- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- moms today articles
- moms today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Reveal Yourself
Fit Arms and Shoulders for Summer By Amy Carey
Push-ups for Shoulders and Arms
Bend your knees and cross your ankles while lying on your stomach. - Bending your elbows, put your palms on the floor beside and just above your shoulders.
- Balance on your hands and knees by straightening your arms and lifting your body off the floor.
- Point your chin at your chest, and keep your stomach muscles tight.
- Lower your entire body while bending your arms. Continue lowering until your upper arms are parallel to the floor.
- Push back up.
Aside from working out in the gym or in your living room, look for ways you can increase your strength doing everyday chores like sweeping, vacuuming or window-washing. "Our daily routines require the use of biceps and tricep muscles to perform jobs like cleaning and lifting," says Nayyar."It's a matter of how often and how much you use these muscles that determines the strength and tone of your arms." She says that making a consistent effort to consciously use these muscles while performing your daily activities can help you achieve lean and strong arms.
Next time you drag your feet at the thought of hanging laundry or scrubbing the floor, remember the benefit your arms not to mention your home will reap from the effort.