It’s always a good idea to add exercise and movement into your daily routine. Exercising regularly can keep your heart, body, and mind healthy. Exercise can also increase endorphins, which are what keep you happy. Breaking a sweat is the best way to keep your metabolism in check, and keep any excess weight off. Being overweight can lead to many other health issues down the road.
Strength training and weight lifting are important for you physically because gaining muscle help you burn calories and fight fat, keeps your bones and joints strong, and can help prevent injuries. Lifting weights can actually help you burn more calories than doing a cardio workout. Strength training can also help keep you young by improving heart health, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, helping fight off depression and keeping you mentally sharp, and preventing diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and chronic pain. Plus, with summer right around the corner, you're sure to be showing off more skin - so it's time to hit the gym and lift some weights.
Make sure to have toned arms this summer by using these 5 moves:
Bicep Curls
Bicep curls are an easy and effective way to build up your bicep muscles, while also working all of your other arm muscles as well. Using free weights or a bar, hold the weight with an underhand grip with your arms down by your sides. Bend your elbows and raise the weight up to your shoulders. Repeat this move.
Upright Row
Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, hold a weight bar in an overhand grip with your arms relaxed. Lift the bar straight up, bending your elbows out at a 90-degree angle in line with your collar bone, and then lower the bar back down with your arms straight. Add weight to the bar for more of a challenge. Repeat this move.
Dips
Dips are perfect for getting a good arm workout as this move targets your upper body as well. Facing backward, place your hands on a bench, palms down and fingers forward with your legs straight out in front of you. Lower your body towards the ground until your arms are making a right angle at the elbow. Press off your hands to the starting position. Repeat this move.
Push-Ups
Push-ups are a great way to strengthen your arms, as well as your entire body. Either on your toes or your knees, place your hands under your shoulders, bend your elbows and lower yourself down into plank position until your elbows are level with the sides of your ribs. Push up from there so that your arms are straight. Repeat this move.
Plank
Planks are one of the best ways to keep your core strong and sturdy, but it also activates your arm muscles - specifically your deltoids. You can do this on your forearms, or in a pushup position. Start by holding the pose at least 30 seconds, and work your way into longer holds as you become stronger.
At LongevityMed, our number one priority is your health. We specialize in treating obesity and related illnesses like Metabolic Syndrome. We can help you lose weight and healthily get in shape, as well as help lower your blood pressure and get on the right track to a healthier lifestyle with diet, exercise, and supplementation. If you think you may be suffering from obesity or Metabolic Syndrome, or just want to get in shape, take our weight loss test to get started, or contact us to schedule a consultation.
