In the Media

2006 Spring / Summer, Bridal Fantasy Magazine

Fit to be Wed

Stop the all or nothing thinking. For most engaged women, it’s unrealistic to think you are going to be able to make it to the gym everyday, especially if this has not been a habit in the past.

To start, make a realistic schedule. Choose a few activities you enjoy, like swimming or walking and decide what day you will do them. To stay motivated, it often helps to exercise with others, so join and indoor cycling or Pilates class. It may also be worth your money to hire a personal trainer once or twice a week to help you maximize your efforts and access your progress. Often trainers will offer group rates, so you and your groom can get fit together, or why not the entire bridal party looking lean. On days when you do not have a group activity scheduled, turn to the four exercises below that are easy to do in the comfort of your own home. All you’ll need is an exercise ball and work out mat available at any fitness equipment retailer.

Exercise 1

Tummy Tighter

Areas Worked: Abdominals.

Description: Lay on the ball facing up. Your hips and lower back should rest on the ball with your shoulders slightly off the ball. Place your hands behind your head. Your elbows and arms should lay flat parallel to the ground. Slowly contract your stomach muscles and raise your head and shoulders 2 to 3 inches off the ball. Do not pull with your arms; all motion should be due to the contraction of your abdominal muscles. Hold the pose for 2 seconds and slowly lower back to your starting position.

Do 2 to 3 sets of 10 repetitions

Exercise 2

Booty Blaster

Areas Worked: Legs, buttocks, & inner and outer thighs

Description: Stand with your feet about 3 inches apart. Step forward with one leg into a deep lunge (make sure that your front knee does not pass your toes) while keeping the front leg straight. Push yourself back to the starting position. Keep your abdominals tight throughout the exercise. Your knee and toes must be pointed forward at all times.

Do 2 set of 8 repetitions for each leg

Exercise 3

Amazing Armor

Areas Worked: Arms, shoulders & chest

Description: Place your hands close together on the ball with your arms straight (do not lock your elbows). Your body should be completely straight and your core engaged. Slowly lower your body bending at the elbows until your chest is about an inch from touching your hands. Slowly push back up to the stating position.

Do 2 sets of 8 repetitions

Exercise 4

Body Beautiful

Areas Worked: This exercise works wonders on the entire core. It enhances stability and strength in the shoulders, abdominal region and buttocks.

Description: Start by placing your palms on the ground shoulder-width apart. Balance on your toes in a straight –armed plank position as though you are about to start a push-up. Your body should be completely straight and your shoulders should remain directly above your wrists. Transfer all of your body weight to one hand as you reach up toward the sky with other hand. Hold the pose for 2 seconds and slowly lower back to your starting position.

Repeat on other side. This exercise can also be done with your knees resting on the ground.