In every wedding on earth, there's one constant - no matter what else goes wrong on her wedding day, the bride must be the most beautiful she's ever looked. Perfect gown, perfect hair, perfect make-up and as perfect a body as she can produce from the time the engagement ring hits her finger until she walks down that aisle. If you're already slim and athletic, congratulations! You rock, and you're envied by the rest of us! For those that need a little work, there are a few things you can do to "pound" down and tone up in time.
Begin by adjusting your food intake. More fresh fruits and veggies. Smaller portions. No fried foods. Lots of water. Eat breakfast. Limit alcohol. You've heard all this before in news stories, magazine articles, talk shows.
Intellectually, you're aware. It's time to get serious about making a permanent lifestyle change.
New eating habits alone won't sculpt the body that will knock their pantyhose off when they see you in that sexy gown. Nope. It's going to take an exercise regimen - that love-hate relationship…hate the process, love the look. If you have health concerns, check with a doctor first. Then start by scheduling time for some physical activity for at least 15 minutes - walking, swimming or biking. Work up from three or four times weekly to 30 minutes daily. Consider joining a gym.
Remember to stretch before and after, and drink water throughout the day, especially before and after exercise. Use small hand weights when you walk, and walk briskly. When you move to a more physical exercise routine, include some weight training to tone those muscles, especially the ones that will be accentuated by your wedding gown style. Going strapless? Wearing a sheath? Here are a couple of exercises to tone those triceps and shoulders, flatten that tummy and trim your waistline.
A strapless gown shows off your shoulders and arms. These three exercises work your biceps, triceps and pectorals:
Biceps Curl
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, tummy pulled in and pelvis tucked under. Hold a heavier pair of dumbbells down at your sides, palms facing front. Keep your elbows at your sides and slowly curl the dumbbells toward your shoulders. Reverse direction and lower the dumbbells into starting position. Don't lock elbows. 10 repetitions per set. Use slow, concentrated movements. Pick a weight that lets you move comfortably.
Triceps Dip
Sit normally on a sturdy dining chair. Place your hands on the front edge of the seat (fingertips facing front), feet on floor, hip-width apart and a bit ahead of you. Slowly slide your bottom off the seat, keeping your hands in place. With arms close to your body, bend your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the floor, allowing your rump to descend past the edge of the chair. Using your arms to lift you, reverse direction and push yourself back up to the point at which your arms are straight. Work up to 15 dips per set.
Wearing a sheath? Do the Twist!
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent. Hold an imaginary ball between your thighs. Squeeze your thigh muscles, then pull in your belly and tuck it under your pelvis, slightly sitting. Lace your fingers together and place your hands behind your head. With chest high, slowly twist from side to side without moving your lower body. Repeat 40 times.
Find some other exercises that work the parts of your body you'll be showing off, and you'll be ready to strut your stuff!
About the Author: Susan Hawkins is a writer for My Wedding Favors at http://www.myweddingfavors.com. Visit their site for a huge selection of wedding favors, wedding shower gifts, groomsmen and bridesmaid gifts and much more.
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