Your wedding day is the one-day in your life where you’re guaranteed to be in the spotlight. Love it or hate it, as soon as you set foot down the aisle it’s your time to shine. Here’s our guide to getting into bridal shape
From the photographs, to speeches and the first dance, you’re the star of the show. And every bride wants their body to be looking its very best. Kim McIntyre, sports nutrition expert at Bodybuilding Warehouse gives her top tips for getting the bridal body of your dreams for your big day – and making sure you stay looking hot in that honeymoon bikini.
MELT AWAY THOSE INCHES
Most brides want a quick solution to melt away inches, so why not try High Intensity Interval Training aka HIIT. During a HIIT session you consume more oxygen than in slower, distance exercise, which leads to increased post-exercise metabolism.
HIIT divides a workout into two speeds – intense and rest – and alternates them for a period of time. So, you could alternate 60 seconds of walking and a 60-second sprint for 25 minutes. And the best bit? Most sessions last for around 25 to 30 minutes but deliver rapid results. If you do a session of HIIT three times a week, you will be trying on a smaller wedding dress in no time!
GET SCULPTED, STRONG ARMS
Your arms are pretty much guaranteed to be on show during your wedding day and as this is one of the most disliked body parts for many women, it’s time to start toning those triceps. Here’s a quick 10-minute arm workout for you to try at home.
Bicep curls are one of the most common exercises to tone up your arms, but as with all weight lifting, it’s your technique that can make all the difference. Grab some hand weights or if you don’t have these, then hold a litre bottle of water in each hand. Keep your body still and draw your weights up to your shoulders and slowly lower back down to your hips, keeping your shoulders back and body engaged. This is one rep (repetition), aim for 12 reps.
Tricep dips can be tough but they are the best exercise to target those annoying bingo wings. You can do this at the gym, park bench or a low chair at home. Sit down with your hands either side of your bottom, close to your body and your legs bent in front of you. Lower yourself down off the chair with your arms so your bottom is heading towards the floor, then lift yourself back up. Repeat 10 times. This will be challenging but it will be worth it!
BRINGING SEXY BACK
Although you may not get to see it, your back will be the focal point during your ceremony and with many dresses having a low cut back, you’ll want to give this body part some TLC.
Try the following exercise using an exercise ball that will work your whole back.
Lie on the floor, on your belly, and hold an exercise ball between your lower legs and feet. Engage your abs, and extend your arms straight out in front of you. As you inhale, slowly lift your arms and chest upwards while squeezing the ball between your legs and lifting your knees off the floor, so your body resembles a wide U-shape.
Hold for a count of 10, and then exhale and slowly release your body back to the floor. Complete two sets of 10 lifts.
GET THE PERFECT DERRIER
To get a bottom to rival Beyonce’s get off the treadmill and start hitting the weights. Exercises such as squats and lunges will tone up that butt and hit more than just one muscle group.
Hitting the weights will keep a stimulus on your muscles and keep your metabolism up at the same time.
A simple way to tone up your bum are the powerful little squats.
Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and with 8 to 10lbs dumbbells in each hand by your thighs. Push your bum backwards and squat down as if you were going to sit in a chair, keeping your weight over your heels. Then squeeze your glutes as you push up and return to the start position. Do 15-20 reps.
MAKE HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES
Even if you’ve left it until the last minute, don’t be tempted to crash diet. Crash diets carry a number of health risks, and you’re almost guaranteed to gain back all the weight you lost once you stop the diet. You’ll feel irritable, tired and lethargic, because your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to make energy. You’ll also have food cravings because you won’t be getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function.
Instead make healthy food choices and combine it with regular exercise and you’ll be a happy and beautiful bride, plus you are more likely to stay slim for long after your honeymoon.
If you’re increasing your exercise regime, then sport supplements will really help you to maximise the results. I’ve seen fantastic results from Warrior Princess Blaze supplements,a which have been designed specifically for women to help boost the metabolism, control appetite, and help achieve a leaner, more toned figure.
Follow these easy steps and you will achieve your ideal bridal shape in no time.
