Muscle & Fitness logo Muscle & Fitness

  • Workouts

    Workouts

    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
    Find Exercises Targeting…
    • Abs and Core Exercises
    • Arm Exercises
    • Back Exercises
    • Chest Exercises
    • Leg Exercises
    • Shoulder Exercises
  • Nutrition

    Nutrition

    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
    Female grocery shopper checking her grocery receipt to match her budget
    Healthy Eating

    Yes, You Can Make Muscle-Making Meals on the Cheap

    Dwayne the Rock Johnson healthy protein shake recipe to fuel his massive workouts
    Healthy Eating

    Dwayne Johnson Shares His Protein Shake Recipes

    Bodybuilder using a protein scooper to measure out how much protein he needs
    Performance Nutrition

    How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

    Intermittent Fasting window with a clock and healthy foods
    Healthy Eating

    New Study Reveals the Optimal Daily Fasting Window for Maximum Mental Cl...

  • Athletes & Celebrities

    Athletes & Celebrities

    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
    Women enjoying life and becoming better people after using yoga
    Interviews

    Being your ‘Best Self’ is Too Vague, This Coach Says Become 'Better' Ins...

    Fifth Military Wellness Symposium
    Pro Tips

    Fifth Military Wellness Symposium Covered Importance of Fitness to Natio...

    Firefighter Matt Gehlbech standing next to his company fire truck
    News

    Matt Gehlbach Shares His Story To Becoming the Trophy Dad

    Nicholas Pinnock
    News

    Why Nicholas Pinnock’s Training Mixes Punching with Pilates

  • Features

    Features

    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
    FDA approves Myostatin Inhibitor
    News

    They Finally Made a Drug That Targets Muscle—And Bodybuilders Should Pay...

    Beyond the scale
    From our Partners

    Beyond the Scale: How Metabolic Health Impacts Fitness, Energy, and Long...

    Broken pieces of dark chocolate
    News

    Smelling Chocolate Churns Out More Reps, According to Study

    Food worker handling ultra processed foods that can lead to an increased risk of prostate cancer
    News

    Ultra Processed Foods Pose Significant Prostate Cancer Risk Says Study

  • Anti-Aging

    Anti-Aging

    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
    Stem Cell Therapy displayed on a screen with medical equipment
    Recovery

    What Questions You Should Be Asking Before Stem Cell Treatment?

    Director of Cornucopia Events Mini Vohra, a celebrity events strategist, Director of Cornucopia Events, British entrepreneur, and former barrister
    Wellness

    Longevity Is the New Luxury: Inside the $100K Biohacking Lifestyle

    Wellness retreat attendees performing yoga at SHA wellness retreat
    Wellness

    Can Your Biomarkers Build A Vacation Itinerary?

    Elderly man placing weights on a barbell
    Wellness

    Strength Training Is the New Anti-Aging Drug

  • Flex

    Flex

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
    Olympia owner Jake Wood with 2026 Olympia bodybuilding winner Nick Walker
    News

    Why the Olympia Still Holds the Crown as the Pinnacle of Bodybuilding

    Bodybuilder Lee Haney undergoes a successful kidney transplant
    News

    Lee Haney Receives Life-Saving Kidney Transplant

    Bodybuilder Ryan Terry wins the 2026 Men's Physique Mr. Olympia competition
    News

    Ryan Terry Says Pre-Olympia Injury Almost Took Him Out of Contention

    Nick Walker wins the 2026 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition
    News

    How the "Mutant" Defeated Samson Dauda & Derek Lunsford to Become Mr. Ol...

  • Hers

    Hers

    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
    Devyn Dalton stunt double for Matt Damon on the Odyssey gives her workout tips
    Hers Workouts

    Devyn Dalton Explains the Movements that Put Her Arms in 'The Odyssey'

    Devyn Dalton
    Hers Workouts

    How a 4'6" Stunt Pro Outtrained Hollywood Using Body Weight

    Christina Kirkman performing her boxing training routine
    Hers Athletes & Celebrities

    Christina Kirkman Might Be the Most Confident Person in the Room

    Image 1_ avp
    Hers Athletes & Celebrities

    The Real Story Behind Betsi Flint's Incredible Postpartum Comeback

  • Olympia

    Olympia

    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
    Caesar Bacarella performing a dumbbell workout with biceps curls
    Pro Tips

    Caesar Bacarella Is Building a Fitness Empire at Full Speed

    Olympia-2019-Whiteny-Jones-Press-Conference
    Interviews

    Whitney Jones Can Break, But Can Never Be Broken

    IFBB Wellness Pro Yarishna Ayala
    Interviews

    Yarishna Ayala Shares Advice for Future Wellness Division Competitors

    2021 Mr. Olympia Top 3 winners Brandon Curry, Big Ramy, Hadi Choopin
    News

    BIG RAMY WINS THE 2021 OLYMPIA!

Subscribe to YouTube Subscribe to the Newsletter Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Accessibility Statement Do Not Sell
  • Workouts
    • Workout Routines
    • Workout Tips
    • Fitness
    • Athlete/Celebrity Workouts
    • Exercise Videos
  • Nutrition
    • Healthy Eating
    • Lose Fat
    • Gain Mass
    • Supplements
    • Performance Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
    • News
    • Interviews
    • Women
    • Pro Tips
    • Behind-the-Scenes
    • Videos
  • Features
    • From our Partners
    • Active Lifestyle
    • M&F: Fit to Serve
    • Gear
    • News
    • Opinion
  • Anti-Aging
    • Functional Medicine
    • Hormone Optimization
    • Recovery
    • Wellness
  • Flex
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Athletes
    • Nutrition
    • Training
    • Videos
  • Hers
    • Workouts
    • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Athletes & Celebrities
    • Features
  • Olympia
    • Olympia Coverage
    • Buy Tickets
  • Resources & Highlights
    • Topics
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Do Not Sell

Stay Connected

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest
Open menu button
Open search bar button
×

Search M&F

Featured Articles
Lean Muscle
Healthy Eating

28-Days-to-Lean Meal Plan

With the right plan and the right discipline, you can get seriously shredded in just 28 days.

Read article
Glamorous Hollywood actress in a black evening gown posing at a red carpet event, representing one of the hottest female celebrities in Hollywood
Women

The 25 Hottest Female Celebrities

Talented stars, killer physiques.

Read article
Bench press record holder Bill Gillespie breaking the world record at age 62
Pro Tips

The 'Dos' and 'Don’ts' of Bill Gillespie’s Record-Breaking Bench Press

At age 62, "Big Bill" shares his wisdom to dominate one of the ultimate strength marks.

Read article
The 50 Best Female Fitness Influencers on Instagram
Girls

The 50 Best Fitness Influencers on Instagram

Follow these fit women we're crushing on for inspiration, workout ideas, and motivation.

Read article
Arm Exercises

6 Tips for Decked Out Arms

IFBB pro Omar Deckard gives up some of the secrets he used to build his stage-worthy bis and tris. (Hint: It's really nothing fancy.)

by Omar Deckard
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
dumbbell
View Gallery

6 Tips for Decked Out Arms

Close gallery popup button
1 OF 7

1 of 7

dumbbell

Determine Weight Loads

I determine my weight loads on a workout-by-workout basis; it just depends on how I feel that day. You should train with logic and reason, and that means going by your energy levels and listening to your body. I train as heavy as I feel I can possibly go on a particular day.

2 of 7

dumbbell curl

Avoid Too Much Change

At this stage in my career, I never really change my exercises around too much. I’ve found what works best for me and what my arms respond to. But if I’m looking for more detail or shape, I’ll add sets or reps to certain movements such as concentration curls or rope pressdowns.

3 of 7

stretching

Don’t Overlook Stretching

Something that people overlook is stretching. You should stretch to make sure your muscle bellies can extend, fill with more blood and grow. Once I plateaued and started stretching my calves, for example, I found that growth in them came a little easier.

4 of 7

dumbbell curl

Focus on Your Form

The first thing you need to focus on when training arms or any other bodypart is proper form. Cheating your reps is an advanced principle that should be used only later in a set. That’s why seated movements are good—they eliminate your ability to swing the weight.

5 of 7

chicken breast

Don’t Forget Diet, Rest & Recovery

Make sure you pay attention to diet, rest and recovery; it’s not all about what you do in the gym. You have to train your arms, sure, but you need to eat the proper foods after training to maximize your growth. Don’t eat to feed your belly—eat to feed your muscles.

6 of 7

kettlebell

Keep it Simple

Don’t overcomplicate your routine with too many movements and intensity techniques. I stick to basic mass-building exercises and rep ranges, although I superset occasionally to turn things up a notch.

7 of 7

dumbbell curl

Omar’s Arm Workout

Exercise Sets Reps
Seated Alternating Dumbbell Curl 4 ¹ 10
Standing EZ-Bar Curl 3—4 6—8
Concentration Curl 3—4 8—10
Rope Pressdown 4 ² 20—30
Seated Overhead Dumbbell Extension 4 6—8
Lying Triceps Extension 3 8—12

¹ Omar uses the first two sets as warm-ups.
² He often “pumps” out reps on the first two sets, using a short, quick range of motion to warm up for the next two high-rep working sets at a heavier weight.

Back to intro

Determine Weight Loads

I determine my weight loads on a workout-by-workout basis; it just depends on how I feel that day. You should train with logic and reason, and that means going by your energy levels and listening to your body. I train as heavy as I feel I can possibly go on a particular day.

Avoid Too Much Change

At this stage in my career, I never really change my exercises around too much. I’ve found what works best for me and what my arms respond to. But if I’m looking for more detail or shape, I’ll add sets or reps to certain movements such as concentration curls or rope pressdowns.

Don't Overlook Stretching

Something that people overlook is stretching. You should stretch to make sure your muscle bellies can extend, fill with more blood and grow. Once I plateaued and started stretching my calves, for example, I found that growth in them came a little easier.

Focus on Your Form

The first thing you need to focus on when training arms or any other bodypart is proper form. Cheating your reps is an advanced principle that should be used only later in a set. That’s why seated movements are good—they eliminate your ability to swing the weight.

Don't Forget Diet, Rest & Recovery

Make sure you pay attention to diet, rest and recovery; it’s not all about what you do in the gym. You have to train your arms, sure, but you need to eat the proper foods after training to maximize your growth. Don’t eat to feed your belly—eat to feed your muscles.

Keep it Simple

Don’t overcomplicate your routine with too many movements and intensity techniques. I stick to basic mass-building exercises and rep ranges, although I superset occasionally to turn things up a notch.

Omar's Arm Workout

Exercise					Sets 	Reps
Seated Alternating Dumbbell Curl	 	4 ¹	10
Standing EZ-Bar Curl				3—4	6—8
Concentration Curl				3—4	8—10
Rope Pressdown 				        4 ²	20—30
Seated Overhead Dumbbell Extension	        4	6—8
Lying Triceps Extension			        3	8—12

¹ Omar uses the first two sets as warm-ups.
² He often “pumps” out reps on the first two sets, using a short, quick range of motion to warm up for the next two high-rep working sets at a heavier weight.

Topics:
  • Build Muscle
Author picture
Written by Omar Deckard
Related Articles
Olympia owner Jake Wood with 2026 Olympia bodybuilding winner Nick Walker
News

Why the Olympia Still Holds the Crown as the Pinnacle of Bodybuilding

Grip strategy for working out
Workout Tips

How to Find the Right Grip for Every Lift

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

Muscle & Fitness logo

Follow us

Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

More news

Trainer and fitness influencer Travis Smith's Lying Triceps Cable Crossover
Arm Exercises

Lifters Are Swapping Overhead Triceps Extensions for This Joint-Friendly Arm Builder

Travis Smith's favorite exercise may replace your entire arms routine.

Read article
Bodybuilder and contractor Moritz Willen guide to perform the Bayesian Bicep Curl
Arm Exercises

Forget Standard Curls: Try This Cable Exercise For Biceps Development

This Swiss bodybuilder explains his unique go-to movement for arm gains.

Read article
Young Athletic muscular man performing a JM Press checklist using a preacher bar
Arm Exercises

Most Lifters Are Doing the JM Press Wrong—Here’s How to Fix It

Master this nontraditional triceps move, then watch your strength gains elevate.

Read article
All Arm Exercises
  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Workouts
  4. /
  5. Arm Exercises
  6. /
  7. 6 Tips for Decked Out Arms
Muscle & Fitness logo
  • Workouts
  • Nutrition
  • Athletes & Celebrities
  • Features
  • Recipes
  • Topics
  • Videos
  • Exercise Videos
  • Podcasts
  • RSS Feed
  • Buy Olympia Tickets
  • Archives
  • Sitemap
Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest

Newsletter Signup

Stay up to date

Sign up below to receive our newest workout routines, recipes, news stories, and offers from our partners

JW Media, LLC

Copyright 2026 JW Media, LLC, parent company of Muscle & Fitness. All rights reserved.

Contact Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Do Not Sell Accessibility Statement