Having said that, the arms are complex body parts in their own right and deserve a properly focused exercise program. In basic terms the arm consists of three main muscle groups:
1. Biceps brachii - two muscles at the front upper arm that run from the elbow to the shoulders.
2. Triceps brachii - three muscles at the rear upper arm that run from the elbow to the shoulder.
3. Forearm - several smaller muscles that run from the elbow to the wrist.
There are seven classic exercises that will allow beginners to get off to a good muscle building start without overstraining their bodies. For all of the exercises that follow, use a weight that is light enough to allow between 10-15 reps.
Three biceps building exercises are recommended for beginners:
1. Standing barbell curl - 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
2. Alternative standing dumbbell curls - 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
3. Preacher bench curls - 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
Three triceps building exercises are recommended for beginners:
1. Dips - 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
2. Close grip bench press - 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
3. EZ bar lying extensions - 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
One forearm building exercise is recommended for beginners:
1. EZ bar reverse curls - 3 sets of 10-15 reps.
As with all exercises you need to take care in scheduling specific body parts. To begin with you should incorporate your arm exercises into a program similar to the one suggested below:
Day 1: Biceps, Back, Abs
Day 2: Hamstrings, Shoulders, Abs
Day 3: Quads, Forearms, Calves
Day 4: Triceps, Chest, Abs
For the first couple of weeks complete one set but then add one set each week to a maximum of three. At the end of three months you will be ready to move on to more intensive intermediate level exercises.
