“If you don’t want your upper arms waving long after you’ve said goodbye, you’ll need to work on your triceps.” From Try This: The skull crusher, for toned triceps by Melinda Fulmer, Los Angeles Times, March 9, 2013
OUCH! I do work on my triceps! However, now that I’m over fifty, still work in the fitness industry, you’d think I’d be immune to the “dreaded jiggle”. But NO! Truth be told, I haven’t worn sleeveless in years. My previously sculpted arms, although incredibly strong, just don’t look the same, less definition and looser skin.
I feel loss, the loss of youth, and shame, especially after reading the aforementioned article. I should be able to, but can’t, short of surgery, restore my appearance and I know better! Yet, I’m sad.
MEA CULPA! I can remember using the exact words quoted above early on in my career to motivate, to eek out, multiple reps from my students. In retrospect, I believe I encouraged the younger women but I fear I created false hope in the aesthetic for those whose age I am now. If only I knew then what I know today…
So what’s a woman my age to do? First off, let’s face it, young trainers just don’t “get” collagen breakdown, they think, like me, back in the day, that all you have to do is work your triceps and all will be well, you’ll look great. DON’T LISTEN TO THEM, OK?
But, if you’re younger than me, get your resistive and cardio work on to go sleeveless, flaunt it, enjoy it! If you’re my generation or older stay strong!
As for the best triceps exercises, I always trust the American Council on Exercise(ACE).