Working out the arms can be a challenge, but it’s necessary for a balanced, healthy body. Plus, beyond aesthetics, toned muscles help your body resist gravity and maintain good posture. So, you might be wondering, “What is a good workout for toned arms?” Lucky for you, we’ve collected some of the best Pilates-inspired exercises for the arms and are sharing them with you here!
To tone your arms, do high reps of each exercise while working out. Add light dumbbells for added resistance, but you can also get great results by just using your body weight. Pilates is the perfect choice for this type of exercise, as it targets both larger, deep muscles and the small, superficial muscles just below the skin. Here are four of our favorite arm-toning Pilates exercises:
- Arm Circles
- Arm Pulses
- Cactus Arms
- Arm Extensions
- Dart
In the rest of this article, we’ll explain how to do each exercise in greater detail so you can get strong, toned arms in no time. So, change into some comfy clothes and let’s get started!
Pilates Mini Workout for Toned Arms
Arm Circles
Stand or sit up straight and extend your arms to the sides in a “T” position, elbows in line with the shoulders. Maintaining this position, draw small circles in the air with your fingertips. Do 10-20 reps in one direction, and then switch directions for 10-20 more.
Arm Pulses
Start by standing or sitting up straight, arms extended to the sides in a “T” position. Lift your arms about 1” and then return them to the starting position. Repeat for a total of 10-20 reps as quickly or slowly as you like.
Cactus Arms
Stand or sit up straight, extend your arms to the sides in a “T” position, and then bend them at the elbows, fingers pointing toward the ceiling. While keeping this position, exhale and raise your elbows about 1”, and then inhale and return to the starting position. Repeat for 10-20 reps.
For an added challenge and chest opener, stand in the above position with your back to a wall. Try to keep your back, shoulders, and the backs of your arms and hands touching the wall as you do the exercise.
Arm Extensions
Start in a quadruped position, hands and knees on the ground lined up below your shoulders and hips. Press into the ground with your right hand and reach your left hand toward your hips. Exhale and lift your arm about 1”, then inhale and lower it back to the starting position. Repeat for 10-20 reps.
Dart
Lie facedown, arms down by your sides with the palms facing up. Inhale and lift your head, chest, and arms off the ground while engaging your back and tricep muscles. Exhale and return to the starting position. Do this for a total of 10-20 reps.
Feel free to add weights or a higher number of sets for a greater challenge as you work through these exercises. We hope these five Pilates arm exercises helped you find new ways to tone and strengthen your arms!
