What to do about arms?

[I'mthemom]

This is probably a silly question, but what can I do about my upper arms. I have lost 40 lbs. since I started, and a good deal of it seems to have come off my upper arms. I am getting flaps. What exercises can I do to tighten this loose skin?

Kathy

[mylikeit]

Well, you can tone and strengthen your shoulders and triceps. Some of the excess skin may take a while to be absorbed by the body. And some may stick around, depending on how heavy you were, genetics, age, and hormonal factors.

Best toning for upper arms:
1. push ups (on knees or toes, on floor or on a bench/step, or combinations - also different hand positions - fingers pointing up, fingers pointing inward, etc.)
2. triceps "kickbacks" with weights. Sit on a low bench, lean forward from the hips keeping back flat, bring arms to 45 degree angle with elbows close to sides, keeping upper arms very still, "kickback" the lower arms - moving them backward and turning palms to face upward at end of move. Do sets of 12 to 15 reps. Start with one set and add sets as you get stronger. Start with 3 to 5 lb weights. 8 lb weights, max.
3. French press. Sit on a low bench. Keep back straight, pelvis neutral and abs tight. Breathe. Grasp a 5 to 10 lb barbell by one end (the fat, weighted end) in both hands over your head. Keep elbows straight (not locked) and fairly close to your head. Upper arms don't move as you raise and lower the weight. The weight will be perpendicular to the floor. Don't raise the weight directly over your head, keep it slightly behind your head and do sets of 12 to 15 reps. Start with one set and add sets as you get stronger.

[vita77]

I've got pretty impressive bat wings, but have felt just in the last month or so that they're getting smaller. I've been on WW nearly 2 years, lost ~95 pounds, and have been going to Curves for almost a year.

The Curves workout includes resistance training on all the major upper body muscles, which is giving me some tone. Hopefully, even at 45, there's enough elasticity left in my skin that it's tightening up a bit! If not...oh well. I'm still going to brave a few sleeveless tops .