Very Fat arms

I too have really big upper arms. I call them bat wings. However, as I have strength trained and cut my body fat they have shrunk. They're still big but then again, so am I. Just keep up with a good workout regimen and my recommendation is to use free weights instead of machines. That's what really helped me.

My doctor told me that lifting heavier weights at few reps is a great way to tone and burn fat. Women generally don't have enough testosterone to "bulk" up muscle wise so don't worry about that. When you lift weight you tear muscle (gradually) and when your body repairs this tearing you burn lots of calories. My doctor recommend to me that I lift the heaviest weight I can tolerate within reason for 8-10 times for 2-3 reps. This worked well for me I used a 20lb weight, but don't hurt yourself. You can tell when it is working because you get really, really HUNGRY when you lift weights because your body is starving for calories so make sure to eat your whole daily allowance of protein! Good luck!

Thanks you for your replies. I was always worried about using free weights, incase I built my arms up, but what you are saying makes perfect sense. I will give it a go. The only weight I have at the moment is a shake weight. Would this be of any use?

You won't build your arms - you'd have to work very hard, every day with heavy weights and probably supplements to end up looking like the Hulk
Muscles help to burn fat so if you increase the muscle in your upper arms, it will help with fat loos and toning!

Also, muscles keep burning after you stop lifting.
Maybe try New Rules of Lifting For Women?

I too have really big upper arms. I call them bat wings. However, as I have strength trained and cut my body fat they have shrunk. They're still big but then again, so am I. Just keep up with a good workout regimen and my recommendation is to use free weights instead of machines. That's what really helped me.

I call them bat wings too It's the first place I gain and last place I loose fat. Right now with strength training and lifting my biceps are getting huge, but still covered in a lot fat. I know the fat will eventually go away it's just a really slow process, so don't get discouraged.

Hi everyone. I have always had really big arms (at the top). Even when I was younger (19 years old), and an air stewardess, I always had to wear bigger tops to accomodate my big arms. As you can imagine, with my weight being high now, they are massive. I am very embarrassed about them. I'm exercising alot, and also incorporated tricep exercises. I have read though that this will only tone muscle. I suppose what I'm really asking is, do you think as I lose weight, that I will lose some off my arms? Or do you think I could be stuck with the fat on there? I've heard of people losing weight, and it not shifting in certain areas.

Any info/help appreciated

Claire

Its not based on weight loss, its more based on fat loss. Strength training, with heavy weights will help cut fat.

This. I am a short woman with big upper arms and upper back, and disproportionally broad shoulders. I have been lifting weights (mostly compound movements as oppose to site specific lifts) for about 3 months 2-3x weekly. I'm by no means chiseled or ripped, but I like my strong arms and wearing a t-shirt.

Well, a shake weight is a start. But I recommend heavy weights. Just pick one up. If you think you can lift an 8 pounder, then go for the 10 lbs to begin with. Always challenge yourself. You will be surprised what you can do with a simple challenge. You can also do alot of work with your own body weight (modified body pull ups and push ups) . Kettleballs and medicine balls are also a great work out. With a medicine ball you can squat, toss it in the air as you power out of the squat, and come back down into a squat. You are working your quads, glutes, biceps, tri-ceps, and lats. Plus getting a metabolic kick from repeating that movement!


Give it a try and best of luck.

I used to have very flabby, untoned upper arms - but a combination of intense cardio (zumba 6 - 7 times a week) and kettlebells honed them down.

It took a while for the muscle tone to start showing (as it was hiding under all the flab), but stick with it!

I never had big arms... then when I reached 176lb they became big with cellulite!!! I am now 160lb and they are nearly back to normal. I swim, do zumba and cardio at the gym, no strength training yet... so with a bit of hard work and patience they will change for the better x

I also had the big arms, and they are still bigger than I like. But I have lost about 4.5" off them already. The more strength training(toning) and cardio (fat) the better they are looking. You will lose where the body decides usually the fattiest area's first.
Good Luck...

My doctor told me that lifting heavier weights at few reps is a great way to tone and burn fat. Women generally don't have enough testosterone to "bulk" up muscle wise so don't worry about that. When you lift weight you tear muscle (gradually) and when your body repairs this tearing you burn lots of calories. My doctor recommend to me that I lift the heaviest weight I can tolerate within reason for 8-10 times for 2-3 reps. This worked well for me I used a 20lb weight, but don't hurt yourself. You can tell when it is working because you get really, really HUNGRY when you lift weights because your body is starving for calories so make sure to eat your whole daily allowance of protein! Good luck!

how exactly do you lift? I only have a set of three small dumbells (different weights) at home and I keep looking for exercises, but honestly, it just confuses me. Any advice is appreciated

Feel free to message me (I don't check the boards often).

How do I lift a heavy weight? (at home)