Swati Tewari
So do you always worry about that extra flab your arms tend to show despite an otherwise shapely body? Shy of going sleeveless? We often tend to neglect our arms while we work out. But worry not, actor, model, dancer, choreographer and emcee Reema Sarin, founder of BollyFit is here to help us with some simple ways to tone those arms.
Muscle tone is the level of visibility of your muscles. Everyone has muscles but not everyone is toned or defined which allows the muscles to be visible. Our bodies are covered with skin which has a layer of subcutaneous fat. A body with a high percentage of body fat will not show muscle tone. If your body fat percentage which is higher than average, then you have to lose some your body fat in order to improve your muscle tone. If you have a body fat percentage which is lower than average or lean, then you have to build muscle to increase your muscle tone.
Here are some simple and yet fun tips to tone your muscles and to get the right ‘muscle definition’ look:
Swim for a Strong Upper Body
Swimming laps is very good and effective for toning your upper body and arms. Pulling against the water provides resistance for your arms. Doing freestyle, back stroke, or butterfly uses the deltoid in your shoulders and pectoral muscles in your chest.
Bowling
Bowling can make you stronger. Many bowlers see their forearm muscles develop; bowling balls weigh up to 16 pounds. It can also work your shoulder and leg muscles.
Tone up with Tennis
Slamming or lobbing a ball over a net works your arms. The ‘forehand swing’ is very effective to tone your chest muscles, and your ‘backhand swing’ for your shoulders. Tennis has another advantage: It’s aerobic, so you can burn lots of calories along with the fat!
Mix it up on the Elliptical Trainer
By fusing the motions of stair climbing and cross-country skiing, the popular elliptical trainer gives your thigh and gluteus (butt) muscles a rock-solid workout. Hold on to the push-pull resistance handles and you’ll also strengthen your upper body, including your back and arms. The gliding motion is much easier on your joints than running even while it burns fat. Best of all, you can do it inside, rain or shine!
