How to Get Fit for a Wedding

It's your best friend's wedding this summer and you know you have to lose a few pounds and get fit or just not show your face. In as little as 8 weeks (or less), you can tone up and lose weight. Commitment is the key to success here. Why not pick out the dress that will inspire you to stick to it and look fabulous by the big day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Good running or walking shoes

1. Commit to work out at least one hour a day, 5 days a week. Know that it is only for 8 weeks, and keep telling yourself that if you need to.
2. Walk briskly or run for 30 minutes each day. This can be done on a treadmill, outside or in a mall. The key is to get your heart rate up. You should break a sweat and be breathing a little bit hard. Try to get your pulse up to at least 20 beats in a ten second count.
3. Do 2 sets of 15 squats, or sit down and stand up from a chair 15 times, resting for a minute between each set. Squat with your weight mostly on your heels so that your knees and feet are not locked. Don't let the knees extend past the toes at the bottom of your squat.
4. Do two sets of 10 push ups, the full military style, modified from your knees or stand up and push away from a wall. Place your hands directly under the shoulders, and keep the elbows close as you lower your body. This will address that ever-flabby tricep at the back of the arm.
5. Do 20 to 30 crunches. Remember to pull your abs in when you curl. Remember to do the crunch with your abs, not your neck. Think about lifting the chest up and getting the shoulder blades off the floor. Alternatively, do 20 to 30 reverse curls. These are a better choice if you have neck pain. As you bring the knees up to the chest, roll the tailbone off the floor. Think about moving the spine, because that is what the abs move.

Tips & Warnings

• If you chose to walk, make it count; take large steps and pump your arms
• Stretch after every workout. Stretch hamstrings, thighs, hips, calves and arms.
• Remember to keep your abs engaged throughout your workout, so there is no stress on the lower back. If you feel lower back pain, ask yourself if your abs are engaged.
• Never begin a fitness program without first consulting your physician.
• Eating like a horse after your workouts will be very counter-productive, so balance the exercise with a sensible diet.