Wanna Be A Buff Bride? Try These 5 Get-Fit Exercises
Many brides go to great lengths to look perfect for their weddings, from crafting a flawless look with fabulous hair and makeup, and of course, working to gain an impeccable physique. But while pros can be hired to take care of a cat eye and a coiffed 'do, if you want to be in the best physical shape of your life on your big day, that hard work's totally up to you.
In order to feel and look your best we’ve enlisted the help of fitness expert Diane Szekly of the D Method Lifestyle to identify five key components of a wedding workout. Szekly has trained clients in Southern California for nearly 10 years.
Try This Wedding-Ready Fitness Routine:
1. Squats and Rows
For beautifully sculpted arms on your wedding day that will look great from every angle, wrap a band around a sturdy object at waist height. Hold both hands of the band with arms extended. As you inhale, squat down keeping arms extended. Legs bent about 90°. Sit back and keep knees aligned over toes. For assistance you can use a chair. Exhale as you stand up. At the same time, draw shoulder blades back and down as you pull both elbows back, keeping arms close to your side. Legs are straight but not locked. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
2. Lunges and Chest Presses
To get long and lean legs that will be ready for the dance floor at your wedding—because let’s be honest that’s one of the most important parts—wrap a band around an object behind you at chest height. Hold the ends of the band in each hand as if you were beginning a push-up. Lean forward as you exhale and simultaneously push forward, extending arms at chest height. As you inhale, step back to the start position. Do eight reps and repeat on the other side.
3. Lateral Side Lunges with Dumbbells
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding dumbbells at your sides. Imagine that you were standing in the center of a clock and your toes are pointing to 12 o'clock. Step out to the left with your left foot, as if stepping to 9 o'clock. Keep the right leg straight and your right foot on the floor. Push your hips back as you bend your left knee to lunge, toes pointing forward. Pushback to center. Repeat with your right leg stepping to 3 o'clock. Alternate and repeat eight times.
4. Cycling Twists
In order to get a taut tummy, lift your leg so that you are elevated but parallel with the floor. Extend your left leg and twist to the right as you pull your right knee towards your chest. Don't let your legs touch the floor at any point during the move. Rotate to the left as you raise your left knee and straighten your right leg. Hold for one minute and 30 seconds. Repeat two to four times on each side.
5. Burpees, Battle Ropes, or Sprints
For a full body workout that will you give the stamina to stand in stilettos all throughout your important day, at the end of your strength training do five to 10 burpees repeat two to three times depending on fitness level. Or try battle ropes: one minute on one minute off repeat two to three times. Also try sprinting up a hill, upstairs or use a treadmill at a high incline to prevent injuries and keep good running form. Use an interval timer app that sounds off your start and stop time!
Szekly also recommends including two days a week for cardio which can include hiking, spin class, biking or running. The bottom line? Have fun and pick a cardio workout that you enjoy. Because the most important thing is that you feel healthy and happy on your wedding day.