Is it right to bare your arms? Yes, if they're buffed and tank top-ready. A well-toned upper body is the perfect warm-weather accessory, something no well-dressed woman should be without. Fortunately, with a little extra effort, a sculpted upper body is within your reach.

Upper-body muscles usually respond quickly to resistance training because they don't get used much in everyday life. Putting them through their paces two to three times a week results in a tighter, firmer appearance. And because more firmness equals more strength, you'll have an easier time pushing that lawn mower, lugging your patio furniture out of storage and playing beach ball with your kids.

I've designed three complete upper-body routines for you. The No Frills version requires only an exercise band or tube (which you can buy in any sporting goods store for under $10). The Basic Bells program calls for the use of free weights or dumbbells and can be done at home or at the gym. The Machine Moves routine is an easy upper-body weight-machine circuit that can be done at virtually any gym. Of course, you can try all the moves if you want to create your own mix-and-match routine.