Great Guns! 3 Exercises for FLOTUS-like Arms
By Krista Elliott
Well, the election has come and gone. And at The Joint, we make a point of not discussing politics. However, in this period of transition, we thought we'd take a last look at the current residents of the White House. And when it comes to our First Lady, there is one thing that cannot be denied: Her enviable arms.
Michelle Obama has made nutrition and fitness her signature cause during President Obama's tenure, and it's obvious that this is a cause near and dear to her heart ... and her legs, her back, her abs, and her arms. Girlfriend is in good shape! Out of everything, though, the sight of the First Lady's arms has caused many of us to renew our gym membership in the hopes of rocking sleeveless sheaths as well as she does.
So, in homage to FLOTUS's enviable arms, let's look at the exercises that can get yours just as strong and sleek.
Push-up Power: The good-old fashioned push-up is a classic for very good reason. This multitasker strengthens every inch of your arms, from wrists straight through to the shoulders, as well as your back, abs, and chest. The key to a great push-up is to keep the body straight, not letting the hips sag at any point. If this exercise is challenging, you can start off by working from your knees instead of your toes, or by doing push-ups against a wall.
Trying Your Triceps: Toned triceps are key to sleek and strong arms. And a dumbbell lying triceps extension is the way to get them. Lie down on a weight bench, or rest your upper back on an exercise ball or ottoman, with feet flat on the floor. Hold dumbbells (or full water bottles) straight up, and then bend your elbows to lower the weights down past your head. Make sure you keep your upper arms still for maximum benefit.
Press On!: The biceps curl and overhead press is another multitasking exercise, helping you get buff biceps and shapely shoulders in the shortest amount of time. To do this move, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding dumbbells at your sides. Bend your elbows to bring the weights up to your shoulders. Then, start bringing your elbows up, raising your arms over your head and pressing the weights toward the ceiling. Reverse the movement to get back to the starting point and repeat.
If weights aren't your thing, martial arts, rock climbing, kayaking, and swimming are all arm strengtheners as well, helping you get gorgeous guns.
So, while we still can, why not emulate Michelle Obama when you work out, before our very own farewell to arms?