Is there anything I can be doing to help strengthen my arms when running?

[edqa233]

Do people run holding those little weights to help tone their arms? Do they work? Just feel like my legs are doing all the work and my arms aren't getting their fair share of exercise!

[birdistheword Graduate]

See I find mine are toning a little, I really swing them when I'm walking!!

[Goatskin]

I have bought those small weights with velcro, that you can strap on, so I dont have to hold anything. I've never used them mind - it's hard enough as it is! I intend to use them once I graduate, so afraid I can't comment on how well they work, but I'd imagine that if you're adding any resistance it should help work your arms more than without and will hopefully help tone.

[Katietaz Graduate]

My arms are really tired after running and I'm not using any weights at all, I just notice that when I shower afterwards my arms are so tired it's difficult to get the shampoo out of my hair!! Reckon they must be getting exercised as I swing them as I run!!

[runningwild Graduate]

I know what you mean, I feel like my legs are getting muscly and nothing on the upper body. I do Ashtanga yoga which is a killer on your arms, was surprised thought it would be easy, feel wonderful after though! I also do a few press ups when I get in from my run which I find very hard still!!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Do some weight training exercises on your rest day. I've taken up TRX at my gym its brilliant and very hard on arms, upper body, core and bum they all get a good workout. While your in the early stages I would suggest not using wrist weights just in case it throws your back out of alignment but once your graduated it would be something you could consider using too. For TRX info and what it is go to Google and You Tube.

[edqa233 Graduate]

Thanks Oldgirl and Runningwild, I'll check those out. Yes, think I'll not think about running with anything until I've graduated. One step at a time!

[Lin_Pin]

Have you tried Nordic Walking, if you like exercising outdoors, it uses poles and gives you an upper body workout as well as a lower body workout. You could use it in conjunction with your running. Its like having an outdoor cross-trainer.