For those of you looking to tone your arms, today’s exercise is definitely one for you to carry out. Some can do hundreds, others a few, but as long as you’re doing them and doing a few more every time, you’ll be making progress.
This was one of the first exercises I learnt and I’ve never given up on it because of how well it works your triceps. Not only is it effective but it requires virtually no equipment, just a chair or foot-stool (I’m assuming you’ll have at least a chair!)
Start with your arms straight and positioned vertically on a chair or foot-stool (or something of a similar height). Your hands should be flat and facing forward (as shown in the photo). Stretch your legs out together so that your knees are also straight.
Now bend your elbows, as far as possible, so that your weight is lowered onto the back of your arms (your triceps) and then push back up to the original position against the resistance.
Do as many as you can until failure. Personally I aim for 4 sets of 50-60 repetitions but do what you can.
If this position is uncomfortable to begin with, you can bend your knees so that you’re not holding all of your weight through your arms. It makes the exercise easier and you can focus more on working your arms only.