My Snapguide shirt!! Yep, the people over at Snapguide sent me this because they are awesome! Click the picture to link over to my Snapguide account!
Let's face it, no matter what your political view, most women would kill for the First Lady's arms. Seriously, her fashion and those guns could make peace treaties alone. This equipment-free arm routine will not only help reduce that unneeded arm jiggle, but can also get you that much closer to having Michelle Obama's arms. Most equipment free arm exercises work the back as much as they do the arms. These exercises will help with posture and increase lean muscle toning- something Michelle Obama's arm's look quite familiar with.
Complete this exercise at least once after your regular workout, or do three sets as a workout replacement for some great results!
Arm Circle and Warm Up
Arm circles are a great way to get your arms warmed, a little stretched, and ready to work. Best of all, they can be done pretty much anywhere! Start by doing wide circles going forward then back; then, complete smaller circles starting with forward and going to back. Work on doing two sets of 20 and increase the reps as needed.
For some work-out inspiration, check-out Michelle Obama's arms, highlighted by that gorgeous Jason Wu red dress, at the inauguration.
Sphinx Push-Ups
These are great for the forearms and shoulders! Get into regular push-up position, then place forearms on the ground with palms down and fingers straight ahead. Lift your body into a plank position and hold before lowering about 2 inches from the ground, hold, then rise back up. You can start by doing between 10 and 15 reps and increase from there.
Chair-Ups
One of those that is great for the back arm jiggle and the back. Place your hands forward on the edge of a chair with your elbows bent back and your body straight out. Bend your arms so that your butt is almost touching the ground and come back up. Complete two sets of 30 increasing reps as needed.
Second Position Ballet Pose
This will work your shoulders, back, and arms like they have never been worked before. Seriously, look at a ballet dancer's arms, then you will realize why this is an arm workout commodity. Hold arms in second position for two sets of 1 minute. Be sure to keep shoulders down and elbows up the entire time. There should be no slouching here. Your chest should be broad and arms should have a slight curve but still be in line with the rest of the body. Bum should be tucked in as well. This is a great exercise to do for better posture.
Plank Position
Plank is wonderful for the arms, back, and the core! Place hands on the ground below the shoulders with fingers facing forward and toes on the ground. It is important to keep your back as straight as possible in this position and to tuck the tailbone under. Hold the plank for at least one minute and complete three sets.
Push-Ups
The classic that is still doing the trick. Complete two sets doing at least 10 to 12 reps. If doing this many is too much, place your knees on the ground and complete... Best to add a few extra reps for the cheating style as well ;)
Triangle push-Ups
Great for the outer and under-arms. Place hands on the ground so your pointer fingers and thumbs create a diamond shape. Complete 2 sets of 10 to 12 reps of push-ups in this position and feel the burn!
