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Bodyweight Arm-Toning Moves For Anyone Who Hates Push-Ups

I Avoid Push-Ups at All Costs — So I Tone My Arms With These Plank Modifications

The word push-up isn't in my vocabulary — just like water and oil, we just don't mix. That, combined with my lack of gym equipment at home, has resulted in months of neglecting arm workouts.

I admit that working out at home isn't the most valid excuse for not strengthening my arms, though — at least that's what NASM-certified personal trainer and FitOn app trainer Bree Branker Koegel, says.

She's challenging me to incorporate three no-equipment arm-toning moves, that (to my relief!) aren't push-ups, into my routine. If you're part of the anti-push-up club and have zero equipment, too, feel free to join in.

Koegel suggests starting with a simple warmup (which happens to be a great cooldown, too!) of circling your arms forward and backward to loosen up the shoulder joint. Then, lay flat on the floor and goal post your arms (aka extend them to each side and bend your arms up at a 90-degree angle) to open your pectoral muscles.

Now that you're loose, give Koegel's moves, ahead, a go. To ensure you're feeling good, she suggests keeping your hips elevated, in line with your upper body, to avoid too much pressure on your lower back.

Image Source: Getty / martin-dm

Forearm Plank

Koegel is a huge fan of planks: "You can modify or progress every plank to serve your body at your specific journey. Forearm planks are specifically great for people with wrist issues, and can be modified by dropping knees to the ground."

  • Laying flat on your belly, place your forearms flat on the mat with your elbows directly below your shoulders and your palms flat on the ground.
  • Pressing into the floor, lift your torso and legs into the air (keep your feet on the ground!) creating a long line from the crown of your head to your toes.
  • Aim to hold a forearm plank for 20 seconds without taking a break — if the position feels solid and steady where breath can be maintained, try adding on 10-second increments until you need a break.
  • Go for 3-4 rounds, resting half the time spent holding the position — for example, 20 seconds working and 10 seconds resting. Or, if you were able to hold for 40 seconds during one increment, rest for 20 seconds before going for another round.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios

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