You've got something borrowed, something blue. Now, how about making sure you look your best on your special day?
Three fitness experts - Joan Liew, director of boutique gym Fitness Factory (www.fitnessfactory.com.sg); Laila White, managing director of fitness company Elite Fit (lailawhite@elite-fit.com); and Yvette Tee, who teaches yoga classes at Spaboutique (yvette@kryoga.com) - are here to help.
Each has picked her favourite exercise to help you shape up for the big day.
Liew, 32, zoomed in on the upper back and the area under the arms. White, 41, targeted the shoulders and Tee, 37, chose to tone up the core region.
Of course, all three also insisted that brides-to-be should ensure that they do cardio work as well as watch their diet in the weeks leading to the big day.
White's exercise: Incline Lateral Raise
What it works: Middle shoulder, so you look great in an off-shoulder gown.
How to do it: Holding a dumbbell in your right hand (1), rest the left side of your body on a fitball (or any stable surface that inclines about 30 degrees), right leg in front of the left. Keeping the abdominal region tight to protect the back and ensure that you don't use momentum, raise the dumbbell till your right arm is perpendicular to the torso (2). Keep the elbow slightly bent throughout the exercise. Return to start position and repeat. Do three sets of 15 to 20 repetitions on each side.
What it works: Tones the abdominal muscles, which will make you look trim in any style of gown. It is also good for the digestive and hormone systems and relieves tension.
How to do it: Lie on the floor with knees bent and feet on the floor (1). Inhale, hold your breath and raise your chest (2) and feet off the floor (3). Keeping your spine long and shoulders relaxed, breathe normally and hold this position for between five and 10 counts. Exhale and return to start position. Do 10 repetitions.
What it works: Tones the area under the arm, firms the upper back and makes you look great in off-shoulder, bustier or low-back gowns.
How to do it: Lie on the bench with feet on the floor. Hold a dumbbell in the palms of both hands, with the thumbs surrounding the handle (1), and extend the arms over your head. Inhale and lower the dumbbell behind your head, bending the elbows slightly (2). Exhale and return to the start position. Start with four sets of 15 repetitions and gradually build up to four to five sets of 15 to 20 repetitions.
This article was first published in Urban, The Strait Times on July 31, 2008.
