Wave the flap away!

This is because of a slow-down in metabolism, the body’s natural calorie-burning ability.

Additionally, the reproductive system prepares to close up shop and levels of oestrogen, progesterone, and growth hormone further decreases. Fortunately, strength training can help rebuild muscle and produce more human growth hormone, both of which keep your metabolism running as fast as (or faster than) it did when you were in your 20s.

Research from the Harvard School of Public Health shows that people who lift weights put on less belly fat as they age than cardio enthusiasts.

While any exercise will help you burn calories, strength training gives your metabolism the biggest boost after your workout ends. When weight training is coupled with cardio your fat burning ability is amplified, this translates into a greater number of calories being burnt.

So how do we wave away the under-arm flaps? The following exercises will assist you in getting rid of the cellulite on your arms and reducing the appearance of loose skin. Consider doing this workout for at least two days a week, three days a week maximum. Do not do this work out every day as your body requires recovery time.

Complete three sets of 12 reps for each exercise.

Focus on using proper form, and don’t worry about completing the exercises at a quick pace.

Tricep dips If you are working out at home, place your arms on a chair or bench and elevate your feet by putting a stool under them.

Steps
• Assume the starting position by placing your arms behind your back, gripping a bench or chair.

• From the starting position, slowly lower yourself.

Keep your body upright and your elbows, tucked close to your sides.

• Concentrate on lowering your body only with the triceps. Ensure that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle.

• After this, push your body back up using only your triceps.

• Repeat.

Tricep kickbacks For this exercise, you will require two light dumbbells. If you don’t have any at home, you can use one-litre bottles filled with water.

Steps

• Hold a weight in each hand.

• While you are standing, bend your knees slightly, keeping your back straight, and bend forward slightly. Your body should be almost parallel to the floor. Keep your head up and your arms close to your sides such that there is a 90-degree angle between your forearm and upper arm.

• Keep your shoulders locked to your sides while extending your arms back. Focus on the contraction of your triceps only.

• Hold for two seconds and lower your arms to the starting position. Avoid swinging your arms.

• Repeat.

Triceps pushups This is a challenging exercise. If your arms are not yet strong enough to lift your entire body weight consider letting your knees rest on the floor for the modification. As you get stronger consider lifting your knees off the floor.

Steps • Place hands directly below shoulders, feet hip-width apart. Keeping elbows pointed back and as close to your sides as possible, slowly lower body to the ground.

• Once your chest touches the floor, press back up to a straight-arm plank. Be sure to keep core and legs engaged the entire time.

If this is too challenging, modify by dropping down to your knees.

Triceps extension This is an amazing exercise for triceps and helps to make the triceps stronger and more toned.

Steps

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

• Hold a dumbbell with both hands, with the thumbs wrapped around it for better grip.

The dumbbell should be held behind your head, and your palms must face the ceiling.

• Your upper arms should be close to your head. The elbows should be close to your eyes and perpendicular to the floor.

• Lower your upper arms until the weight is touching the upper part of your back. Don’t move your elbows. Keep them locked close to your ears.

• Use your triceps to raise the dumbbell up with your arms fully extended over your head. Exhale as you do this.

Standing bicep curls This exercise targets your biceps. This is a basic movement that hits your arms very effectively! It’s a beginner-friendly exercise, one that anyone can perform with any amount of weight. This exercise can be done one arm at a time or both arms at once.

Please note, do not use your back to swing the weight. Use a weight that’s light enough for you to execute the exercise with perfect form.

Steps • Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and slightly bent to relieve stress from your lower back.

• Grasp the dumb bell/weight in your left hand with an underhand grip. Begin with the weight hanging straight down. Now, keeping your elbows in at your sides and stationary, curl the weight straight up.

• Hold for two seconds, contracting the bicep muscles.

• Slowly return to the starting position.

Complete a set of 12 then switch to your right hand and repeat. Do three sets of 12 per hand, if you are using both hands simultaneously then complete three sets of 12 total.

Always remember that exercise has many rewards with absolutely no negative side effects once you perform them with good form and listen to your body’s cues.