You do not know how much I yearned to put on strapless or sleeveless dresses and tops just like my friends who would confidently show off their shoulders with ease. The stubborn under arm fat, had already snatched away my confidence and it made me hate my body. I remember there was a time I tried on over 10 blouses that were of my size in a boutique, but my bat arms could not allow me to purchase any and just walked out leaving my friends behind.
This added more to my frustrations and I really hated my bulging skin under the armpit. I had to do something to my arms but I was still faced with another problem. Having come from rural area where gyms are so rare, I had to research on workouts that require no equipments and will help me minimize fat under the arms.
Since I could neither afford the cosmetic surgery nor use creams like most sophisticated women, I embraced ways that were cost effective that could solve this night mare. In the process, I learnt of many factors that cause fat to build up under the arms. I was surprised to learn that the problem was somehow genetic. Both my mother and aunt have huge arms that seem not to bother them in anyway. My naturally large breast could also have contributed to fat build up under the arms.
Amazing things that I did which helped me tone my arms
Wearing the correct bra size
For long, I had been wearing smaller bra with intention of hiding by large breasts not knowing the harm that was awaiting me. I did not know that a smaller bra cup was responsible for the sagging of some breast tissue to the under arm area. Either about 80% of the women will wear a bra with smaller cups that leaves most of the tissue outside as I did or they do not know how to put it on well.
This guide here on how to put on bra was very helpful. Soon I was able to choose the correct size with strong straps that offered a great support to my breasts.
Exercising daily
I did not bother about going to the gym or investing in expensive equipment. All I needed was enough space in my room. Just like any other simple woman, I had to create space by displacing some items in my living room and this worked as my home gym. After workout, I would return them back. I did a 30 minutes daily workout and now am happy about the transformation. These home workouts did marvelous to my upper body and arms and I could at least incorporate four or more.
1. Star jumps
This exercise will not only reduce underarm fat near the bra region but also it helps to tone the thighs and arms.
How to make star jumps
· You start by standing in an upright posture with feet together and arms on the side
· With the first jump, open the legs wide apart and at the same time, raise the arms above the head with the elbows bent .For simplicity I just clap above my head.
· With the second jump, you bring the feet together and the arms beside them.
· You will feel some tension on the armpit and shoulders as you repeat the exercise for ten times.
· Do three sets of 10 jumps. Though on the first day I only managed one set.
2. Sitting posture side bend
This exercise is a good workout for the muscles around the bra area, underarm, and the waist.
How to do it
· Sit upright on a soft mat with your legs folded.( I use my carpet instead)
· Place the right palm on the left side of the waist as the elbow rests on the right thigh.
· Take a deep breath and lift the other hand upwards as you bend the upper part of your body sideways on the right side.
· Hold on the position for about 10 seconds and then repeat with the other side.
· Try this for 20 times and you will experience wonderful results.
3. Arm circling
This exercise will help to tone the armpit area, shoulders, and the back.
· Stand upright with both feet together.
· Stretch your arms sideways and gradually rotate them in clockwise circles.
· Repeat the procedure by rotating the arms in anticlockwise circles.
· I would do 20 rotations for each direction though for a starter you can do less and increase gradually.
4. Elbow press
It is among the best and easy exercise that will help someone to lose fat on the armpit and around the bra region.
How to do it
· Stand upright with both feet together.
· Lift the right hand and bend the elbow such that it is behind the head and the fingers are touching the left shoulder.
· Raise the other arm and let it hold the elbow of the right arm.
· I would repeat this procedure 10 times with one arm before trying it on the other arm 10 times.
5. Overhead claps
This is a freestyle exercise and the most easy to perform. It assists to tone and burn fat on the arms and shoulders.
How to do it
· You can stand or sit upright on a chair.
· Stretch your arms sideways.
· Lift them up by bending the elbows as you make a clap over your head.
· Repeat this procedure severally and you will feel some tension in the upper arm.
· I would do 100 claps in each session but for a starter 50 is a good number.
6. Triceps stretch
This exercise requires a set of dumb bells. Lack of it should not be an excuse of not trying triceps stretch. I used to improvise it using water bottles. You can start with 500ml bottle and increase the volume as you advance.
How to do it
· Hold a dumb bell on one hand and stand upright with the legs at shoulder level for balance.
· Let the other arm offer support at the armpit
· Take a deep breath and stretch the arm with the dumb bell such that it is perpendicular to your neck.
· Bend the hand such that the elbow makes an angle of 900over your head.
· Lower the dumbbell and repeat the exercise 10 times.
· Shift the dumbbell on the other hand and repeat the same.
· I would do two sets of triceps stretch.
7. T. raise for shoulders
It is among the most effective workouts for toning the shoulders.
How to do it
· Hold a dumbbell (improvise one if you do not own a commercial one) on each hand and stand with legs apart at shoulder level.
· Bend the knees and lower your torso such that it is parallel to the ground.
· Straighten your harms and bring the dumbbells near the hips
· Move the dumbbells up and forward, to shoulder height and bring them back to the hips.
· I would repeat this 15 times.
8. Lateral raise
It is the easiest workout for the shoulders.
How to do it
· Hold a dumbbell (improvise one if you do not own a commercial one) on each hand and stand upright with legs apart at shoulder level.
· Raise your arms sideways such that the dumbbells are at shoulder level and parallel to the ground.
· Hold on to this position for two seconds and then lower the dumbbells.
· I would do this 15 times.
9. Swimming
Though I was not confident in my swimming suit, I was determined to tone my shoulders and burn some fat. I could at least go for swimming once in a week because of time schedule in my work place. Up to date I have made swimming to be my hobby. For the best results, you can use backstroke though other methods are also effective.
Bottom line
It was not easy to reduce fat on the armpit and bra region. I had to be persistent with my exercises every morning and I took a lot of water to stay hydrated. In addition, I incorporated a lot of vegetables and fiber in my diet and reduced the intake carbohydrates and fat. It took some time anyway to part ways with my favorite junk snacks. With these simple exercises, I can now comfortably put on both sleeveless and strapless dresses and tops that can show off my toned shoulders. I can confidently put on my bikini and lie down on the beach as I sip my iced cocktail.
