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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Shona Vertue

Move of the week: how to improve your arms

Shona Vertue doing tricep push-up with chair
‘A strong upper body is important for posture and movement.’ Photograph: Daniel Boud/The Guardian

I cringe when I read the word “tone”, because for the most part, you’re being sold a lie: you cannot spot-reduce fat from an area by making the underlying muscle work. However, by building muscles generally, you will develop a more athletic physique and better defined arms. A strong upper body is important for posture and movement. This exercise is not only a regular push-up – it works the triceps, often the missing link for better push-up strength.

a) Place your chair against the wall so that it doesn’t slide against the floor or fall over.

b) Place your palms on the edge of the chair seat, close enough so that your thumbs can touch. Extend legs behind you so that you’re in a push-up position.

c) Lower chest towards the chair and allow elbows to shave the sides of your body as you come down.

d) Keep the shoulders away from the ears, push into the hands and drive back up towards the starting position. Do as many reps as possible for 3-5 sets.

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