Fighting the Flab: Fabulous Arms at Any Age By Diana Moran, “The Green Goddess”

 

           

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By the age of 35, many women notice that their upper arms become prone to flabbiness. It’s a natural process — the triceps, that large muscle on the back of the upper arm, tends to slacken as we age. But here’s the good news: you can fight the flab. And you don’t need a gym or expensive kit — just a little time, dedication, and the right technique.

This simple but effective exercise will help tone the muscle and firm the skin underneath the arm. With regular practice, you’ll begin to see and feel a difference — not just in how your arms look, but in your confidence too.

Tone Your Triceps: The Exercise

You can do this either sitting or standing — just make sure you’re upright and stable.

Start Position:

• Pull in your tummy and lift your chest. Think tall!
• Roll your shoulders back and down.
• Bend your elbows and bring your fists (or small weights) up towards your shoulders.

(If you don’t have hand weights, use small plastic water bottles filled with water or sand. They work just as well!)

The Movement:

1. Squeeze your shoulder blades together.
2. Keeping your upper arms locked close to your body, push your lower arms backwards.
3. As you extend the arms behind you, turn your fists (or weights) slightly outward.
4. Do not lock your elbows — keep a soft, strong line.
5. Slowly bend the elbows to return the fists to your shoulders.

That’s one repetition.

Start with five repetitions and gradually build up to ten or more as you gain strength. Try doing two sets of ten every other day.

You’ll feel it — a firming and strengthening in the back of the upper arms.

Support Your Skin

Of course, muscle tone is only part of the equation. As we age, the skin on our arms can take on a mottled or marbled appearance, especially with sun damage, poor circulation, or dry skin. But with a little care, we can improve the appearance and texture of our skin too.

Exfoliate Regularly

Use a gentle body scrub or exfoliating mitt in the bath or shower when your skin is soft and warm. Be sure to include:

• Upper and lower arms
• Backs of hands
• Elbows (often neglected!)

This stimulates the skin, removes dead cells, and improves circulation.

Moisturise Morning and Night

After exfoliating, always moisturise. Do this twice daily for best results. Look for lotions with vitamin E, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid — all great for hydration and skin repair.

Circulation Boost: Anti-Cellulite Creams

Blotchy or sluggish skin on the arms often stems from poor circulation. Don’t be afraid to borrow a trick from your leg care routine — anti-cellulite creams and firming gels can help stimulate circulation and smooth uneven skin tone on the arms too.

Apply with gentle upward strokes towards the heart to encourage lymphatic drainage.

Fake It a Little!

There’s nothing wrong with a subtle bit of colour to enhance the look of your arms. A gentle glow can help disguise age spots or uneven tone, especially as true suntanning is no longer recommended.

Use a moisturising gradual tan (like Dove Summer Glow) a few times a week:

• Apply along the entire length of the arms.
• Blend well over the shoulders and collarbone.
• Avoid the elbows where colour can gather.

This touch of colour gives the skin a healthy, youthful look — especially when wearing sleeveless tops in summer.

Your Arm-Care Checklist:

✔ Tone triceps with simple resistance exercises
✔ Use water bottles as affordable hand weights
✔ Exfoliate arms and elbows regularly
✔ Moisturise every morning and evening
✔ Boost circulation with firming creams
✔ Add a soft glow with a gradual tan moisturiser

Final Thought

No matter your age, it’s never too late to take care of your arms. A combination of gentle exercise and good skincare can lead to firmer, healthier-looking arms that you’re proud to show off — and best of all, it doesn’t take hours or huge effort. Just a few mindful minutes a day.

So, why not start today? Your arms will thank you — and you’ll feel fabulous from the inside out.

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