Hi, since I use my arms loads (both with the forearm crutches and otherwise), my arms are so built-up now that it's uncomfortable to wear some shirts/sweaters. I like the fact that I have pipes, and that I'm super strong - but I wish they'd match the rest of my body. I'm female, and don't really want to look like a linebacker! Or those weird muscles that Madonna has when she's in concert... Is there any exercise/stretching that anyone knows of to stop the mass from building up?

Im exactly the same and have no answers. Im so self consious of my upper arms, I dont wear anything sleeveless at all. I find ladies blouses and polo shirts are too tight in the sleeves for me to wear anymore, and I certainly dont feel pretty or feminine becasue of my arms. Its probably about the only thing Id change about myself physically but Id love to have nice trim arms.

I'm proud that they're strong... I just wish I could get dressed without feeling arm-strangled!

I wonder if there is a stretching routine that will lengthen the muscles?

Don't feel so bad. Some of us guys like a well toned woman. How about a poofy shirt or blouse or even going through a flexing routine before you go out (that bit isn't serious) to try and stretch the fabric or buying something slightly less fitting. Once again, personally I think women with well toned arms and upper body do look rather sexy but perhaps you could try one of those books by Trinny and Suzannah or some such and perhaps try a high waist or a pleated skirt or something like that, rather than working to make your upper body look smaller you could perhaps dress to make the lower half of you look bigger. Not sure if that helps because I am only a bloke and who am I to be giving you fashion tips? If that doesn't work though, Winter is on the way for all you Northern hemisphere types which means summer for us - yippee! More baggy clothes can help to hide bits you don't like while you go through the sales for more suitable summer clothes for next season.

Post edit: One more thing, you would probably get kudos from your partners, being the only women in all eternity who would want an honest answer to the question "does my a55 look big in this" to be yes. Sorry, I just had to add that.

Definitely second that!

I often stretch & pull at the bicep & shoulder areas on cotton tops & if it is something like a silk blouse I wear a top that is a bit looser even if it means buying the next size up & just having a bit more to tuck in. Haven't found any exercises that slim down the arms. It's because we use our arms like most people do their legs, which is part of why their thigh & calf muscles are so much bigger and our shoulder & bicep muscles are much bigger.......those are the muscles we use day in & day out & that carry & bare our weight & take us from point A to point B.


Thanks fellas & BF 100% agrees with ya.

I think most para women fear the "beefy arms and shoulders" thing. And, yeah, those Madonna muscles? Scary looking! But Madonna works out for hours and hours a day apparently. I honestly don't know of anything that will make the muscles not build up other than not using them--and that's impossible with transfers, propelling a chair, etc., that we all need to do in our daily lives. But if it's any comfort, I've been in a chair over 11 years AND I work out and I'm not beefy. I have the 'pipes' and am strong but have never gotten that line-backer look. You have to already be pretty big in the shoulders and REALLY be working out those muscles (especially those ones between the neck/shoulder on the back, forget what they're called) in order to get that creepy over-developed look. Most of the time we think we look bigger than we actually do and feel self-conscious when we shouldn't. Lots of chicks would be jealous of our arms being all toned so just look on the bright side and think of it that way.

And another in agreement!