Buff Brides Show Off Wedding Gowns
N E W Y O R K, Jan. 29 -- If there's ever a day when a woman is scrutinized, critiqued and photographed from every possible angle, it's her wedding day.
So in addition to being in love, brides want to be in shape. Sue Fleming, the author of Buff Brides appeared on Good Morning America with brides-in-training Molly Stern and Jenny Richie, to provide some exercise advice. A certified personal trainer for the past 10 years, Fleming has worked with many brides-to-be.
Both Stern and Richie have been training with Fleming for two months each. If you don't have the money for a personal trainer, you can get the equipment you need to get into marrying shape, and train yourself at home.
For your home gym, you will need: an exercise ball, free weights, a step aerobics step and a mat. You can improvise on some items, by using a coffee table or sturdy chair, instead of the step, for instance.
Six Months of Exercise Ideal
"Ideally, you want to give yourself six months and I've outlined a six-month program in the book," Fleming told Good Morning America. "But I've also included a 3-month program for brides who procrastinate. If you have six months, you should work out three times a week. If you only have 3 months, you'll need to work out four to five times a week."
Stern, who is getting married in June in New Mexico, plans to wear a strapless dress so she is focusing on her arms and shoulders. It is a problem area for many people who fear that they have "wattle under their arms," Fleming said.
A great move for this is tricep extensions, said Fleming. Simply, lie on your back (on an exercise ball, if you have one) and hold 5 to 10-pound hand weights in each hand and straighten your arms up over your head. Then bring the weights down slowly alongside your ears. Start out with 2 sets of 8-10 repetitions and add a set as you get stronger.
Richie, who is getting married at the end of the summer in New York, plans to wear a strapless gown with a tight empire waist so she has been busy with back-toning exercises using free weights and her step. To achieve a muscular back, bend down over step with one arm on it, supporting the body. With 5 to 10-pound weight in hand, bring arm back, with the elbow pointing toward the ceiling. Start out with 2 sets of 8-10 repetitions and add a set as you get stronger.
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