Certified personal trainer and author of Buff Brides, Sue Fleming is here to help all brides with their quest to firm up and slim down before their big day. Here are her top tips for getting fit by the time you get hitched.
10. Looking for a body like Demi Moore's or Kim Cattrall's? For most women, celebrity beauty isn't an option, but you can always make the most of what you have.
Sue says: Set realistic fitness goals. You can't change your body frame but you can tone, sculpt and improve the body you have.
9. Breathing Lessons: So you wonder why you're red in face and light-headed after just a few minutes of pumping iron? Try breathing.
Sue says: Proper breathing supplies oxygen to the muscle cells, which is essential for muscle contraction. Exhale when you lift the weight and inhale when you lower the weight.
8. Say Goodbye to the Elevator: Those stairwells in office buildings and hotels may not look attractive, but they can help tone your legs while you're at work.
Sue says: Climbing stairs strengthens leg muscles and provides a good cardiovascular workout at the same time. Quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes will benefit.
7. Start Slow: Strength training without warming up can cause tiny tears in muscle tissue.
Sue says: Always do a 5- to 10-minute warm-up before lifting weights.
6. Walk Proud: There's walking — and then there's WALKING. A stroll around the block examining the sidewalk won't do much to get you buff.
Sue says: When you walk for exercise, swing your arms rhythmically to boost your metabolism and keep your back straight and your chin up for better balance.
5. But I Weigh More Than I Did a Week Ago! There's nothing more ego-deflating than working out religiously and keeping to your diet only to discover you've put on a pound.
Sue says: Muscle weighs more than fat. It also burns more calories. While you may notice slight fluctuations in your weight during your fitness program, increasing muscle mass will help you lose weight in the long run.
4. No Rest for the Buff: Lifting weights can be exhausting, especially when you're starting out, but how long you rest between repetitions can make a difference in how quickly your fitness level improves.
Sue says: Rest for no more than 45 seconds between sets. This will speed up your metabolism and burn more calories.
3. Change is a Good Thing: You get up the morning after a workout and your thighs are so sore you can barely make it to the shower. So give them a break today.
Sue says: Muscles need time to recover and heal when you are working out regularly. Never work the same muscle group two days in a row, since muscles need time to recover and heal.
2. The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of the Parts: We all have our problem areas — it could be the thighs, upper arms or stomach — and it's tempting to work out those areas more than others.
Sue says: Instead of focusing on one or two body parts, work on the whole package. As you work on the entire body, the problem areas will disappear.
And the No. 1 way that Sue can help you lose weight and stay healthy ...
1. If It's Monday It Must be Abs: How many times have you started a fitness regimen only to discover that working late, buying that almost-forgotten birthday gift, and cheering the kids at their soccer game have eaten up all your planned work-out time?
Sue says: Have a consistent routine and plan it out ahead of time. Working out three days a week is ideal; irregular training makes for irregular results.
