Even with the surprise snowstorm here in North Carolina this week, let’s not forget that spring is indeed just around the corner. Soon we will be packing up those bulky sweaters and trading them out for some arm-baring tank tops. (Hip! Hip! Hooray!)
Without focusing too much on how our arms “look,” the Proverbs 31 woman reminds us our arms need to be strong to do our work. Verse 17 says, “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
Several different muscle groups comprise the upper body appendage, but today we’re going to focus on the most famous: the biceps.
Even at the tender young age of (not quite yet) two, my son knows to flex his biceps to “show how strong he is.” The major muscle on the front part of the upper arm is the featured performer for posing. In order to strengthen this two-headed muscle, follow just a few simple steps.
* Roll shoulders down and back; brace core; head/neck in neutral spine.
* Keep elbows still and close to body at all times.
* Control the movement; do not use momentum or swing the arms.
With those key points in mind, here are four variations of biceps moves you can try:
1. Basic Curl = palms up
2. Hammer Curl = palms facing each other
3. Angled Curl = forearms out at 45 degree angle
4. Basic Curl with feet stepping on a tube.
Before you know it, the weather will be warm enough for those sleeveless shirts and we’ll be in need of strong arms for all of those gardening, landscaping and outdoor jobs on the horizon. Let’s be ready and prepared by strengthening our biceps now – any way we can!
Everyday Faith + Fitness 