6 Arm Moves That Work Better Than Push Ups

Firstly, we LOVE push-ups, don’t get us wrong… but we know the importance of consistently changing our arm routine in order to continue to see results. We are currently loving these 6 upper body exercises to tone and tighten your arms designed by personal trainer Chelsea Dornan for Cosmopolitan.com.

1. Bear Crawls: Begin in plank position with your shoulders stacked over your wrists. Keeping your hips low, move forward by simultaneously reaching forward with your left hand as you step forward with your right foot, and reaching with your right hand as you step forward with your left. Crawl across the room, then reverse and crawl backwards.

2. Tricep Dips: Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet on the floor and the palms of your hands on the ground behind you, fingertips facing your body. Draw your shoulder blades down as you lift your hips into tabletop position. Keeping your abs tight, bend your elbows. Pause, then press into your palms as you return to starting positions. Prop your legs up on a chair or bench to make things even more difficult.

3. Down Dog Push-Ups: Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, and walk your hands out in front of you a few feet, keeping your hips high. Then, bend your elbows out to the sides as you slowly lower the crown of your head toward the floor. Pause, then press into your palms as you return to starting position to complete the rep.

4. Punches: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Bring fists up to chin level. Brace your core as you punch straight forward with your right arm, twisting from the waist and rotating your shoulder forward for extra power. Immediately bring your fist back to starting position as you punch straight forward with your left fist. Continue alternating sides, or hold a one- to three-pound weight in each hand to increase intensity.

5. Arm Circles: Stand with your left knee at hip level and bent at a 90-degree angle, with your arms outstretched to your sides. Slowly and with control, circle your arms forward for 45 to 60 seconds. Then reverse for 45 to 60 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

6. Arm Extension to Shoulder Tap: Start in a plank position with your wrists under your shoulders. Your body should form a straight line between the top of your head and your toes. Engage your abs and glutes as you extend your right arm straight out and hold it for one second. Then, use the right hand to tap your left shoulder. Repeat with your left arm and continue to alternate sides.