Just Getting Start with Arms

"I can't give up shopping - it's my cardio." Carrie, Sex & the City

Oh Carrie...if only it was that easy to get Sarah Jessica Parker's awesome abs and sculpted arms. We would all be downing cocktails and planning a trip to a sample sale. Unfortunately, we all know it takes a bit more work.

My mother recently asked me for a simple routine she could do for her arms. Upper body exercises should be approached cautiously because you can really hurt yourself quite easily. I used to be caught in a terrible cycle of trying out exercises and being too ambitious and then pulling one muscle or another. Nothing can derail your ambition to get stronger. So discouraging!Try to do this simple routine three times a week.


These exercises are simple and can be done at home. I recommend them especially if you are new to working out or if you want to get starting using weights. Also, the only equipment you need to get started is a two pound dumbbell which you can pick up at Target or order through Amazon. This routine will only take about 15 minutes.

Front Raise - Hold the dumbell in front of you at 90 degrees.You want to hold this position for a total of 3 minutes on each side. You can take breaks as needed until you
progress. It's harder than you think Feet should be hips distance apart and draw your belly button back to your core to maintain a solid stance. Draw your shoulders down and back.

Standing Push Up - Stand at an angle on the balls of your feet. You are going to slowly lower to the wall. Keep your hands close to your chest. Perform 15 in a slow and measured fashion.

Delt Side Raise - Use the dumbell again at each side and hold for a total of 3 minutes taking breaks as needed. Feet should be hips distance apart and draw your belly button back to your
core to maintain a solid stance. Draw your shoulders down and back.

Wall Angels - Stand against the wall with your hips tilted under you and your belly button drawn in. Hand at a 90 degree angle on both sides. Raise them up above your head for a set of 15.

Angled Door Draw-In - Choose a random doorway in your home and stand with your feet flat on the floor as close to the beam of the door as possible. Hold the sides of the door and slowly draw yourself in. Remember to draw in similar to the above exercises.