A Good Beginner Arm Workout for Someone That Hates It

If you have dreams of bulging biceps and chiseled forearms but hate the idea of working out, you might as well keep dreaming. But if you just want to have physically fit arms, you don't necessarily need to buy a gym membership and start pumping iron. A number of simple arm workouts can build muscle, even if you loathe the idea of lifting weights.

  1. Workout Considerations

    • Exercising regularly is a logical way to keep in shape, whether you want to bulk up with muscle or just lose a few pounds of fat. If you hate working out, take some time to evaluate why you have this feeling. If you had a negative experience at a gym, a solution could be to avoid gym-based workouts. If you frequently experience pain during exercise, speak with your doctor to find a fitness routine suitable for you. You might never fall in love with working out, but it's helpful to understand the key role exercise plays in your overall health.

    Cardio Exercise with Weights

    • Simple cardio exercises such as walking are an ideal way to burn fat but, if muscle growth in your arms is your goal, change your walking approach slightly by slipping on a pair of wrist weights. Wearing wrist weights forces your arms and shoulders to work harder as you walk, which can lead to muscle growth without you necessarily getting the feeling that you're working your arms. The American Council on Exercise suggests using weights that weigh no more than 3 pounds.

    Yoga

    • Yoga provides such health benefits as increased flexibility and relaxation; with the right poses, however, you can work your arms without the same feeling as lifting weights. Visit a yoga studio and browse through the available courses to find one that suits you, or practice poses at home that build strength in your arms. Such poses often require a combination of strength and balance, and include the Crane pose, Eight-Angle pose and several variations of the Plank pose.

    Calisthenics

    • A simple way to overcome your dislike of working out is to incorporate exercises into a pleasurable activity. If you watch TV for a couple of hours each night, spend your commercial breaks performing calisthenics. These exercises don't require any equipment and, as you perform them, you can look forward to your show resuming in just a few minutes. Calisthenics that involve your arms include pushups, jumping jacks and planks. If you're into sports, try shadow boxing in one-minute intervals.