Ask the Trainer: How to Get Rid of Annoying Armpit Fat

Group of people at the gym in a stretching classSandra Conti is Jersey Strong’s Director of Group Training. Whether it is Yoga, Group Power, or Group Ride, Sandra knows the ins and outs of group fitness. With extensive knowledge of our suite of classes, Sandra also knows how to target different areas of the body and certain muscle groups to make the most of your workout. Read her advice to target a common problem area.

 Lose Fat from Trouble Areas

Q: How can I work on getting rid of annoying armpit fat?

A: The area next to your underarm can be a trouble spot for just about anyone. That’s because no matter how much body fat you have, chances are, if your arm lays just the right way, even the most diligent gym goer will find this issue arise.

The lesson with arm fat doesn’t just pertain to this one problem area, as the resolution can be applied to many trouble spots, since they are often tricky areas to train. It is important to find and perform exercises that tighten up the muscles around your trouble spot. For the under arm specifically, incorporate the following exercises into your workout routine, along with consistent cardio for fat burning, and a diet low in fat.

pilates_workoutYou can perform a lying chest fly on a mat or bench. Lying on a mat, raise knees to a 90-degree angle, pressing lower back into the floor. With a suitable weight, keep elbows slightly bent and raise arms palms up until they meet, and then bring arms back down to your sides keeping about two inches from the floor. Repeat about 10 times for one set. Perform three sets in total.

An easy way to target the armpit area is by doing various push-up variations. Incorporate standard pushups, as well as close grip pushups into your routine. For an extra challenge, try a push-up rotation. When doing standard pushups, at the top pushup position continue in one motion moving into a side plank position and raising your opposite hand to the ceiling. Your body should form a diagonal line. Move back down into plank position and continue with a pushup and alternating your rotations.

jab_dumbbellsAnother fun one? The jab cross! This total movement comes from boxing. It not only works your back and arms, but it also warms up the upper body by providing much needed bloodflow. Even better, it improves speed and coordination.

– Stand with feet wider than shoulder width apart and keep knees slightly bent
– Bring arms up and push your left arm out in a punching motion
– Return to starting position and then push your right arm out
– Keep switching arms for an interval of 60 seconds
– Repeat 3 times with 30 second breaks in-between sets

And there you have it! A perfect starter pack to help you get to where you want to be for beach season. Looking for the best gym in New Jersey? Look no further! Swing by for family friendly classes, and the best gym experience around!