Andie MacDowell sat down with Good Housekeeping US last week, to talk about everything from her ideal morning routine (head outside, listen to the birds) to her signature scent (rose). The subject she was most excited about? Her arms.
‘God I’m so strong right now,’ she said. ‘I’d love to show you my arm muscles but that might be really weird. Just take my word for it, they’re fantastic.’
Her secret? ‘A lot of weights,’ according to Andie, but we wanted more, so we asked GH’s resident fitness expert Kim Hawley, ‘Overall strength is easy to improve,’ says Kim. ‘If time is short and you want three hard hitters, these are my top picks for arms.’
Shoulder Press
You’ll need some hand weights for this one.
Holding the weights, raise your arms straight overhead till your arms are fully extended, then lower your weights slowly down to just above shoulder height before pressing back up again. Keep your elbows slightly in front of your torso rather than flared directly out to the sides. Aim for six to 10 reps and repeat each set three times. Easily smashing out more than 12 reps? Congratulations, your reward is heavier weights.
Biceps curls
Hold a weight in each hand with your palms facing forward. Keep your elbows pinned to your ribs, and bend your elbows to bring the weights toward your shoulders. Squeeze your biceps at the top, and lower the weights carefully.
Keep the movement slow and controlled. We are aiming for between six and 10 reps and three sets in total.
FG Trade//Getty Images
Triceps extensions
Plant your right hand on the seat of a chair and hold a weight in the left. Keep your spine long and neutral, like you’re balancing a glass of water on your back. Pull your elbow back towards your hip and, keeping it still, extend your arm straight back – imagine pushing your pinky finger towards the ceiling all while keeping the shoulders facing forwards and hips level.
Lower the hand with control and repeat six to 10 times before switching sides. Complete three sets.
Push Ups
No excuse not to do this one, as you won’t need any equipment – just the will to get off the floor. Push ups work the triceps, biceps and shoulders as well as the chest, and they’re really easy to progress. Beginners can do these facing a wall, intermediates can work from the floor with knees under hips and advanced pushers simply move the knees behind the hips. Feeling particularly powerful after that protein shake? Full push ups on your toes are your next stop.
Klaus Vedfelt//Getty Images
Start in a high plank, with your hands just wider than shoulder-width apart, your fingers pointing forwards and your wrists under your shoulders. Lift up. Keeping your body in a straight line, brace your core and lower yourself towards your hands, with your elbows at around 30 to 45 degrees from the body to keep the shoulders happy and safe. Aim for 12 to 15 reps and repeat for three sets, with a little breather in between.
This year, GH is getting fit (enough). Join us!
The Fit (Enough) Club is an accessible, realistic and fun fitness community for women who hate fads and like treats. Sign up to the Good Life newsletter and, along with wellness tips and health advice, you’ll get a weekly dose of fitness advice and expert insights – a Fit (Enough) Club fix to keep you moving and motivated throughout 2026. You’ll also receive your special welcome pack.
Ready? Get set… Go!