Q I'm 24 and I find arm muscles in a woman so unbecoming. What can I do to stop my arm muscles from growing? What medicine can I take to stop it?

A I will admit that the bulging biceps and pronounced veins sported by workout-obsessed stars like Madonna and Demi Moore back in her GI Jane days can look a bit frightening. However, your arm muscles enable you to do basic things like carry shopping bags and, you know, feed yourself, so don't be so eager to let them atrophy, especially not with medication.

The good news? Joan Liew, director of boutique gym Fitness Factory, says it's virtually impossible for women to get muscles like Madge's unless you have been training your arms with religious zeal for umpteen years.

Liew also advises a balanced diet and regular cardiovascular workouts to keep your level of body fat low (about 21 to 24 per cent of body mass for the average woman). Also do 15 to 20 repetitions of weight-training exercises that work your biceps, triceps and shoulders at least twice a week.

Since you seem very worried about the possibility of bulk, I made sure to ask Liew if such exercises would result in 'unbecoming' muscles if you work them regularly over a long period of time. 'Confirm won't,' she says cheerfully.

If, against all odds, you still find your arm sinews growing, steer clear of sleeveless tops and capped sleeves which will draw attention to bulky arms. Or, just embrace your inner GI Jane and flaunt that hard-earned brawn.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Aug 15, 2008.