Here Are The
|
Barbell curls
Alternate dumbbell curls
Preacher curls
Cable curls (overhead)
Triceps pushdown
Triceps extension
Close-grip presses
Triceps kickbacks
An interesting point with the barbell curl is that the best way to perform it isn't the standard way of locking the elbows in by your sides and curling your arms in a rotary movement. The problem with this movement is that your combined centre of gravity moves outside your base of support (feet), which upsets your balance and increases your risk of injury.
Furthermore, this performance only works one action of the biceps muscle, flexion at the elbow. A far better way to perform the biceps curl is to perform a 'drag curl'. This is a well-known bodybuilding variation of the standard barbell curl.
It involves curling the barbell upwards whilst keeping it close to the body and allowing the elbows to move rather than staying in a fixed position. The first phase of the movement involves the elbows moving backwards until the forearms are parallel to the floor. This is then followed by the elbows moving forward as the bar is lifted towards the chin (flexion at the shoulder). The reverse of this movement is performed when the bar is lowered to the starting position.
This is a superior technique because it involves more than one action of biceps.
The other biceps exercises involve different positions of the arm in space (i.e. preacher curl), which therefore stresses the muscle slightly differently and targets different muscle fibres within the biceps muscle.
Other exercises include additional actions / functions of the muscles, i.e. alternate dumbbell curls include supination as well as flexion at the elbow. By invloving more actions of a targeted muscle, a greater number of muscle fibres can be stiumlated. This is what makes an exercise one of the best arm exercises for women to perform.
For the triceps muscles similar principles apply. During the triceps pushdown the elbows should be allowed to move so during the lifting phase both actions of the triceps come into play (extension at the elbow and shoulder). This means more muscle fibres in the triceps will be stimulated.
When performing the triceps extension perform it on a bench so it is possible to stretch the muscles against resistance. This means the dumbbell or bar being used needs to be lowered close to the floor rather than having it above the forehead (as is it when performing 'skull-crushers').
The kickbacks and close-grip presses also allow the triceps to be worked whilst the arm is in a different position in space. Again, this puts a different stress on the muscle and targets different fibres.
These are definitely the best arm exercises for women to perform. You may like to add additional exercises to the workout as well for the forearms and brachialis muscle. This will ensure a more complete arm workout.
For more detailed information on how to perform these arm exercises and more, then get a copy of
Strength Training Anatomy, 3rd Edition. It will provide you with an in-depth explanation of how to perform the exercises correctly so you get the best possible results from your training.
Thank you for taking the time to comment on this article.
Subscribers to the
Quick Weight Loss E-Zine
get a FREE copy of my 'Secrets of Weight Loss' Special Report (Valued at $27).
Complete the box below to get your copy instantly!