For many, the upper arms remain a problem area. Flabby upper arms are a result of two problems -- weak tricep muscles and excess body fat. If you want to firm up your arms, you'll have to address both problems. While you can tone your arms, you can't "spot reduce" -- lose fat from only one part of your body. Combine these exercises with a good diet and you'll notice a difference in your arms.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a cardiovascular workout that works out your arm muscles as well. Look for a class in your local gym or purchase a video that you can do at home. Not only will this firm up your arms, but you'll feel stronger all over.
Tennis
Tennis will burn calories to reduce fat from all over your body and tone up your arms at the same time. You do run the risk of under-working your non-dominant hand, so be sure to combine this with muscle building exercises.
Rowing
If you're looking for a good cardiovascular workout at the gym that also uses your arms, turn to the rowing machine. Unlike the elliptical -- which can incorporate your arms, but really focuses on leg muscles -- the rowing machine makes active use of your arms as you burn calories.
Tricep Extensions
You can do this exercise with hand weights or with a resistance band. Stand tall and hold one arm up straight with the weight. If you're using a resistance band, strike the same position while standing on one end of the band. Bring your other arm up and bend it so that you can hold the upper arm that you're working out to support it. Bend that arm down and push the weight up to work your tricep muscles.
Tricep Kickbacks
With a hand weight in each hand, bend over so that your body is parallel to the floor. Keep your arms tight against your body and bend them at the elbows so that the lower arms are perpendicular to the floor. Then, push your arms back until they are parallel to the ground.
Diamond Pushups
Do push-ups -- on your knees if you're not strong enough for regular push-ups -- but instead of placing your hands on either side of your chest, bring them in toward the middle, creating a diamond shape with your index fingers and thumbs. This works the tricep muscles more than traditional push-ups.
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