You’ve got the ring on your finger, locked the date, and even secured your dream wedding venue. If there’s one thing I’m sure of that you’re likely to be more excited about on the big day, besides the wedding ceremony of course, is wearing that bridal lehenga of your dreams. For some brides this may translate as a traditional piece, with a modest neckline and long sleeves. For others, this may be the perfect opportunity to show off their personality with something unconventional and sensual. Perhaps with a backless blouse, a bralette or even one with noodle straps?
Regardless of the route you take, every bride wants to look fit and fab to walk down the aisle. It’s why it’s imperative to nail down your wedding workout plan to the T to help you feel and look your best. While some get caught up following diets, others decide to hit the gym. But it’s a combination of a healthy diet plan and exercising to achieve the best results. Even during workouts, it’s not ideal to have an overdose of cardio and no weight training. Consistency is the key to lasting results.
According to celebrity fitness expert Sumaya Dalmia, your wedding fitness regime should start at least six months before tying the knot. If you resort to last minute routines, it’s easy to fall prey to unhealthy choices such as excessive exercising and under nutrition, she says. Starting ahead and sustaining it regimen comes with a plethora of benefits like develop strength, help you sleep better, decrease anxiety (what bride doesn’t want that amidst the planning chaos), increase self-confidence, and of course, looking good from the inside-out.
But between the long wedding planning checklist, it’s easy to get swamped and not find time to hit the gym. But “I don’t have time” shouldn’t be anyone’s reason to not exercise. So, Sumaya shares the best exercises you can perform in the comfort of your home for perfectly toned arms to rock those sexy sleeveless blouses. And if you don’t have dumbbells, then substitute it with soup cans or water bottles to sweat it out.
Exercise 1: Tricep Dips
Tricep dips are great to say goodbye to flabby arms. No equipment needed. The humbling move, which only requires you to uplift your body weight, builds strong muscle from your shoulders to your abs.
How To Do It:
Start on a sturdy, stable bench or chair. Stand facing behind the seater and place your palms on the edge of the support. Extend your legs in front of you with your heels on the floor and your toes pointing outwards. To make it easier, bend your knees. Keep your back and buttocks close to the chair, with elbows tucked in. Slowly lower yourself down by bending your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the floor and the drive back up by straightening them.
Exercise 2: Overhead Press
Whether you love off-shoulder ensembles or sleeveless silhouettes, sculpted shoulders are always welcome. Overhead press, also known as shoulder press, is ideal to achieve sculpted shoulders and arms.
How To Do It:
Hold a pair of dumbbells or water bottles and start the position at shoulder level. Keep your elbows either directly underneath your wrists or slightly more inward. Then raise your arms simultaneously towards the ceiling straight then bring back to starting position. Sumaya recommends keeping your glutes and abs engaged throughout the movement.
Exercise 3: Tricep kickback
Who doesn’t love toned, lean arms? Then, why not do something to help you achieve your goal? This is another great exercise to tone the flab on the upper part of the arm, while building your strength.
How To Do It:
Hold a single dumbbell that is 5 – 10 pound, before leaning on a bench with one knee for support. Now, on an exhale, use the opposite hand and extend the dumbbell behind you by straightening your elbow. Pause here, then inhale to return the weights to the starting position. Engage your core and maintain a straight spine, bringing your torso almost parallel to the floor.
Exercise 4: Low Rows
Working all the major muscle groups together, this exercise is ideal if you love a razor back cut top. Do away with unwanted flab on your back as your practice this exercise regularly. This is consider the ultimate back isolating exercise.
How To Do It:
Hold a pair of dumbbells and get into a hip hinge position, now extent your hands in front of you for starting position and pull both elbows back at end position. Keep your shoulders retracted and chest out to protect your lower back while engaging the targeted muscles efficiently. Resist jerking or utilizing momentum.
Exercise 5: Chest Press
A classic, tried and test upper-body strengthening exercise, chest press is perfect to work your pectorals, deltoids, and triceps. Just this one move will give you the upper body of your dreams.
How To Do It:
Lean on a stable bench or chair with your feet firm on the floor. Press your head, shoulders, and upper back into the bench the entire time. Hold two dumbbells with palms facing forward and your thumbs wrapped around it. On an inhale, lower the dumbbells slightly wider than your mid-chest. Gently touch the dumbbells to your chest. Then, on an exhale, press your arms upwards, keeping your elbows slightly bent, before bringing them back to eye level.
Exercise 6: Push-ups
Another tried-and-true, essential movement that needs to be a staple in the exercise programme of brides-to-be. Push-up is categorised as a compound bodyweight exercise that targets several muscles of the upper body to engage and enhance it.
How To Do It:
Begin in a high plank position with your arms extended and palms positioned on the floor at shoulder width. Plant your toes on the floor or on top of a chair, like Sumaya. Engage your core muscles, glutes, and legs to align your spine. While maintaining a straight back, bend your elbows to descend in a gradual, controlled motion, just until your chest grazes the floor. Keep your elbows tucked close to your sides throughout the movement. On exhaling, push your palms towards the floor to return yourself to the starting position. For beginners, she suggests bending your knees on the floor or against the wall.
Pro tip:
Do a 5 to 10 minute warmup before doing these exercises to loosen up your muscles and get your heart pumping. This can involve stretching, walking, or jumping jacks. Repeat 12-15 reps of every exercise 2-3 times and incorporate 20 jumping jacks at the end of every set for a truly fit version of yourself.
