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There's no debating it. Michelle Obama has amazing arms. Talk about a role model for millions of women! Smart, beautiful, and strong! Now you can follow in our First Lady’s footsteps (well, at least when it comes to obtaining those shapely arms) with a weight-free workout plan.
Celebrity trainer Kathy Kaehler (who does not work with Michelle Obama but does work with Kim Basinger, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and Michelle Pfeiffer) recently appeared and The Today Show showing us how to use Natural Fitness Biodegradable Bands (made out of natural latex) to get tone arms too.
Kathy told us what it takes to get toned arms too.
To get great arms you need...
- Genetics: Our genetics play a huge role in how we look; and that includes how defined we get, the type of skin we have (thick/thin)—revealing how well the muscle can be seen under the skin, and just how our bodies look in general.
- Lifestyle/Exercise: Regular exercise, including cardio and strength, will determine how much body fat we carry. The less body fat, the more muscle will show.
- Food: The more fat and sugar you eat, the farther away you are from your ideal body weight. So reducing fat and sugars and following a balanced plan of eating lots of fruits and veggies plus drinking water throughout the day will help in a big way.
So let's get to the exercise!
It has been said that the First Lady spends quite a bit of time in the gym every day. This is the lifestyle component that Kathy told us about. "Hitting the arms in many different ways will sculpt them to be their best. Using your own body, getting out onto the playground for pull ups, and using the bands in the routine below is a great way to incorporate some intense arm work that, when you combine all 3-parts from above, will get you where you want to be."
Exercise Band Arm Workout
- Bicep Curls
Place the band under a foot, securely holding the handles. Curl your arms up toward your shoulders, bending at elbows. Lift up in 2 counts and lower in 4. Do 15 reps for one set. - Lateral Raise
Place one foot up onto something like a step or a stool. Keep the band securely under the foot that is lifted. Take your arms out to the sides holding the handles. Raise up to shoulder level (or close). Keep your wrists tight and elbows slightly bent. Do 10 reps for one set. - Rear Shoulder Press
Attach your band around a column, tree, post or banister. Hold the handles and pull back until the band is taut. Slightly bend at the waist and knees. Extend your arms straight with your palms facing each other. Bend your elbows and pull back so that the hands are at the waist. This tightens the back of the shoulder and bra strap area. Pull back 15 reps for one set. - Triceps Pull-back
Same position of body as above, but start with your hands by your waist and turn your palms to face down and back. Extend your arms straight back to feel the burn on back of your arm. Do 15 reps for one set.
- Repeat this routine every other day.
Yeah, it's pretty cool to be a strong woman—mentally and physically!
Related Content:
How to Go Green: Workouts
Are You a Green Beauty?
Get Michelle Obama's Style The Eco Way
Add a 15-Minute Workout to Your Day
Use a Pedometer to Lose Weight
Get in Shape Without Leaving Home
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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