7 Moves for Jiggle-Free Arms

Mistake-Proof Your Workout

Poor form can sabotage your arm-toning routine by allowing other muscle groups to do all the work. See if you're cheating yourself out of results during these common arm exercises:

The Move: Biceps curl
The Cheat: Bending forward or backward at the waist makes it easy for momentum to take over.
Fix It: Do the move with your back against a wall.

The Move: Standing shoulder press
The Cheat: Many people bend their knees too much, then stand up to give themselves added power when pressing the weights overhead.
Fix It: Do the move seated instead.

The Move: Triceps push-down
The Cheat: If you draw your elbows behind you as you press the bar down, it shifts the effort off the triceps and onto the shoulders and lower chest muscles.
Fix It: Pin your elbows to your sides to prevent them from swaying back.

Originally published in Fitness magazine, May 2005.