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6 Quick and Easy Wedding Workouts to Try for Your Big Day
Local trainer Sloane Davis shares workouts for every dress type
(ABOVE) FOTOLIA/KOSTYAZAR (BELOW) PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN ORTIZ
When you’re planning a wedding, it’s not easy finding the time to hit the gym. If your New Year’s Resolution this year was to get in shape for your big day, don’t worry. These workouts won’t interfere with your busy schedule.
Dress: Low back
If you’re going to show some skin in one of these sleek gowns, you’ll love this back-defining move.
The workout: Sloane Davis – a personal trainer, nutritionist, and author of the blog Pancakes and Pushups – admits that toning your back is no easy feat. For an exercise that will make you feel like you’re made of steel, try a “Superman”: Lay on your stomach with your legs straight behind you and arms stretched in front of you. Raise your arms and legs off the floor in a V-shape at the same time and hold for a few seconds, before lowering them back to the ground.
Dress: Fitted Sleeve/Strapless
Whether you were inspired by Kate Middleton’s feminine lace sleeves or want to bare your arms with a strapless sweetheart, both of these classic looks will flaunt your shoulders and forearms.
The workout: Davis says that adding weights to a workout never hurts, but if you don’t have any dumbbells lying around, a jug full of water will work just fine too. You can do tricep curls by standing straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, and holding the weight behind your head with your elbow bent. Using only your elbow, lift the weight up straight over your head until your arm is straight, lower it back to the starting position. Repeat with the other arm. Davis adds that pushups are always a safe bet too.
Dress: Short
If you’re rocking an above-the-knee dress or an edgy high-low hem as you walk down the aisle, you’ll want your legs to steal the show.
The workout: For a routine that Davis calls “very simple but very effective,” look no further than a standing calf raise. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, then raise your body up and stand on the balls of your feet, with your toes on the ground. As you lift up, squeeze your calves and hold for a few seconds before lowering back down. Do four sets of 15 and hold weights to take the exercise to the next level.
Dress: Mermaid
These timeless gowns can flatter you in all the right places, especially your hips and backside.
The workout: They may sound stubborn, but Davis says donkey kicks are ideal for firming up your glutes. Get down on your hands and knees and, keeping your knee bent, raise it behind you and up to the ceiling while flexing your foot. Keep raising and lowering your knee without hitting the floor, then repeat with the other side.
Dress: Ball gown
No fairy tale wedding is complete without a dress fit for a princess. A cinched waist with a full skirt will accentuate an hourglass figure.
The workout: For a waist-slimming workout that tones your abs, Davis suggests oblique crunches. Lay flat on your back with your knees bent. With your right knee off the ground, rest your right ankle on your left knee. With your hand behind your head, bend your left elbow and reach across to touch your right knee. Repeat for the other side.
Consider joining Sloane’s Squad, where you can find daily video guided workouts and so much more. You will never have to second guess getting in to shape again!