Well-Armed

By Kristen Dollard, Photographs by Michael E.

Sculpt lean arms

No more whining about your pathetic spaghetti-noodle arms or underarm flab that you jiggle in front of the mirror to torture yourself. In these arm strengtheners, "you're moving and lifting your own body weight with grace,'' says Michael Lechonczak, cofounder of Intelligent Yoga in New York City. And soon, with power.

Downward Dog Variation (Adho Mukha Svanasana)


Get in Downward Facing Dog (your upside-down "V"), then create an air pocket under your palms by cupping your hands on the mat instead of placing them flat. Lift the palms so that only your fingertips touch the mat. You'll have to fire up the forearms by pressing the muscles from the elbow to the wrist into the mat to support your own body weight. (In a class use this variation in every Down Dog after you are warmed up.) Hold for 5 to 10 breaths, then return hands flat on the mat.

---