SLIMMER ARMS IN TIME FOR SUMMER

IF YOU’RE keen to wear sleeveless tops and dresses this summer without having to cover up with a shawl or cardigan, try these simple exercises to give shape and tone to your upper arms.

All you need is a stretchy rubber resistance band (£7.95, weightwatchersshop.co.uk) and a few minutes every day.

Aim for ten repetitions of each exercise. Don’t forget to warm up your muscles by marching or jogging on the spot for two minutes, while swinging your arms.

SHOULDERS

SECURE the middle of the band under your feet. Stand up straight with your arms by your sides, palms towards your thighs and elbows slightly bent. Bend and raise your elbows up and out to the sides of your body, making sure they stay above your hands. Once your hands reach shoulder height, slowly lower them back to your thighs.

BICEPS

STAND on the band with the ends in your hands, with your palms facing forwards. Keeping your elbows to the side of your body and your tummy tight, raise your hands to chest height, making sure that you keep your wrists straight, then slowly lower them back to your sides.

UPPER ARMS

STAND with one foot behind the other, the front foot on the band. Your elbows should be bent, upper arms near your shoulders and palms facing forwards. Now straighten your arms upwards until your hands almost meet above your head, then slowly lower your hands back to shoulder level. Finish this set of exercises by stretching your arm muscles, holding each stretch for 30 seconds.