Shape-Up: Wedding Gown Workout Moves (The Knot)

Two things brides want on their wedding day no matter what: to feel great (the fiance at the end of the aisle helps with that) and to look great (here's where we come in). Whether you're already in great shape, or you're just beginning to wrap your mind around a bridal slim down, the right workout will get you on the fast track. How? Since it's all about the wedding, what to do depends on what you're wearing. Going strapless? Show off those perfectly toned triceps and svelte shoulders. Choosing a sleek sheath? Focus on your tummy and whittle your middle. Pick your gown style from the list below and follow the instructions to achieve a healthier, hotter you.

If you're not a gym member, invest in a good set of five- or ten-pound hand weights, then establish an every-other-day weight training routine (muscles need to rest a day to repair). For each of these exercises, start off with two sets, then increase to three as you get stronger and more secure with the routine.

The Sheath Gown Workout

Target Zone:
A sleek, smooth torso is what's required for a super sheath bod, so make ab crunches and waist toners your new best friends.


The Twist
1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. Imagine holding a ball in between your thighs. Squeeze your thigh muscles, then pull in your belly and tuck it under your pelvis (so you're in a slight sitting position). Lace your fingers together and place your hands behind your head.

2. Keeping your chest high, slowly twist from side to side without moving your lower body, so that your upper body turns from facing left to facing right. Keep it slow -- you won't get the full benefit if you're relying on momentum. Repeat 40 times. Yep, you heard us right -- 40!


Standing Side Crunch
1. Stand in the same position as for the Twist, with your abs tucked in and your toes facing front (but drop the imaginary ball!)

2. Lift your left knee toward your left arm bringing your elbow down to meet it. Hold, then return to the starting position. Repeat it on the right –and do a total of 20 repetitions on each side.

The Best-Ever Back Workout

Target Zone:
All eyes will be on your back at you float down the aisle . An upper- and lower-back workout will help firm up that all-important rear view.


One-Arm Row
1. Stand with your left side next to the front of a bench (or a coffee table, or a futon). Place your left foot and left hand on the bench, bending your right knee. Keeping your torso parallel to the ground, grasp a dumbbell with your right hand. Let your arm hang straight down with your palm facing your thigh.

2. Slowly pull the dumbbell up and back until it’s in line with your hip. You should feel a muscle contraction in your upper back (that means it's working!). Repeat 10 times, then switch sides.


Pullover
1. Lie on the floor with your knees bent, hip-width apart, and feet planted. Grab a dumbbell with each hand and extend your arms up over your body, so that your arms make a 90-degree angle with your torso.

2. Keeping your elbows slightly bent, slowly lower the dumbbell back behind your head as far as you can; you should feel a stretch in your back muscles. Next, lift the dumbbell back into the starting position above your body, squeezing your back muscles as you go up. Do 10 repetitions per set.

The Sensational Strapless Workout

Target Zone:
This shoulder- and arm-baring style requires a combination of exercises. You'll need to work your triceps, biceps, and pectorals if you really want to strut your strapless stuff.


Biceps Curl
1. Standing with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent, pull your tummy in and tuck your pelvis under. Hold a heavier pair of dumbbells down at your sides with your palms facing front.

2. Keeping your elbows at your sides, slowly curl the dumbbells toward your shoulders. Reverse direction and lower the dumbbells into starting position -- avoid locking your elbows. Do 10 repetitions per set. Slow and steady wins the race here -- you'll get a bigger benefit from the exercise if you use concentrated, controlled movements. If you feel like you're whipping the weights around to get them up, your dumbbells are too heavy. Downgrade to a smaller weight so you can move more comfortably.


Flat Dumbbell Fly
1. Lie down with your knees bent and your feet firmly planted shoulder-width apart. Stretch out your arms on the floor so your body makes a T. Grasp a dumbbell in each outstretched hand, keeping your elbows slightly bent. Keep your palms facing up towards the ceiling.

2. Slowly raise the weights upward in a rounded arc (as if you were hugging a tree!), gently touching the dumbbells together at the top above your body. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower the weights back to their starting positions. Do 10 repetitions per set.


Triceps Dip
1. Sit normally on a sturdy, nonwheeled chair. Place your hands on the front edge of the seat (fingertips facing front) and your feet on the floor, hip-width apart and a little bit ahead of you. Slowly slide your bottom off the seat of the chair, keeping your hands where there are.

2. Keeping your arms close to your body, bend your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the floor, allowing your rear end to descend past the edge of the chair. Using your arms to lift you, reverse direction and push yourself back up to the point at which your arms are straight. Work up to 15 dips per set.


-- Lisa Cohen Lee

Contributors: celebrity trainer Ashley Borden, fitness author Brad Schoenfeld