For a period in our lives, we both hated our arms. We would avoid sleeveless tops, crop sleeves, anything that showed our upper arms. It was around the time when we just moved to the Gold Coast in 2016, so when summer came instead of looking forward to sunshine and swims, we spiralled into comparison and self-criticism. Comparison to past us (when we were thinner and fitter) and comparison to others.
Our arms were “too soft. Too big. Too flabby, not defined enough. Ugly.”
It was exhausting.
Physically? Nope.
Emotionally and mentally? Completely.
Thankfully around this time we (re)discovered Pilates and Yoga and signed up for memberships to a Studio close by. This brought more movement, more laughter, more life back into our everyday. Yoga, Pilates, meditation… yes it was all amazing for our physical health and look of our bodies BUT the mental and emotional shifts were the real transformation.
It didn’t happen overnight.
There wasn’t one single “aha moment.”
It was more like a thousand tiny moments.
The Shift: From being obsessed with appearance and calling it “health,” to realising that health is about strength, wellbeing and connection to self.
We stopped exercising to control our bodies. We stopped exercising because we “hated our arms.” We started moving to connect with our bodies.
Instead of punishment, movement became:
- A way to feel strong in daily life.
- A way to support our posture when sitting at desks or carrying groceries (doing life).
- A way to feel present in our skin.
- A way to be at home in our bodies
We realised our arms were never the problem, the story was.
Now, we work out for:
- Longevity
- Joint support
- Feeling grounded
- Mental clarity
- Nervous system regulation
- JOY
If You’re Currently Hating Your Arms, You’re Not Alone
Maybe you’re still hiding in long sleeves.
Maybe you look at photos and zoom in on your upper arms first.
Maybe you’ve said “I can’t wear that” more times than you can count.
Just know: You’re not failing. You’re not vain. You’re not silly. You’re human.
But please know, there is another way.
Small Steps Toward Self-Acceptance
Here are a few reminders that helped us:
You don’t have to love your arms right away
You can simply feel neutral about them. Instead of judging the look of the arm, you simply look at what they do for you.
Movement feels better when it’s not punishment
If movement is for “fixing,” it becomes a chore.
If movement is for support, it becomes nurturing.
Take mental notes of what your arms do for you daily
They hug people.
They hold children.
They make coffee.
They carry groceries.
They get you dressed.
They help you exist in the world.
Your worth is not measured by how toned, slim, or “perfect” your arms look. You are more than a body. You are a whole, amazing, beautiful human being.
Want Some Support? Try This:
This short, simple practice focuses on building arm strength and supporting posture… in a way that feels good now.
Do it in your PJs.
Do it while the dinner is in the oven.
Do it when you need a reminder, that your body is amazing NOW.
This is movement that supports you, yes of course it will positively impact the physical body, you can and will get stronger… but you can also workout in a way that supports your mental health and lets you feels worthy now (no matter what you look like or how much you weigh).
7 Minute Arm Workout (Beginner Friendly)
In just 7 minutes, you’ll move through a series of targeted arm exercises that get you feeling stronger and more capable in everyday life. This routine is beginner-friendly and easy to fit into even the busiest day.
With consistency, you’ll notice things like:
- lifting things feeling easier
- more ease in your shoulders and posture
- a sense of strength you can feel
This workout is about presence… feeling grounded, supported and confident in your own skin. Join us now, 7 minutes, just you + your breath + your amazing arms.
If you love the workout, sign up to a 7 day trial of our App! Download from your App Store or sign up here!