Me, driving to class in 2010
Before the country became obsessed with Michelle Obama’s defined arms, I was already finding ways to tone, sculpt and build mine. I’ve never had a difficult time adding muscle or defining them. Maybe it’s a genetic thing.
What has been difficult is getting them to lean out over the years. When I took that dreaded weight lifting class several years ago my arms bulked up so much I literally had sweaters and jackets I couldn’t wear. It was dreadful! I had to become a mad scientist to discover the formula for reducing the size, while still leaving them toned. And honestly, I’m still working on it.
The photo above was taken when I was a junior working on my BA. I wasn’t lifting weights, just doing an obscene amount of cardio and eating a strict vegan diet.
This is a more recent photo of me, one you’ve seen on this site. Since it was taken, I’ve really slacked on working my upper body, primarily because I’m trying to lose more fat before I start sculpting it again. I know how to pose so my arms look defined and lean, but honestly, it’s been awhile since I looked at my upper body and went, DAMN!
Rest assured, there are ways to lean your arms without heavy weights. Ask celeb trainer Tracy Anderson. She has a series of arm workouts, none which require dumbbells.
And according to Anderson in the December issue of SELF, if you want lean sculpted arms, you want to keep your weights light and reps high. I think the Slim and Sexy Arms vid from Five by 5 is what she is talking about.
I’ll be doing both of these videos today. Will you? Let me know in the comments. And while you’re at it, let me know which part of your body is the most difficult for you to sculpt?
