Wedding Dress Workout Secrets

When it comes to tying the knot with Mr. Right, saying “I do” is a snap. But sweating for hours to speedily shape up before your nuptials isn’t always as easy. Fortunately, ExerciseTV trainer Violet Zaki has honed in on key bridal body concerns, to help you get the most out of your workouts before your wedding with minimal fuss. Follow Zaki’s tips to quickly tighten and sculpt the muscles that matter, so when the big day arrives, you’ll look and feel picture perfect.

Hone in

“Although spot reduction is a myth, most wedding dresses expose the shoulders, arms and back,” Zaki says. “Be sure to address these areas while weight training so that you look defined in that low-cut, low-backed wedding gown,” Zaki says.

Although Zaki hones in on specific spots, she still favors working the whole body—both lower and upper body at once whenever possible. “That way you’re working twice as hard,” she says. “This system helps increase your metabolism because you’re raising your heart rate, and you’re essentially getting your cardio in if you are pressed for time.”

Some of Zaki’s favorite moves to tone key bridal spots are demonstrated in her Bridal Body Quick Fix workout:

• Bridge with a triceps extension. It tightens glutes and thighs but also helps sculpt arms and reduce jiggle.
• Plank. “It improves posture because it increases core strength,” Zaki says.
• Also try Bridal Body Fix for a quick, total-body workout.

Commit

Yes, you’re wearing the diamond, but you still need to commit to yourself first to get the bridal body you want. Zaki recommends revving your heart rate with at least 45 minutes of cardio, three to four times a week. “It’s crucial for speeding calorie burn,” Zaki says. “This could be a kickboxing class, running on a treadmill or outdoors, using the elliptical machine, or indoor cycling… Anything that boosts your heart rate.”

And don’t be afraid of strength training. “The more muscle mass you have, the faster your metabolism will be, even during rest,” Zaki says. “Go light on the weights and focus more on high repetitions—at least three sets of 12 to 15 reps.”

Zaki also suggests pumping iron four to five times per week, hitting each body part at least twice per week with 24 hours rest in between sessions for each muscle group. Her Bridal Series workouts incorporate cardio sculpting exercises, and can be done in lieu of a strength workout, four to five times per week.

Mind your manners

“When working out consistently and eating healthfully, a bride-to-be will see results within 12 weeks, realistically,” Zaki says. But chances are, you don’t have that much time. So no matter how much time you have, keep in mind that the more diligent you are, the faster you’ll shape up. Zaki suggests minding the little things to help you get there. Here are a few on her list:

“Incorporate exercise in your daily activities,” Zaki says. “Take the stairs, walk the dog a little farther, walk to work, and so on.”

Hit the yoga mat. “You’ll need stress relief and it will help your posture.” Try celebrity trainer Mandy Ingber’s Yoga Burn workout on ExerciseTV to channel your wedding stress and to look great in your white dress.

“If you don’t have time to work out on any given day, be very strict with your food intake,” Zaki says. In short, match your calorie consumption to your expenditure to help you stay your course.

Enlist support. “Get your friends, family and fiancé to back your efforts,” Zaki says. Even better, have your bridesmaids join you.

For more FREE wedding dress workouts, grab the ExerciseTV favorite trainer widget. Select Violet Zaki as your favorite trainer and embed the widget on your social network page.

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