Workout

7 do-at-home exercises to get sexy upper arms

Roshini Gilbert

February 11, 2021

Getty Image/ Shutterstock

Who doesn’t want a stronger sleeker upper body to show off? Working your upper arms won’t get you bulked up like the Incredible Hulk. It will get your arms leaner and ready to bare by the time summer rolls around.

Table of Contents

The best part? You can do all these exercises at home. All you need are a couple of dumbbells. And a few minutes each day!

#1 BICEPS AND ARM CIRCLES

What it does: A full-body strength workout

How to do it: Stand with legs slightly wider than hip width. Pick up a 2-2.5 kg dumbbell in each hand, keeping elbows bent and palms up. Keep your spine straight and get into a squatting position. Circle the left hand up and in towards your shoulder in a circular motion and then reverse to lower hand. Do 16 reps. Repeat on the other side.

#2 BOXING

What it does: Tones upper arms

How to do it: Keep your feet hips-width apart. Bend your knees and hinge forward from your waist. Ensuring that your spine is neutral, raise fists to your shoulders, clench your abs and box your right hand forward. Ensure that your elbows are up while doing the move. Bring hands to center and switch. Do 20 reps.

#3 TRICEPS SWING

What it does: Gets rid of bat wings

How to do it: Lie on the floor, your face up and knees bent. Take a 2.5 kg dumbbell in each hand and keep them a few inches off the floor. Keeping arms straight raise left arm over chest while right arm stays overhead. Lower to start and repeat. Do 15 reps with left arm, then switch sides. Do 2-3 sets.

#4 SHOULDER PRESS

What it does: Targets the shoulders and triceps

How to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a 2.5 kg dumbbell in each hand. Bend elbows, bringing your hands to shoulders with the palms facing forward. Press weights overhead, making sure the shoulders are down. Lower weights back to shoulders. Do 20 reps.

#5 TRICEPS PUSHBACK

What it does: Works out the triceps

How to do it: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with knees slightly bent. Hold a 2.5 kg dumbbell in each hand, arms straight down at sides, palms facing back. Lift arms straight back, taking them about 2 feet behind you. Return to side. Do 20 reps.

#6 TRICEPS STRETCH

What it does: Works the triceps

How to do it: Lie down on your back. Take a 2.5 kg dumbbell in each hand and extend your arms toward the ceiling, palms facing each other. Bend your elbows, lowering the weights to the sides of your head. Keep elbows still, pointing straight up at all times. You should only be moving your forearms. Raise the weights back to the ceiling.

#7 PLANK ON THE BALL

What it does: Builds upper body strength

How to do it: Get into plank position and put your right hand on the ball. Keep the left hand on the floor. Keep elbows in as you squeeze your abs and shoulders and lower towards the floor. Push back up and pass the ball to the other side. Do at least 5 on each side.

About the Author

After a diligent workout plan helped her lose 30kg of post-pregnancy weight, chartered accountant Roshini Gilbert was inspired enough to go from tallying numbers to training others. Currently serving as VP, Fitness & Services, at HealthifyMe, Roshini has been certified by the American Council on Exercises (ACE) for functional fitness and specialises in postnatal weight loss, exercises for lower back pain, arthritis and osteoporosis. As part of her Rehab Trainer certification in Australia, Roshini has trained with reputed sports physiotherapist, Ulrik Larsen in corrective exercises and injury management. In HealthifyMe, she has found a collaborator with a common cause – making people fit to live life to the fullest.