How To Be a Buff Bride

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All eyes are going to be on you, so wow the crowd—and your new hubby—with the hottest bod of your life.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Cardio workouts
A giant exercise ball
A set of 3- or 5-lb. dumbbells
A sensible eating plan
Discipline

Step 1: Give yourself six months

Ideally, you should begin your pre-wedding fitness routine at least six months before the big day. But don't worry if you don't have that long—every bit helps.

Warning: Consult a doctor before starting any fitness regimen.

Step 2: Step up your cardio

Do some form of cardiovascular exercise (like running, walking, or biking) for 20 minutes a day, at least three days a week.

Step 3: Limit calories

Limit calories to what your body burns in a day, about 2,000 on average. Consume fewer if you want to lose a few pounds. Cutting sugar and white foods (white bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes) from your diet will help you slim down.

Tip: Don't overdo the weight loss. Many brides lose a pound or two from stress in the weeks before the wedding, and your dress could suddenly be too big!

Step 4: Get an exercise ball

Get a large exercise ball and do 50 sit-ups every day—25 in the morning and 25 at night. Besides flattening your tummy, these also will help you be more graceful on your wedding day by strengthening your core.

Step 5: Do push-ups every day

Do push-ups every day so your arms are buff when they hold that bouquet. Start with eight and work up to 20.

Tip: Always stretch for at least five minutes before a workout.

Step 6: Beef up your biceps

Beef up your biceps with dumbbell curls. Start with weights in your hands, arms straight at your side, palms facing in. Slowly raise them toward you so they end with your palms facing toward you. Do three sets of 12.

Tip: If you've never done strength training before, start off with just one set of each exercise and work your way up.

Step 7: Tone your triceps

Tone your triceps with dumbbell kickbacks. Hold a dumbbell in one hand and kneel down on a bench with the opposite knee and hand. Slowly extend your arm all the way back. Repeat 12 times, then repeat with opposite arm. Do three sets.

Step 8: Firm the back of arms

Firm the back of your arms with triceps extensions. Hold a dumbbell over your head with two hands; raise and lower it behind your head. Do three sets of 12.

Step 9: Shape up your shoulders and back

Shape up your shoulders and back with dumbbell presses. Hold dumbbells with your arms bent so your hands are level with your shoulders. Extend them to the ceiling and then bring them back down. Do three sets of 12.

Step 10: Tone your legs

Tone your legs with squats. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, a dumbbell in each hand. Lower your body as if you're going to sit in a chair, then slowly stand back up. Do three sets of 12.

Step 11: Do lunges

Work your legs with lunges. Stand with your feet together, a dumbbell in each hand. Slowly lunge forward, then return to original position. Do this twelve times. Do three sets.

Step 12: De-bloat before the wedding

De-bloat 72 hours before the wedding by cutting out all salt and drinking lots of water. Now go have the time of your life!

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

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• how-to
• wedding
• fitness

[Akasarushi]

AWESOME! super helpful even WITHOUT being a bride

[hoodiejames]

WOAH.

cause like

wow.

i do too.

[KemLizard]

Those dumbbells are tiny! I'm a 4'11" 93lb girl and I use 10lb dumbbells. Those ones are just sad -.-

[iiRAZZERii]

no bisepts are notgood on a girl ... a 6 pack is the only mustle that looks good on a girl (MY OPINION not a fact)

[StarleePie47]

Actually, this advice an be used for every day. Not just for before a wedding.

[polkapi]

Tip for gents: marry a girl who was into fitness when you met her. Not one who gets fit just for the wedding. Chances are it'll all turn to blubber afterwards.

[cult66623]

so dose 80% of the world, 20% being children and people who got "the surgery". my point being you shouldn't be embarrassed.

[69davo69]

Use bleach.....

[ErikJoeNoise02]

is this supposed to be funny ?

[DemonMagic25]

i dont get why its 12 times? why not 10 or 15?

[pookiebeargurl]

I have so many stretch marks all over my arms and my stomuch :(

[knightsintodreams]

AHAHAHA totally~~ stretch marks sounds like something you'd hear soccer moms complain of over starbucks~