logo
episode-header-image
Apr 13
21m 22s

Trying to ‘Tone’ Your Arms? Why Lifting ...

JJ VIRGIN
About this episode

Tossing aside those tiny pink dumbbells might be the best decision you make for your arms! After 40 years helping people transform their bodies, I'm sharing why those high-rep, low-weight workouts aren't delivering the toned arms you want. True muscle definition comes from understanding what muscle tone actually is—a partial contraction that gives shape even at rest—and that requires stimulating real muscle growth with challenging weights. I break down exactly how many sets, reps, and what types of compound movements will transform your upper body, plus why concerns about getting "bulky" are completely unfounded (something I've literally never seen happen unless someone's overeating and not exercising).

 

What you’ll learn:

  • Why the "small weights, high reps" approach won't give you the toned arms you want

  • The truth about muscle tone and why you won't get "bulky" from resistance training

  • How compound movements are more effective than isolation exercises for defined arms

  • The ideal protein intake and training frequency for visible arm definition

  • The "vanity trio" of finishing exercises that can enhance your results

  • Why resistance training benefits not just your muscles but also bone density and skin elasticity

  • How to strategically build muscle first, then reduce body fat for maximum definition

 

Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do:

Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts!

  • Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review

  • Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627

  • Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? 

  • Go to subscribetojj.com

  • Enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99/month or $49.99/year (save 17%!)

  • Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

 

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/tonearms

 

Up next
Today
Reversing Alzheimer's: Brain Health Strategies for Midlife Women with Dr. Heather Sandison
“What we decide to put in our mouth each day, what time we decide to go to sleep, who we choose to engage with, how much movement we get, how we manage our stressors, those choices that we make each day that seem really simple, those have the biggest impact on our brain health as ... Show More
1h 6m
Jul 6
Energizing and Low Cost Morning Routine That Actually Works for Women Over 40
As someone who's spent decades helping women over 40 reclaim their energy and vitality, I'm pulling back the curtain on my real morning routine—the one that keeps me energized, focused, and in peak shape without fancy gadgets or hours of time. Forget those intimidating four-hour ... Show More
16m 13s
Jul 2
The Root Cause Approach to Healing Chronic Gut Issues with Hannah Aylward
"Our goal is to get you to the point where you can tolerate more foods with less pain and you can live your life. You can go on vacation and you can have some chips and guac or whatever, and you can be okay." - Hannah Aylward Hannah Aylward's journey from chronic gut dysfunction ... Show More
51 m
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
2435: The 8 Best Exercises to Get Strong, Toned Arms
The Eight Best Exercises to Get Strong, Toned Arms ‘Toned’ is a made-up word. (1:32) The importance of feeding your body correctly to repair, build, strengthen, and adapt. (4:05) Explaining the categories of exercises picked. (5:34) Compound  #1 - Reverse grip chin up. (13:03) #2 ... Show More
42m 35s
Feb 2025
#324 - I've reached my goal weight but don't look toned: here's why with Craig McDonald
You've Lost Weight… But Why Don’t You Look the Way You Want? 🤔And now you’re stuck eating low calories just to maintain your new weight…So many women come to us frustrated. They've done the restrictive diet and they’ve hit their “goal weight,” but their body still doesn’ ... Show More
52m 39s
Apr 3
2567: Women Who Lift: Breaking Myths and Building Muscle
Women Who Lift: Breaking Myths and Building Muscle The new norm. (1:07) Why has this trend shifted? (4:36) Selling strength training for women, the real benefits, and what makes it unique. (7:08) #1 – Promotes better hormone profiles. (7:51) #2 - Have better skin. (17:55) #3 - Ca ... Show More
49m 51s
Oct 2024
2453: Three Things NOBODY Tells You About Gaining Muscle After 40 (Listener Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer four Pump Head questions from the Sunday @mindpumpmedia Quah post. Mind Pump Fit Tip:  Three things NOBODY tells you about gaining muscle after 40. (1:53) Does your birth order play a role in your IQ? (21:14) Defining suc ... Show More
1h 23m
Jul 2024
2387: How Much Should You Really Workout?
How Much Should You Really Workout? The misconception around how much exercise you need to do to optimize your body’s progress. (2:07) Why does exercise, if done properly, build muscle? (5:05) “The goal is to do as little as possible, to elicit the most amount of change.” (11:38) ... Show More
44m 7s
Aug 2024
2667: 4 Tips to Feel Great With Strength Training by Nia Shanks on Varying Workout Splits
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2667:Nia Shanks offers four practical tips to ensure strength training feels great and doesn't leave you feeling achy. By sl ... Show More
12m 54s
Oct 2024
2440: If You Want to Build 10 lbs of Lean Muscle Before Winter Without Gaining Fat Do These 5 Things
If You Want to Build (10) lbs. Of Lean Muscle Before Winter Without Gaining Fat, Do These (5) Things How realistic is this goal? (1:14) Building muscle is a slow process. Consistency is key. (5:39) If You Want to Build (10) lbs. Of Lean Muscle Before Winter Without Gaining Fat, D ... Show More
35m 8s
Apr 10
2572: Only 15 Minutes a Day to Build Muscle & Burn Fat
 15 Minutes for Gains and Fat Loss How little it takes to reap most of the benefits of strength training. (1:16) Adaptation vs. recovery. (5:21) 15 Minutes to Build Muscle & Incredible Results with Strength Training. #1 - 90 minutes a week takes you very far. (7:46) #2 - Small da ... Show More
35m 30s
Mar 2025
2565: Add 1/2 Inch to Your Arms in 30 Days
Add 1/2 inch to your arms in 30 days Why do young lifters struggle to do this? (1:01) 6 Ways to Add 1/2 inch to your arms in 30 days #1 - Trade volume and frequency for arm training from other areas. (2:16) #2 - Do compound bicep and tricep exercises. (9:29) #3 - Do stretch exerc ... Show More
29 m
Aug 2024
2398: How to Lose Arm Fat, Weird But Effective Exercises, the Ideal Shoulder Position When Overhead Pressing & More
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom. Email live@mindpumpmedia.com if you want to be considered to ask your question on the show. Mind Pump Fit Tip: A novel way to get your body to start building muscle and strength again. (1:18) Mind ... Show More
1h 23m