triceps

[dancingstar]

I am looking for ways to strengthen triceps. They can be ME dance related or not... anything to get those muscles toned. DVD recommendations would be helpul too. Any suggestions you have are appreciated... thank you!

[ssipes]

Dancingstar, the best thing to do would be start a general whole-body strength training program. Just trying to strengthen a single muscle in isolation (especially for vanity's sake) is not a very good idea. Also be aware that the flabby back of the arm that gets worse as we get older is caused by fat and skin, generally not by lack of muscle tone.

This is a great website about strength training:

Women's Weight Training

[dancingstar]

Originally Posted by ssipes

be aware that the flabby back of the arm that gets worse as we get older is caused by fat and skin, generally not by lack of muscle tone.

It's going to get worse?

[jenlindseys]

dips are good. sometimes painful, but good.
if you don't have a weight bench at home the stairs or a kitchen chair will work.
stand about 2-3 feet away facing away from the chair
put the hands on the side of the chair and lower your body until your elbows go to 90 degrees. if you want to intensify it...you can hold it there or do them one arm at a time.
does this make sense? here's a video

YouTube - Arm Exercises: Tips & Techniques for...

[nasila]

I do what I call backwards pushups; like dips but without any equipment. Similar to his advanced method but sitting on the floor with arms behind you; make sure shoulders are pressed down, elbows pointed behind you, fingers pointed forward (toward your bum) and chest is lifted. Bend and straighten elbows. For more weight, let your head relax back (maintain a little lift so you don't scrunch your neck innards).

[Azhia]

Excellent advice above me, nothing to add, EXCEPT a mental component...
When I freaked out about my triceps, and how "large" (relative term) they were, they stayed "large" b/c I was so focused on them. Get into a healthy regimen utilizing the things mentioned above (that website is really great), adopt a positive attitude and keep busy doing the things you enjoy, and without realizing it, not only your triceps, but the rest of your body will tone quite nicely.
It's always when I'm focused on the undesireable body part that it continues to expand or stay undesireable b/c you manifest where your concentration is.

[TediThomas]

A *very* good point Azhia. I guess that would be along the same lines of if you always focus on something negative or that bothers you, *that* is where the energy produced by your thinking will go. Better to think about the positive or what would make you happy. I'm much rather any results of thinking/focus go toward that which would make things better.

[ssipes]

Originally Posted by dancingstar

It's going to get worse?

Sorry, but yes.

Strength training is great and can improve the way you look, it just has to be a wholistic undertaking IMO.

Costuming and proper arm carriage also mitigate the problem.

[tabitha]

Originally Posted by Azhia

Excellent advice above me, nothing to add, EXCEPT a mental component...
When I freaked out about my triceps, and how "large" (relative term) they were, they stayed "large" b/c I was so focused on them. Get into a healthy regimen utilizing the things mentioned above (that website is really great), adopt a positive attitude and keep busy doing the things you enjoy, and without realizing it, not only your triceps, but the rest of your body will tone quite nicely.
It's always when I'm focused on the undesireable body part that it continues to expand or stay undesireable b/c you manifest where your concentration is.

YES

Originally Posted by TediThomas

A *very* good point Azhia. I guess that would be along the same lines of if you always focus on something negative or that bothers you, *that* is where the energy produced by your thinking will go. Better to think about the positive or what would make you happy. I'm much rather any results of thinking/focus go toward that which would make things better.

And YES.

I think I was at my lowest with my body image was when I could only focus on all the negative parts. (A big one was my upper arms!)I was like a big conductor of negative energy that just festered beneath the surface and resulted in starvation and hard-core workouts. Performing was a necessary evil and I would much rather stay at home where no one could see me. What changed? I can't tell the exact moment, but I know it has to do with whole body exercise (not just grinding away at the elliptical for 45 minutes with a magazine) but practices where my mind was in touch with my body. Like doing a short meditation to really become "present" in my body before working out or taking a ballet/yoga/pilates class. And also making friends with food instead of thinking it's always the evil enemy. And eventually I just became friends with my upper arms, too.

Yikes...that was a lot of stuff that just came out. Back to triceps! Hehe.

[Azhia]

Yes, Tabitha, it came out right!

The mind-body connection is all too important, as is being kind to yourself.
Dancingstar, I believe if you busy yourself with activities you enjoy you will see results much faster + ancillary benefits (improved conditioning, self-confidence, overall fitness, etc.). So if you like working out, fantastic! If taking more dance classes on a regular basis, awesome. You can also try other fun and interesting activities like static trapeze, which is AMAZING for upperbody strength and conditioning...

[NajlaHalem]

I love my triceps now. I worked for 3 years to improve them and can now do hanging dips, unassisted. But worrying about them all the time (and my giant hips) only made me feel awful at the gym. Once I let go of that, I improved.

It's so hard to love ourselves completely, we just focus on the little things we hate and then feel awful all over. I wish it was easier to let go of that feeling!

[sabrinabellydancer]

got this link in my inbox today and it reminded me of this thread.
not revolutionary info but may be helpful:
24 Hour Fitness: a call to arms