Six Steps To The Wedding Body You Want

January 13, 2007 by Lesley-Ann Graham  
Filed under Health & Beauty

Okay, brides and grooms, it is time to get in shape. The time to start improving one’s figure for optimum fitness begins the moment you say yes to getting married. The sooner you get started, the better your results can be - and with less difficulty too.

Getting in the shape you want starts with a major act of will. You have to decide what kind of changes you want. None of the lackluster “I wish I was” ideas. You need to have steely resolve that you are going to make it happen, doing everything you should, and everything you can to achieve your dream body. This is often not easy for most people simply because they are easily tempted and easily distracted.

If you are serious about getting your body in better shape, here are some things that you should do for yourself. These steps make your transformation more than just a one time thing. It can keep you in shape for the rest of your life - if you let it.

The first thing you need to do is find yourself a coach. Most people insist that they can do it on their own but the truth is, left to our own devices we get lazy and find hundreds of excuses not to do what you know you need to, if you really want to slim down. Coaching is effective because you have someone who is an expert in their field showing you the proper techniques to help you achieve your goal. He or she can help you tailor a system that will suit you perfectly. Some gyms employ not just an exercise trainor, they’ll also have nutritionists to help you with your diet. They’ll be there to make sure that you have the full guidance you need, when you need it the most.

You also need to have a very clear reason to change your shape. Simply saying I want to look great isn’t enough. If your reasons are clear, you won’t be tempted as much because you know exactly what is on the line. For example, it could be because you want your wedding pictures to show a slim and fit bride without camera tricks. It can be because you want to be able to fit into a bikini during your honeymoon without any unsightly rolls of fat. It might be because some old friends are coming to your wedding and you want them to see that you haven’t let yourself go in spite of the fact that you are no longer teenagers.

Visualization is an important technique that you can use to make your goal happen. In your mind, see yourself with the body you want. You are walking down the aisle in your beautiful dress and your groom is amazed at your radiance. He easily sweeps you off your feet when the time comes to carry you over the threshhold. Some people draw themselves wearing their dream outfit so that they can see for themselves that it is achievable.

You have to choose a method that you will know will work for you. For example, choosing to go on the Atkins diet or South Beach diet can feel like torture for those who love to eat carbohydrates. Some never make it past the first week because they can’t stand being without their comfort foods. If you can’t give up the food, then find a workout that you do like and will achieve your results. If you don’t want to lift weights, go ahead and attend dance classes instead. The method you should use is the one that you will stick to and you know for a fact definitely achieves results.

A habit isn’t formed overnight. This is true of exercise and food as well. If you really want results, commit to 21 sessions of exercise and 21 days of your new diet. You’ll find it gets easier. On the 21st day, commit to another hundred even if that goes beyond your wedding. You’ll be amazed at how automatic it will be to practice good eating habits and exercise, even if you are on your honeymoon already because of it.

Once you’ve made up your mind, don’t wait. Take action immediately. The best time to start is when you are all fired up and momentum will do the rest.

Get Physically Fit For Your Wedding

July 11, 2006 by Lesley-Ann Graham  
Filed under Health & Beauty

If you are serious about being trim and fit for your wedding, you need to keep in mind that it will not happen overnight. If anyone tells you that you will be model slim in just a couple of days run out of there as fast as you can and don’t look back. When it comes to fitness there is no magic pill or quick fix. The best solutions take time.

Now some brides are blessed to already have a good body that just needs toning or firming up. For the women, the most obvious area they want to improve is their tummy. Every bride wants to have that slim waist that looks so sexy. It will also look absolutely great when you get into your bikini on your honeymoon.

Thankfully, gone are they days when people would tell you that you need to do 300 sit ups, crunches and leg-lifts every day to get your belly flat. A sensible trainer will tell you the quality of your workout is more important. You can achieve good results doing ab work outs like in Pilates.

Another area is the triceps. Once you are out of your teens your triceps sag if you don’t exercise them. The last thing you want is to wave at your guests as you leave in your honeymoon car and have your triceps wagging byebye as well. Ladies, watch the “Princess Diaries” and learn to wave gracefully so as to minimize the wobbling above the elbow.

It will never hurt to exercise those arms. If you don’t want to use any weights, why not try doing some tricep dips? You can do this anywhere using a sturdy chair or your bed as a prop and your body weight for resistance. If you have dumbbells, you have more options. You can do tricep kickbacks, tricep extensions and the tricep press.

Now ladies, some of you aren’t comfortable with lifting weights. You don’t want to develop bulky muscles which is why you’re reluctant. The good news is developing bulky muscles is very hard for women. You really have to work out for a long time and life heavier weights to do that.

Seriously, you don’t have to lift weights if you don’t want to. A good pilates class will teach you how to develop a leaner, stronger body without the bulk. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Pilates, it is one of the favorite ways dancers keep fit and trim. It is fun to do and can be done anywhere. Why not check if there is a class in your gym and try it out?

It is always more fun to work out with a partner rather than alone. Why not ask your bridesmaids to work out with you? You can motivate each other to get into shape and have fun shaping up for your wedding. It will also be a great memory of friendship between you.

Don’t wait until the wedding is almost upon you before starting. The more time you give yourself, the easier it will be. Exercising may even become a habit and you’ll stay fit and trim long after the wedding is done.