Squeeze in These Quick Workouts Before Squeezing into Your Wedding Dress!
Our very own Jeanette Patenaude, who is also a part time kickboxing instructor, shares her favorite exercises for toning your arms, abs, and glutes. The great thing about these workouts is that they can be done anywhere and without any gym equipment.
Push-ups
Push-ups are one of the best workouts you can do. Not only do they strengthen your chest, but they shape your shoulders, triceps, and glutes while toning your core. So, if you have a sleeveless or strapless wedding dress, you definitely want to start incorporating push-ups into your wedding workout routine!
A: Get into high plank position, with your hands under and slightly outside your shoulders.
B: With your core tight, lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor. Pause, then push back up to high plank. Do as many reps as you can!
Jump Squats
Squats work the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. By adding a jump to the squat, you are adding extra calorie burn and power. No need to buy those butt padded Spanx for under your dress, all you need to do are jump squats!
A: Stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart, toes pointed slightly out. Keeping your chest upright and core tight, bend your knees and sit your hips back.
B: Press through your heels to jump as high as you can off the ground, swinging your arms behind you and do 10-12 reps.
Knee Catch Sit-ups
Sit-ups help tighten and tone your core. Doing standard sit-ups will only work one part of your core, so adding the knee catch intensifies the core work. Add some of these into your usual ab workout and before you know it, your dress will fit like a glove!
A: Lay down flat with your arms above your head and your feet nearly touching the ground, keeping your core engaged.
B: Sit up fast while bringing your knees into your chest and “catch” them, making sure your feet don’t touch the ground. Do 15-20 reps.
Mountain Climbers with a Twist
Mountain climbers will help you get those abs, as this move works several core muscles, while also providing cardio. Similar to push-ups, these help shape your shoulders and triceps. Now let’s get those arms photo ready!
A: Assume the push-up position (high plank).
B: While keeping your core tight, lift your right foot and bring your right knee toward your left shoulder.
C: Alternate sides and do 10-12 reps.
Whether you have a year or a month until your big day, incorporating these quick, effective workouts into your daily exercise routine will help you look and feel your best in your wedding dress!
Cheers,
The Swank Team
