|
Getting In Shape for Your Wedding Day
By Kami Griffin
Every bride dreams of walking down the aisle slim
and trim and looking stunning. While there are no
quick fixes, proper diet and exercise will make you
look and feel your best, for your wedding day and
every day! Here are some basic exercises for shaping
and toning your body. Consult a Doctor before
beginning any exercise program, and remember: it
takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to see real
results, so plan ahead! Before starting out, make
sure to have on comfortable exercise clothes, a mat,
a towel, and plenty of water to drink.
Thighs (Squats)
Get in a comfortable upright stance with your feet
shoulder width apart. Your toes should be either
pointed straight ahead or slightly outward, never
inward or knee strain will result).
2. Focus your vision straight ahead. Do not tilt
your head backwards or raise your eyes in your head
as this will disrupt your balance.
3. Place the barbell squarely on your traps and
shoulders (not the neck) and grip the bar
comfortably with your hands slightly wider than your
shoulders.
4. Keeping your heels planted firmly on the floor,
inhale and move your butt back and downward. Do not
start by bending the knees.
5. Continue downward, by bending the knees, but be
careful not to allow your knees to move forward.
This will save you stress on your knees.
6. When the thighs reach parallel, begin exhaling
and return to the starting position. There should be
no sideways movement, especially in the knee or hip
area.
Abs (For upper and lower belly, crunches)
Start Position: Basic Crunch
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet
resting flat on the floor. Your neck and head should
be relaxed with your hands at the sides of your
head.
The Movement
Using your upper abs, curl your upper torso so your
shoulder blades lift off the floor. As you curl up
using your abs, your sternum (chest bone) should be
aimed toward your bellybutton. At the top, contract
the abs intensely and then slowly lower your torso,
lightly touching your shoulder blades to the floor.
Repeat.
Arms (Basic stretching and toning movement; use
light weights as desired)
Bend one arm at the elbow and let it drop easily to
the mat. Do the same exercise with the other arm.
Take a deep breath and exhale slowly through your
mouth. This also works your back, and is good for
your spine!
Cardio (For endurance and fat burning)
Top 10 Cardio exercises: Running, Walking, Cross
Country Skiing, Biking, Swimming, Step-Aerobics,
Rowing, Handball, Rock Climbing, and Elliptical
Trainers. Most of these activities can be done in a
gym, at home, or outside. While some require special
equipment, others (like walking and running) simply
require a good pair of shoes.
 |
