Buff Brides Show Off Wedding Gowns

N E W   Y O R K, Jan. 29, 2002 -- 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.

Exercise Depends on Dress

Empire-style wedding dresses tend to be very tight in the waist, so if you choose that style you will want to tone up your abdominals and your back.

For those who choose A-line dresses, the exercise depends on the neckline. If it is strapless, you should really work on your shoulders and back, Fleming said. If it has a plunging neckline, concentrate on your chest instead. Focus on your triceps and biceps if your dress has a low back.

If you choose a sheath style wedding dress, remember that they tend to be form-fitting, so you will need to work on your abdominals, buttocks and of course, your arms.

The dresses featured on the models in GMA's segment today are from the following designers.

1.) The dress featuring fresh water pearl straps, an a-line silkorganza skirt and back bustle is by Michelle Roth. (www.michelleroth.com)

2.) The strapless beaded gown with the full ball gown skirt is also by Michelle Roth. (www.michelleroth.com)

3.) The two piece corset dress, featuring scoop neckline and tulle underskirt is by Domo Adami. (www.domoadami.com)

4.)The sparkling all white beaded sheath dress is also by Michelle Roth. (www.michelleroth.com)

The dresses on the manequins are from Jim Hjelm.