[LLV]

I've got a pair of 6-pound weights I want to start using to build the pec area a little to try and make my breasts appear a little more firm. Yes, I know, no exercise will give you bigger breasts because there's no muscle in the breast, but several people have told me I can possibly make my 'saggy' breasts look a little better by simply building up my pecs. Also I'd like to tone my arms a little at the same time.

So does anyone have suggestions for exercises I can do once a day with my weights that will help with those areas?

Thanks!

[Nikki0711]

if you have a bench then do bench presses, pull overs or the fly.

you can do push ups

thats really about it for the chest

[LLV]

Originally Posted by Nikki0711

if you have a bench then do bench presses, pull overs or the fly.

Nope, no bench, I'm afraid.

Don't some people lie on their backs and do arm and chest exercises with the weights?

[Meg]

Hi Linda - you're going to need to lie on some kind of elevated surface so you can get your elbows down far enough for most chest exercises. An exercise ball makes an excellent bench and has the benefit of working your core too. People have also made do with coffee tables in a pinch.

There are two basic moves for chest (and endless variations): a chest press and a pec flye. They can be done on all kinds of elevations and with all kinds of equipment if you're in a gym. Since you're working out at home, you'll do fine with your DBs, though a weighted bar and resistance bands also work well for at-home workouts. The surface you lie on is going to have to be flat (unless you have a very funky coffee table! )

Here are little videos of the basic exercises:

Dumbbell Flyes

Dumbbell Press

Typically I'd start a woman out with 5# on the flyes and 8 - 10# on the presses. Your 6# DBs may be a little light for presses and could be a little heavy for flyes. But try out your 6's and see how they feel. You want to shoot for 2 - 3 sets of 12 - 15 reps - smooth and controlled, without jerking. Definitely throw in some sets of pushups.

As for your arms, the basic exercise for biceps (front of your arms) is curls and a good one for triceps (back of the arm) is kickbacks.

Dumbbell Curls

Dumbbell Kickbacks

Again, the 6's may be too light for curls and too heavy for kickbacks, but play around and see how you do. It might be worth investing in some 8's, 10's, 12's, and 15's because you'll be progressing fairly quickly.

I hope this helps a bit - feel free to ask me to explain more if I muddled things up.

[LLV]

Thanks so much, Meg!

[2frustrated]

I use my coffee table as a bench... what's so wrong in that??? At least it gets tidied every so often

Although the ball gets my vote for best workout tool since all your tiny little stabilising muscles have to work very hard to keep in the right position!

Go LINDA at starting weights You'll be hooked soon!

[LLV]

Originally Posted by 2frustrated

I use my coffee table as a bench... what's so wrong in that??? At least it gets tidied every so often

Although the ball gets my vote for best workout tool since all your tiny little stabilising muscles have to work very hard to keep in the right position!

Go LINDA at starting weights You'll be hooked soon!

Thanks

And I think I'll use my coffee table too. May as well!