{"id":329,"date":"2022-05-14T14:34:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-14T14:34:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2023-09-20T00:09:44","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T16:09:44","slug":"how-to-slim-your-arms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/how-to-slim-your-arms\/","title":{"rendered":"My Genetics Seem To Be Working Against Me To Slim Arms. How Can I Check My DNA?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If it\u2019s in your genes to have unproportionally large arms, you might be wondering \u201chow can I check DNA\u201d to slim your arms when your genetics are working against you. Have you been doing the work, putting in time at the gym, but you still have stubborn fat on your arms that refuses to \u2018come off\u2019? Do other members of your family seem to have unproportionally large arms?<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, regardless of what we do in the gym, we end up seeing results in some places on our bodies, while other areas of the body don\u2019t seem to change much. For women and men, the arms can be one of those areas that are more difficult to target. It can often take longer to see results on your arms. That can be due to genetics, high levels of cortisol secretion, or low levels of testosterone.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re thinking \u201chow can I check my DNA\u201d and trying to figure out how to slim your arms, tone them, or lose fat in your arms, the only way to do that is to lose weight all over. This can be frustrating for women who don\u2019t want to lose weight everywhere \u2013 they only want to lose weight in their arms. Unfortunately, spot reduction is rarely possible to achieve. However, perhaps you\u2019re okay with losing some weight all over, and you could try to do that and see some results in your arms.<\/p>\n<p>When you do arm workouts frequently, you\u2019ll build more muscle in your arms, which does help burn fat.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, if you want your arms to get bigger, then you have to do exercises that target your arm muscles 2-3 times\/week.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, our genetics play a pretty significant role when it comes to our body shape, so it makes sense that \u201chow can I check my DNA\u201d bothers you so much. Regardless of how much work we put in, if you don\u2019t have the genetics to grow prominent arm muscles, then you may never see the big gains you\u2019re hoping for.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s not to say that you shouldn\u2019t work your arms. Even if they don\u2019t \u2018pop\u2019, having strong arm muscles will increase your metabolism and contribute to fat loss all over, including your arms. You may just need to be even more patient!<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to start targeting your arm muscles, read on for some tips on how to slim your arms and tone them, even if genetics are working against you:<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-can-i-check-my-dna-and-understand-the-muscles-in-my-arms\">How can I check my DNA and understand the Muscles in my Arms<\/h2>\n<p>There are three large muscles in your upper arms. Your biceps are located at the front of your upper arms, and are used for pulling and lifting. Your triceps are a large muscle running along the back of your arm that is used to extend the elbow. Your deltoids have three parts. Your deltoids attach your arm to the rest of your body and help you move it in different directions.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to learn how to slim your arms or tone them, target these three muscles during your arm workouts.<\/p>\n<p>But if you are wondering \u201chow can I check my DNA so that I know how to slim down one particular area\u201d, you simply can\u2019t.<\/p>\n<p>Ashley Hawksworth, a personal trainer and nutritionist for <a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/stagfitnessnortheast\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">STAG Fitness<\/a> explains, \u201cUnfortunately you cannot target where the fat comes off your body. You can, however, target muscle growth.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hawksworth continues to point out, \u201cIt\u2019s a common myth that you can tone or shape your muscles. You can\u2019t. Muscles can only grow or not grow. So, to slim down your arms, you will need to grow the arm muscles.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That being said, your genetics are a factor when it comes to the <em>shape <\/em>of your arm muscles, and that will play a role in how they develop as you grow them.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/content_images_assets.prenetics.com_blog.circledna.com_wp-content_uploads_2022_08_12163734_handsome-muscular-young-man-looking-at-biceps-whil-2022-03-31-23-15-55-utc-min-1.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-slim-your-arms-with-exercises-that-target-the-biceps\">How to Slim Your Arms with Exercises that Target the Biceps<\/h2>\n<p>The type of bicep muscle you were born with will determine how big the muscle looks when it\u2019s flexed or relaxed. People with long bicep muscles tend to have big, full arms regardless of whether or not they are flexing. On the other hand, if someone was born with short bicep muscles, their arm might look small when relaxed but will have a high peak while flexed, making it appear large.<\/p>\n<p>Movements that incorporate pulling or lifting work your biceps. Try not to use any momentum by rocking your body. Instead, focus on keeping your core tight and bending at the elbow.<\/p>\n<p><!--kg-card-begin: html--><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=bf0Ip4DW8y4\&quot;" data-rel=\"lightbox-video-0\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Bicep Curls<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong> There are many, many variations to bicep curls, each one approaching the exercise from different angles. This is a great way to build muscle as it offers different levels of resistance to the smaller muscles within your arms. Some common variations are&nbsp;\n<ol>\n<li>Barbell curls<\/li>\n<li>Hammer curls<\/li>\n<li>Incline curls<\/li>\n<li>Preacher curls<\/li>\n<li>Standing cable curls<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!--kg-card-end: html--><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"exercises-that-target-triceps\">Exercises that Target Triceps<\/h2>\n<p>Some of the best exercises if you\u2019re trying to learn how to slim your arms involve tricep exercises. Movements that target the triceps involve pushing or otherwise extending the arm.<\/p>\n<p>The muscle is made up of<a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/rogersathletic.com\/updates\/get-strong-blog\/activating-the-three-heads-of-the-tricep\/#:~:text=The%20tricep%20muscle%20located%20on,medial%2C%20lateral%20and%20long%20head.\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> three heads,<\/a> the medial head, the long head and the lateral head. Some people are born with a very prominent lateral head, while others have a thick long head. The medial head is deep within the arm and, while it\u2019s activated for most types of movements, it is not prominent. \u00a0If you\u2019re looking to grow the muscle, train the long head.<\/p>\n<p>Some exercises include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3jxrjl4B8-U\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tricep pull-downs <\/a>\u2013 can be done with a rope or a bar.<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sM6XUdt1rm4\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tricep dips<\/a>. Use bodyweight or hold a plate on your lap.<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=8_ILkbB9an8\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Diamond push-ups.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZO81bExngMI\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kickbacks<\/a> \u2013 use a dumbbell or a pulley system.<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X-iV-cG8cYs\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Overhead tricep extensions<\/a> using a dumbbell or pulley system.<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NIWKqcmpBug\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Skull crushers.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=vEUyEOVn3yM\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Close-grip benchpress<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1646938863839-4d49ded55765?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&amp;ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8NDV8fGFybSUyMHdvcmtvdXR8ZW58MHx8MHx8&amp;w=1000&amp;q=80\" class=\"kg-image\" alt=\"circlemagazine-circledna-how-can-i-check-my-dna\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" temp=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1646938863839-4d49ded55765?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&amp;ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8NDV8fGFybSUyMHdvcmtvdXR8ZW58MHx8MHx8&amp;w=600&amp;q=80 600w, https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1646938863839-4d49ded55765?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&amp;ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8NDV8fGFybSUyMHdvcmtvdXR8ZW58MHx8MHx8&amp;w=1000&amp;q=80 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 720px) 720px\"><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"exercises-that-target-the-shoulders\">Exercises that Target the Shoulders<\/h2>\n<p>When it comes to the shape and maximum potential of muscle growth in the shoulders, unfortunately, your genes might be working against you.<\/p>\n<p>Shoulder muscles can be described as either short or long. Long shoulder muscles can grow big, resulting in wide, broad shoulders, while shorter shoulder muscles typically max out before they grow very large.<\/p>\n<p>To target your shoulders, try any of these exercises:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=B-aVuyhvLHU\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shoulder press<\/a> \u2013 use either a barbell to work both arms at once, or a dumbbell or <a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/benefits-of-using-kettlebells-in-your-workouts\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">kettlebell<\/a> to isolate one arm at a time. Isolation exercises can get better results because both arms are working just as hard. When both arms (or legs, for that matter) work together, it\u2019s easier to let your stronger side take over and compensate for the weaker side, leading to uneven muscle development.<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1RsEmC4Us9c\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dumbbell I-Y-T-W<\/a> \u2013 use dumbbells or cables for this one. It works your shoulders from every angle, isolating each deltoid, and the \u2018W\u2019 component strengthens your trapezius.<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jCfcGei-NqM\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Landmine press<\/a> \u2013 Similar to a shoulder press, but a great option if you have mobility issues that prevent you from extending overhead.<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WOJIrYjS5c4\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Resistance band lateral\/frontal raise<\/a> \u2013 This can be done from home, works two deltoid areas at once, and is gentler on your shoulders than lifting weight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-can-i-check-my-dna-and-slim-my-arms-the-bottom-line\">How can I check my DNA and slim my arms: The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>It would be great if we could target specific areas for fat reduction, but unfortunately, our bodies don\u2019t work like that.<\/p>\n<p>And as we\u2019ve seen, some people have a genetic advantage when it comes to slim arms. Some people also genetically have a higher metabolism, optimal muscle shape, skeletal structure, and the predisposition to grow larger muscles can all contribute to how defined your arms, and the rest of your body, look.<\/p>\n<p>How can I check my DNA and lose weight healthily with a scientific method? Having a correct mindset is the first and most important step to a successful weight loss. Next step is to understand your DNA. Easier way to do it is to take a DNA test.<\/p>\n<p>Some of these genetic traits are visible, but others require a DNA test to figure out. You can learn more about your genetic physical traits with a <a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau&amp;utm_format=article&amp;utm_creator=&amp;utm_content=how-to-slim-your-arms\&quot;" rel=\"noopener\">CircleDNA test<\/a>. The results even reveal which types of exercises suit you best, based on your DNA.<\/p>\n<p>The bottom line, however, is that if you want to slim or tone your arms, isolating and targeting the muscles is the only way to do it. \u201cThere are no magical foods either,\u201d says Hawskworth. \u201c[it\u2019s just a matter] of eating less to create a calorie deficit that will allow your fat stores to be mobilized and used for energy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Muscle definition is more prominent in a body with a lower percentage of body fat, and as your <a target=\"_new0.42448724752709943\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/benefits-of-strength-training\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">muscles grow<\/a>, your metabolism increases, requiring your body to burn more fat and more calories at rest. As Hawksworth explains, \u201cFat loss will be lost from all over the body and you may not notice much of an impact on your arms at first, but eventually, some fat will be lost there.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If it\u2019s in your genes to have unproportionally large arms, you might be wondering \u201chow can I check DNA\u201d to slim your arms when your genetics are&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2434,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[5163,7962,9002,8480,321,8720,63,49,4387,719],"class_list":["post-329","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellness","tag-against","tag-dna","tag-genetics","tag-lose-weight","tag-parenthood","tag-personal-trainer","tag-pessimism-en","tag-teeth-grinding-en","tag-wellness","tag-working"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/329","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=329"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/329\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2434"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=329"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=329"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=329"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}