides.

Skull Crushers

While the name may sound frightening, the results are user-friendly. To perform a set of skull crushers, grab a dumbbell or light barbell and lie on your back. Start by holding the weight directly over your face, both arms completely extended up. Slowly bend at the elbows and lower the weight toward your face. Once your arms nearly hit your head, raise the weight back up. For maximum effect, spend three of four seconds on each motion (the lowering and raising of the weight). Repeat 8 to 10 times for three sets.

You can’t fly – so there’s no reason for you to live with wings any longer!