Bridal Boot Camp Part 3: Customize Your Workout for Your Wedding Gown

July 18th, 2012

Bridal Boot Camp Part 3: Customize Your Workout for Your Wedding
by Nicole Brewer

Starting a fitness program is a big deal, so having your dream dress as motivation can make customizing your workout fun! Whether you choose a traditional dress that reveals your arms and shoulders, or a style that showcases your back or legs, stick to your fitness program and you will look and feel your best on your big day.

If your gown has a non-traditional hemline that reveals your legs, chances are toned gluts are important to you, too. Using your own body weight and heavier free weights, you can sculpt your best lower body. Here’s how:

  • Donkey Kick: Position yourself on all fours, hands directly under shoulders, knees beneath hips. Isolating one leg at a time, elevate your thigh parallel to the ground, bend your knee and kick your heel toward the ceiling, returning thigh to parallel position. Repeat 25 kicks, and switch sides. Do three sets, 25 reps on each leg.
  • Squats: Holding 10-15 pound weights in each hand at thigh level, stand with feet hip width apart. Slowly lower your body, as if sitting in a chair, until hips are parallel to the floor, resting weights at waist level or on thighs. Keep all your weight on your heels and be sure that your knees are directly above ankles. Return to standing position and repeat three sets of 25 squats, being sure to keep your head and chest in an upright position.

If your gown is backless, these are specific exercises that can help you tone the muscles in your back:

  • Bent Over Row: Holding 8-12 pound weights in each hand at thigh level, stand with feet hip width apart.  Bend at the waist with arms toward floor, knees slightly bent. Maintain a flat back and lift weights toward your ribcage, squeezing shoulder blades together and release. Do three sets, 15 reps.
  • Reverse Fly: Holding 8-12 pound weights in each hand, stand with feet hip width apart. Step forward with one foot, bending slightly at the waist with your torso 45 degrees to floor. Without standing upright, extend arms outward as if to open the pages of a big book, elbows slightly bent. Squeeze your back muscles together and release. Do three sets,15 reps.

In addition to strength training 2-3 times a week, I also signed up for my first half marathon and a triathlon to keep my wedding gown workouts exciting and challenging. I felt beautiful on my big day knowing my hard work paid off, and you can too!

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