For some fitness fanatics arms are the new abs, and with all of those shirt sleeves and strappy dresses about to hit the shelves for summer, it’s more important than ever to get your arms looking and feeling their best. There are some basic moves that you can use to amp up the muscular definition without going overboard, along with a few tips that can help you work your arms at home, the gym, or anywhere else you go.

Work Your Way Up

One of the best things to do when it comes to toning arms that haven’t been worked on before is to start small and work your way up. Weak arms are a common problem in people who spend most of their time doing cardio and don’t focus on pushups or lifting. This can make it feel nearly impossible to get started when you try to begin with a full pushup off of the floor. A little known secret for making your arm workout easier is to decrease the angle to take some of the weight off of your arms. You can start off by leaning into a wall, and angling your feet away from it as you push off and relax back into it. Next use the back of a couch, or a bar at the gym; before you know it you’ll be able to do one handed pushups like a pro.

Get Weights For Home

If you’re not one for heading to the gym then you could invest in a couple of hand weights in 5 and 10 pound increments. You can use these while you walk around the block, use them for curls while sitting on the couch watching television, or introduce them to your yoga routine. You can also do arm specific workouts like tricep swings.

“Lie faceup with feet on floor, knees bent, a 5-lb dumbbell in each hand. Keep them a few inches off floor. Keeping arms straight, raise left arm over chest while right arm stays over head. Lower to start and repeat. Do 15 reps with left arm, then switch sides. Do 2-3 sets.” – Health Magazine

If you’re really not interested in weights, or can’t afford to pick up a set right now, then focus on arm-centric moves like boxing, rock climbing, or swimming. If you’re not completely sold on working out with weights then you still might be surprised at how many sports and activities can help get your arms into shape.

Clean Up Your Diet

As with any form of fitness endeavor, you can’t just start an exercise routine and hope for the best, you’ve got to go all in by creating a lifestyle change and alter your eating habits a little bit as well. The best way to enjoy food when you’re trying to get in shape is to eat clean and this means removing simple sugars and processed foods from your diet.

“Clean up your diet. Begin to replace sugars, processed white flour, and other processed food with fresh berries, veggies, and lean protein.” – Elle Magazine

Stick to recipes with just a few ingredients, and make sure that if you do buy something that’s pre-made that you understand everything written on the label.