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Original poster

Upper arms look awful 😞

68 replies

Monkeytapper · 19/07/2021 15:20

Im 43 I’m a size 12, …I run 3 times a week so the rest of my body is in proportion but my upper arms are just awful.

I’ve tried upper arm exercises with weights at home and also got a ‘power spin ’ hoop that I follow a routine on YouTube.

I was heavier a few years ago so am guessing the skin has stretched and will never bounce back regardless of what I do.

Love the hot weather but just feel so paranoid if I have to wave or lift my arms up.

I know no one is looking at me but I keep going from thinking I’m just going to accept this is me and to just get on with it, to then googling surgeons.

I’m off for a run tonight and would love to put a vest on rather than a T-shirt bit in my head all I can think about is my arms flapping behind me.

Anyone else feel this way or has anyone managed to improve their upper arms?

Photo doesn’t really reflect the ‘movement’ of them

Upper arms look awful 😞
OP posts:
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FlowerArranger · 19/07/2021 16:09

2 words:

Caroline Girvan.

Discovered her in February and never looked back Wink

Original poster
Monkeytapper · 19/07/2021 16:09

@Ozanj….I’ll look into Pilates, thanks….Got one of these, so will keep doing the routines twice a day.

Upper arms look awful 😞
OP posts:
TellMeHowYouMet · 19/07/2021 16:08

I used to hate my upper arms and never wore any sleeveless tops.

I still don't love them, but they are so much better since I've started lifted weights.

Ozanj · 19/07/2021 16:04

Pilates. So far I’m only doing it once a week and the bingo flap and clap has definitely turned to just a flap. With 2 sessions I’ve been promised the flap will go too but my core is currently too weak.

Original poster
Monkeytapper · 19/07/2021 16:04

@Leftbutcameback, they look ok to me, if you flap your arms do they swing!? Wink

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Original poster
Monkeytapper · 19/07/2021 16:02

@habibihabibi yes, looks expensive, painful and leaves you with unsightly scars.

I put it to the back of my mind but it’s when it’s lovely weather it feels worse. I do wear short sleeves but am always conscious of not lifting my arms up when I’m out and about.

Reading this back I know I sound absolutely pathetic.

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Leftbutcameback · 19/07/2021 16:02

I think we just have unrealistic expectations from those with really toned arms. Even my fitness instructor who has very toned arms and legs has a bit of arm flop.

Alonelonelylonersbadidea · 19/07/2021 16:01

My arms are exactly like yours and I wasn't worried. Now I am!

Do you do tricep curls?

MarleneDietrichsSmile · 19/07/2021 16:01

Isn’t that just how normal arms look?

The lower muscle is “hanging” as not being stretched in that pose?

Leftbutcameback · 19/07/2021 16:00

I did try to post a photo but no luck!

Leftbutcameback · 19/07/2021 16:00

I think yours are fine! They look normal tbh. I’m almost the same age and size as you, I swim, ride and do yoga and mine look a lot worse!

Original poster
Monkeytapper · 19/07/2021 15:57

@Pixissmoke thank you, photo doesn’t show the way they hang/flap

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habibihabibi · 19/07/2021 15:55

Mine are dreadful and always have been but getting worse with age. I never wear anything sleeveless, even to the gym. I even have a long sleeved swimsuit.
I've always exercised but nothing changes. I considered surgery but saw a plastic surgery documentary where an upper arm lift was done and it looked so painful and scarred alot.

Pixissmoke · 19/07/2021 15:52

I don't see what is wrong with your arms? They look totally normal to me.

MegaCityOne · 19/07/2021 15:50

It is hard not to be critical of yourself. Your arms look fine to me. People really don’t look as much as we think they do.
I’m overweight, and I have bumps in my arms that make it look like I have got an arse on my arm. I’m looking to do toning exercises too to slim them down as much as I can.

Original poster
Monkeytapper · 19/07/2021 15:46

Hi ladies, I wouldn't mind so much if they were firm, but they just feel so flappy. If there was a procedure that ‘froze’ the skin or even ‘filled’ the skin so it’s not just hanging.

Looked at cool-sculpting but I dont reckon it will help much.

I need to get into the mind -set that no one is looking or critiquing me, I am my own biggest critique. I should be able to go out and think ‘this is me’ and not worry.

I just don’t believe there is any exercises that can fill loose skin, maybe make it look a bit better. I’ll keep trying though.

OP posts:
Shodan · 19/07/2021 15:28

I have no useful information for you, but wanted to say that I have the exact same problem and also find it quite depressing.

My son, who is a v keen weightlifter, assures me that if I can build up my muscles then they'll sort of 'fill' the skin better, but I don't know if that's true. He did also say it would take 6 months to a year to sort out (no idea if that's true either!)

coodawoodashooda · 19/07/2021 15:21

Me too.

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