That’s right: armpits. While a flat, toned stomach might be the holy grail most people have in mind when they think of getting fit, armpit fat is a problem for many of us. The good news is that there are lots of great exercises you can do right at home to tone your armpit area and kick that fat to the curb. Here are 7 of the best:

1. Pull Ups

   This one can be tough if you don’t normally work pull-ups into your routine. But pull-ups will work some serious wonders for your shoulder/armpit area. If you find regular pull ups too hard, you can settle for a chin up for starters. You can even do assisted pull-ups with a resistance band.

2. Lying Chest Fly

   Start by laying down on your back. Hold small weights (just a few pounds) in your hands and keep them out to the sides. Lift your legs and bend your knees at a 90-degree angle. Raise your arms up until the weights just touch. Lower them down, then repeat. Engage your core the whole time!

3. Chest Press

   Lay on your back, again with small weights in your hands and your knees slightly bent. Place your arms out to the sides, then bend your arms at the elbows until they form a 90-degree angle. Push them toward the ceiling, but stop just before they’re straight. Lower them down, and repeat.

4. Pulling Weights

   Shake things up with this one–you’ll start out by laying down on your stomach this time. Grasping your small weights, reach your arms back (up toward the ceiling). At the same time, lift your head and chest up slightly. Move your arms outwards and then lower your chest. Whew!

5. The Swan

   This one’s a little easier, if you need a break. Start out on your stomach again, but this time put your palms on the floor underneath your armpits. Keeping your elbows out a bit, lift your body up a few inches, then lower back down. It should feel a little like a pushup.

6. Standing Reverse Fly

   Grab those small weights again! Hold them up in front of you. Relax your knees a bit and bend a bit at the waist–but keep your back straight. Lifting your arms out and up, pinch your shoulders together. Lower your arms and repeat.

7. Swimming

   No, you’re not going to need a pool for this exercise! Instead, lay down on your belly with your arms and legs outstretched and slightly off the ground. All you have to do is move them a bit as though you actually were swimming.

Start out small with these exercises. Try 3 sets of 15 reps whenever you do your routine, for instance, then work your way up if you want more dramatic results. These exercises can definitely be a big help in getting rid of pesky armpit fat, as long as you’re eating healthy and keeping fit overall, too.

One other point worth mentioning: it also helps to make sure you wear well-fitting bras! Wear one that’s too small, and it can end up squishing your skin between your breast and arm–aka the “bra bulge.” That can make even the most toned of us seem like there’s an armpit fat problem.

Source: Little Things