3 Easy Arm Toning Exercises

Toned arms are a commodity that no one should go without, especially in the hot days of summer. Wearing a tank top, bathing suit, or even just light weight t-shirts require that you show off what you have up top. But unless you spend a lot of time at the gym or have a job that requires lifting, the chances are that your arms could use a bit of a tone up. Here are three great exercises to enhance your arms.

1. Push ups: Lie facedown on the floor with hands flat down, directly under your shoulders. On your knees or toes, straighten elbows and push torso up, abs tight, body in a straight line without locking your elbows. At the top of the movement, focus on squeezing the chest and hold for at least five seconds. Lower and repeat for 2-3 reps of 15.

2. Tricep dips: Sit on a step or sturdy chair with your hands beside your thighs. Balance on your arms and move your backside in front of the step or chair while holding your legs straight. Bend your elbows while lowering your body a few inches and focus on keeping the shoulders down and the elbows parallel to one another and at 90 degrees.  Push back up to starting position concentrating on your form. Repeat for 2-3 reps of 15.

3. Free weight arm exercises: Stand with feet shoulder width apart and arms raised straight up above your head. Use a minimum of a 5 lb weight in each hand.  Hold onto the weights with your palms facing to the back of you. Gently lower your arms forward and down, without bending at the elbow, until level with your shoulders. Lift back to starting position and repeat for 2-3 reps of 15.

Remember that toning your arms does not have to be hard work. You can do many upper body exercises while sitting down and some even at work during your lunch break. Also, women may want to use lighter weights to ensure that they tone up instead of bulk up.