My husband is concerned that I am losing muscle tone especially my biceps and triceps. Funny he didn't say anything when I gained 20 pounds 2 years ago, I guess I still looked healthier. (I'm back to my normal weight-- paxil was the culprit there). Anyway, it can't be good to wither away, but my hands, forearms and elbows prevent me from lifting dumbbells. The pool where aerobic classes are held smells so strong of chlorine-- not healthy I've read. I need a way to strengthen upper arms without holding something in my hands. Am I asking the impossible?
Jodi
how much can you lift..when I started lifting I literally started with 1 lb weights moved up to 2, then 3. I was up to 8-10 before my last elbow surgery. Now I'm sticking with 5.
Using weight lifter straps helps hold onto the dumbbells. Also if you have access to machines (especially free motion) they allow you to work out without as much pressure on the hands and the machines fo have lower weight settings. You can move more weight with machines than with dumbbells ususally.
or the easiest solution is to use resistance bands
Jodi - try some wrist weights. You can get them in ranges from 1 pound to over 5 pounds. Some are even adjustable - you can add and remove weight as needed. As for exercise machines - you will develop more agility and "real world" fitness when working out with weights, even if the amount of weight is much smaller. That's because your muscles must constantly make small, almost imperceptible adjustments to keep your movements "on course". You also develop your "core" muscles (abdominal, back) that help you do damn near everything. With a weight machine, you don't use the core muscles and you don't do the fine movements, so you end up getting a big strong muscle that can't do much except use a weight machine. Weight machines can be part of a good exercise program; just make sure you also get the balance/agility/core muscles worked out too.