5 Tips to Keep the Gains Coming
How Fitness Expert Jeff Halevy Avoids Underarm Irritation
As part of our mission to keep underarms irritation free, we asked specialists to contribute their unique expertise to the Dove Men+Care Deodorant “The Guide to Complete Underarm Care” publication. This article comes from fitness expert, Jeff Halevy.
Working out is incredibly rewarding but it can be tough on your body. Swinging your arms, for example, is an essential part of balance and gait, and a crucial aspect of exercise. But for many — that swinging also causes underarm friction. I’m working with Dove Men+Care Deodorant to show you how to apply a little care to your workout — so you can work your muscles without irritating skin.
Modify. Switch it up. Do what works for you.
If you’re looking to modify your fitness routine for less friction, try these 5 exercises. And if you’re looking for a non-irritant antiperspirant, try Dove Men+Care.
1. Instead of rowing try a straight arm lat pulldown
Rowing is a great workout, but the movement can make the upper arm rub against the body — causing a lot of friction.
Instead, try a lat pulldown to work out triceps.
Grab the bar just outside shoulder width, and bend over slightly. Pull the bar down with straight arms to your hip crease and remember to keep the spine neutral.
2. Instead of narrow grip cable rows try pull-ups or chin-ups
A narrow grip row always mashes the armpit. If you can do them, try pull-ups or chin-ups. They’re not easy, but because it’s a vertical versus a horizontal pulling motion the armpit is way less affected.
3. Instead of dips try a dumbbell floor press
Dips are the king of upper body exercise. But it can also be harsh on the underarm area.
You can work the same muscle group with a dumbbell floor press. When you do it correctly, it leaves room between the arm and the armpit.
Start with a pair of dumbbells while laying on the floor. With arms at a 45 degree angle, press up so they’re straight above the shoulders, and lower down. Pause. Then do your next rep.
4. Instead of bent over dumbbell rows try a modified version
Modify this classic exercise by switching up the angle of your arms.
First, pull the dumbbell out to the angle of a reverse bench press. Then, bring the dumbbell close to the body and hold it with an overhand grip (versus a neutral grip). Row the dumbbell to the outside of the body so that the armpit is at a 45 degree angle.
This exercise is also great for rear deltoids.
5. Instead of a close-grip barbell bench press try a tricep pushdown
A lot of guys go for the close grip bench press — especially during beach season. Try this instead.
With a cable machine, keep your arm against the body and just move the elbow. This works the tricep, without the painful friction.
Overall, if you’re looking for less friction, try exercises in which the armpit is wide open. Mix it up, and see what works for you.
I’ve also switched up my underarm care to find what works for me. Now, I apply non-irritant Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant for 48 hour sweat protection. It’s powerful, but gentle on my skin — so I get the gains with no compromise.
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