GirlsGuideTo | {Summer Guide} 10 Tricks for Toned Arms

Tank tops and swimsuits and sundresses, oh my! It’s almost time to break out these arm-baring styles, and if you’re anything like me, you’re feeling a little bit of body anxiety. While I know I’m probably not going to get Cameron Diaz-like guns in time for the beginning of the season, I’d like to my arms a little! Luckily, there are moves you can do right in your own home that can quickly get your arms ready to show off!

1. Front Arm Raises

Hold a 3 to 5 pound dumbbell in each hand and raise your arms straight out until they are level with your shoulders. Lower back down to in front of your thighs. Repeat 10-15 times.

2. Bicep Curls

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes forward and knees soft (but not locked). Place a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing forward. Slowly exhale and curl the dumbbells toward your chest. Inhale and lower the dumbbells three quarters of the way down, maintaining tension in the biceps. Keep your elbows tucked in at your sides to challenge your muscles even further.

3. Hammer Curls

Follow the same directions for the Bicep Curl, but instead of facing your palms forward, face them in towards your body.

4. Plank

While watching TV, do a plank for the duration of a commercial (usually about 30 seconds). Get into a push-up position with your forearms on the floor. Lift your legs and torso up off the ground so that only your toes and the flats of your forearms remain on the floor. Keeping your back neutral and your belly button pulled in, and hold this position. Keep your gaze on the floor to avoid putting stress on your neck, and remember to take deep breaths. Bonus! You’ll tone your tummy at the same time!

5. Tricep Dips

Do this while watch your favorite show! Grab a chair, and extend your legs straight out, with your hands flat behind you on the seat and your elbows tucked against your sides. Bend your arms and lower your body until your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Hold for a beat, then push up through your palms to straighten your arms and repeat.

6. Single-Arm Bent-Over Rows

Take a slight bend in your knees and bend forward, keeping your weight in your heels to steady yourself. With a flat back and your arms hanging below you, perform a "row" by pulling one dumbbell back, arm bent and your elbow close to your ribs until the weight reaches your armpit. Try to keep your body as still as you can to challenge your core muscles even more. Repeat on opposite side to complete one repetition.

7. Modified Push-up

Position yourself on a carpet or towel, resting on your knees. Place hands in front of you, shoulder-width apart, fingers spread. Tuck in abdominals, keeping your upper body in a straight line. Slowly inhale and lower your chin to just above your fingertips. Exhale as you press up.

8. Reverse Flies

Stand with feet close together with a slight bend in your knees. Bend over to a 90-degree angle, keeping your back flat like you did in the bent-over row. Hold dumbbells with your palms facing towards each other and raise your arms to your sides until they're at shoulder level. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back to starting position.

9. Lateral Raises

Standing in the same position as the biceps curl, turn your dumbbells to face thighs. Slowly exhale and lift arms straight out to the side; pause, then inhale and lower three quarters of the way down. Note: Always move slowly through each repetition.

10. Fake It

When all else fails, count on a dose of self-tanner and a smile to give the illusion of extra toned arms. I guarantee no one is noticing your arms as much as you are!

{Exercise Descriptions from RealBeauty.com}