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| Archana Jahagirdar / New Delhi May 03, 2009, 0:46 IST | |
Flabby upper arms can be a bane, especially for our politicians, who have to use them extensively while campaigning.
As Indian politicians continue their gruelling march towards getting elected, one image that stands out is of them waving to the public. The raised arm, however, can be an embarrassment, if it is not toned. The flabby upper arm is a dead giveaway of one’s fitness levels. With age and drastic weight loss, the upper arm loses its tone and tends to hang like a piece of unnecessary meat. Most Indian politicians manage to get off lightly, as they conceal their arms by wearing long sleeves.
The 40-plus Michelle Obama, an exercise freak, showed off her toned arms in the middle of winter for a photo shoot, much to the consternation of less fortunate Americans. Analysts were of the view that the outrage over the exposed arms was less to do with sartorial choices and more to do with the fact that there was widespread envy aimed at Mrs Obama at having the best triceps, at an age when most women have given up on this battle.
What should you do to ensure that the flab stays off the arms well past one’s middle age? Experts feel that the first step towards keeping one’s arms fit is to be slim. Excess weight will accumulate all over the body, including the arms. Start with a fitness routine that will ensure weight loss.
Most fitness experts are of the opinion that the best way to tone upper arms is with weights. The tricep curl, favoured by many men, is also useful for women. The difference between having the rock-solid, bulging muscles that men favour, and the more sculpted look that women want is the amount of weight that is used. With less weight (5-7 kg) one can get excellent tone.
For those who don’t want to do weights, and also don’t have the time to go to a gym, the bench dip is the best possible exercise.
The bench dip requires you to sit on the floor with your back to the bed, using your arms to prop you up on the edge of the bed. Lower yourself, using just your arms to support yourself. Then push yourself up again, putting all the pressure on your arms. Do about 15 reps and say hello to toned arms.
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