LIFE+ Blog

Every bride wants to feel and look her best on the big day.

It’s never too early to start a healthy fitness plan to get in shape! Here are some exercises that can be done even if you don’t have a gym membership.

What You'll Need:

-Comfortable clothes

-Two 3 or 5 pound hand weights or resistance bands (if you don’t have weights, you can use water bottles, milk jugs, or anything you have at home)

Prone Y's & T's:

Lie on your stomach on your bed/couch (fi. Keep your thumbs up towards the ceiling and your arms extended. Try to lift your arms by squeezing your shoulder blades together in the back, forming the letter “Y.” Focus on keeping your shoulders down and back on each raise and do NOT shrug your shoulders.

Now, form the letter “T” with your palms turned toward the floor. Again, lift your arms by squeezing your shoulder blades together. Repeat the motion slowly and control each movement.

Progress by adding weights.

What you are working: middle and lower trapezius (upper/mid back and shoulder blade region)

Triceps Extension:

Start by leaning over the back of a chair or counter top for support. Place your arm against your side with your elbow bent at a 90 degree angle. Extend your arm straight behind you, and return to the original position in a slow and controlled manner.

Progress by increasing weight/resistance

What you are working: triceps

Dead Bugs:

Lie on your back with your arms extended toward the ceiling. Bring your hips and knees up to 90 degrees. Tighten your stomach, flatten your back onto the floor, and squeeze your glutes. Hold this position for 30 sec – 1 min.

Progress to “Dying bugs”: Get into the Dead Bug position. Maintaining your core, begin the exercise by extending right leg toward the floor and bringing your left arm overhead. Keep your abs tight the entire time and do NOT let your lower back arch. Slowly return your arm and leg to the Dead Bug position and repeat with your opposite leg and arm.

What you are working: abdominals and glutes

Side Planks:

Lie on one side with your legs stacked and extended. Your hips should be resting on the ground at this time. Place your elbow directly under your shoulder to prop your upper body and align your head with your spine. Tighten your abs and gluts, lift your hips and knees off the floor, and hold the position. Your body should form a straight line from shoulders to ankles. Roll onto your other side and repeat.

Progression: Raise your top leg and arm in the air.

What you are working: oblique’s (the sides of your body), abdominals, shoulders

Flying Eagle:

Stand on your left leg, keeping your knees slightly bent. Extend your right leg behind you with your toes lightly touching the ground. Keep your stomach tight. Raise your arms up toward the ceiling as you simultaneously activate your gluts and lift your right leg behind you. Slowly bring your right leg back down.

Progress by adding weights or resistant band.

What you are working: glutes, abdominals, and shoulders

Along with these wedding workout exercises, alternate a few times a week with your cardio routine. You’ll soon be firm, fit, and looking beautiful for your big day in no time!

Want More Helpful Health Tips?

Sign up for our Life + blog!