Buffing Up Brides (con't)
By Christina Breda Antoniades
Q: In your book you outline specific exercises people can do to get in shape. Does getting buff require a lot of specialized equipment?
A: Actually the book is really aimed at someone who can't afford a personal trainer and may even have to create their own gym at home. It really allows them to get results by themselves. What I hear a lot is, "I can't afford a gym," but getting in shape can be very basic. In my own home gym, for example, I have an exercise ball and a couple of sets of free weights. For cardio I go running. Your gym might consist of some weights, an exercise ball, a step and an exercise mat. And for cardio you can walk, run or bike.
Q: In general, what does it take to lose the weight and keep it off?
A: A good diet is important. And, of course, exercise. You can't skimp on the cardio workout either. You can't just do strength training to lose weight; you have to do cardio at least four times a week. So it's a combination of strength training, flexibility training, cardio and your diet. And that's a very basic formula; there is nothing complicated about it. You have to expend more calories than you take in. Once people realize that and start seeing results then it becomes a lot easier to keep off the weight.
Q: What's the toughest part of getting buff?
A: The first two or three weeks are frustrating for many people because they may find they gain a few pounds instead of losing weight. They have to understand that they are building muscle and muscle weighs more than fat. But it's tough because people want instant gratification: they want to look in the mirror and see that weight gone.
Q: For brides hoping to slim down, what's the most important thing to remember?
A: I think it's just to use common sense — in your eating habits and in your exercise habits. You can't stick with the same habits you had before. You have to retrain your brain and your body. And consistency is key, too. You can't work out one day a week and expect to see results. You really have to work at it.
