Every bride wants to look her very best on her big day. So regular exercise becomes a much higher priority while prepping to say, “I do.” But breaking a sweat (literally!) in the midst of wedding planning is no easy feat, especially when there are countless other tasks to cross off of your to-do list.
So we turned to the pros to find out how to get fit fast between dress fittings, venue visits and cake tastings. “Incorporate these exercises into your routine two to three times a week to see results in four to six weeks, says Donna Mancuso, owner of Keep Moving Forward Fitness in Jackson, New Jersey. “Paired with a healthy diet, you will see core strength improve in two weeks and an overall body transformation in four to six weeks.”
But the effects aren’t just physical — they’re mental, too. “When you are happy with your overall appearance, it will leave you less stressed on your big day,” says Mancuso. “You’ll also start a new chapter of your life happy and healthy which will set you up for success for a healthy lifestyle with your spouse in the future.”
Repeat this entire circuit 2 to 4 times:
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Military Squat with Knee Lifts
Start with your feet a little wider than hips-width, toes turned out slightly and hands behind your head with your elbows open. Sit on your heels lowering with control and keeping your core pulled in. Keep your back flat and your glutes engaged. Drive back to standing squeezing your gluteus, quads and core.
Then, lift your right knee to your right elbow. Repeat for 20 to 30 reps alternating sides.
Side Lunge to Tree Pose
Start with your feet together, hips facing forward. Step to the right, bending your right knee and pushing your hips back. Keep your left leg straight driving up through the right leg, and bring your right foot to the inside of your left leg to hold tree pose with your hands over your head. Do 10 to 12 reps on each side.
Walk-Outs to Push-Up with Side Plank
Start standing with your feet hips-width apart. Reach your arms up and forward fold with your hands down to the floor in front of your feet. Walk your hands out to plank position (the top of a push-up) keeping your abs tight. Perform one push-up resting on your knees if necessary, then drop the sides of your feet to the floor as you lift your left arm into side plank. Hold for a count then bring your hands back to plank position. Walk your hands back to your feet and repeat. Do 10 to 12 reps alternating sides.
Reverse Table to L-Sit
Start in a seated position on the floor with your hands under your shoulders, fingertips pointing toward your body. Bend your knees and space your feet hips-width apart. Press up into reverse tabletop, squeezing your glutes and hips as high as you can and rolling your shoulders back. Then press through your hands, drawing your hips back so your body is in an L position with your glutes hovering above the ground. Repeat 12 to 15 reps.
Superman to Swim and Press
Start by laying flat on the floor with your face forward and your arms and legs stretched straight out in opposite directions. Raise your arms and legs off the floor while contracting your lower back and glutes. Swim by kicking your arms and legs for 4 counts. Then bring your hands under your shoulders and engage your core and quads pressing to plank position. Drop back down and repeat for 10 to 12 reps.
Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Voyagerix/Dollar Photo Club
All Additional Images Courtesy: Donna Mancuso/Keep Moving Forward Fitness
