Body Weight as a Tool

When people think of buff or toned arms, weights or kettle bells usually come to mind first but what I have found is that body weight is another tool that is cost efficient and a great way to get the same results. By using body weight you can either tone and lean out or start to build the muscle you've been craving, which all depends on the amount of reps and type of movements. Below are exercises that I have found to have toned my arms in a matter of weeks that I think everyone should try if they are trying to achieve the same results.

    Regular push ups are a great place to start toning and strengthening your arms. For beginners, start out with short sets of a low rep count. For example, 3 sets  of 5 push ups or 2 sets of 10 push ups

 Push up and rotating not only works arms but core as well. Finding your balance is key but may take a while to adjust. Deep breaths help find your inner balance especially when you start to feel the burn. Once you have completed the move, return to a straightened arm plank and then slowly lower down to rest.

Diamond push ups focus on arms and your chest muscles as well. This exercise is great for toning those tank top muscles and will help with posture as well. These are a bit more intense than regular push ups so make sure you don't overdue it the first couple times you try it out. You will feel this the next day!

Tricep dips are another great exercise for tank top and dress weather. This move can transform from a low intensity movement to a high intensity movement simply by adding greater space between you and the floor. When starting out, try the floor for the first couple days and as you get stronger use benches, the side of couches,  chairs, or whatever else you can find that furthers your distance. 

Wide arm push ups are definitely a challenging move that take time to build up the proper muscle to execute successfully. Don't let your size of shoulders, being narrow or wider, be an excuse for quitting! Start with your arms shoulder width apart and then slowly widen them. As you get stronger you may increase the width of your arms but at a safe distance that doesn't compromise you from the push up motion.

• http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Best-Bodyweight-Exercises-30828261#photo-34243403