You don't have to be a star to look like one.

She is hitting the gym hard to lose a few final pounds – a mighty 8 of them!

She has even hired not one but 2 personal trainers and sometimes trains twice a day!

We all dread that… If she thinks she’s too fat, then what about the rest of us?

If you want to try and keep up with the Kardashians, here is a simple guide where you won’t need a single personal trainer.

But before ditching the personal trainers, let’s take some advice from them.

One of Kim’s says that she doesn’t want her client to lose her amazing curves but rather seeks to tighten the skin and to pull the muscles tight against the bone. That’s called firming up the body in plain English and that’s exactly what I’ll show you to do here.

You are what you eat

But you also are what you are. You must certainly have seen some skinny people eating plenty of calorie-laden food all the time, or fat people just munching on a salad and putting on weight. This most certainly has something to do with their metabolism. Some people burn more calories while at rest while others are more efficient and conserve these calories – thus putting on weight.

The bottom line is your diet is an important consideration in losing weight but your body type will have the last say. If you are eating fatty food and want to slim down, reduce it. It’s the simplest action you can take to get result. But if you are already eating healthily and not seeing any results, then you need to get active.

On your feet

Slim or overweight, everyone needs exercise in their life, if only to be in shape and be able to go for a walk when they are in their old age. Sitting on the couch all day will do you no good. Let’s get to the heart of the matter and mention some exercises to help you tone up in time for your wedding and honeymoon. You want big results in little time so you will have to work the big muscles that power up your body and that will make a noticeable difference. The large muscle groups are the legs, back and chest.

Exercises

Do the squats for the legs, the bench press for the chest and the back row for the back. Use free weights, not machine and do all exercises in 1 session. The squats will work your whole lower body, from the quads to the hamstrings and your bum. The back row will work your lower and upper back and your biceps while the bench press will work not only your chest but also your shoulder muscles and your triceps. 3 fundamental exercises targeting your whole body. These exercises are basic building blocks in bodybuilding but if you are a woman afraid of looking too muscular like Cameron Diaz, don’t worry, it won’t happen in the few weeks leading up to your wedding, especially if you have excess weight to lose.

Ramping up the intensity

This workout is nothing new. In fact, it is a classic. What if you have already been doing that? Then it’s time to notch up the intensity.

1. Increase the weight
2. Push yourself harder to do 1 extra rep
3. Get a friend to help you do that extra rep
4. Rest less often between sets
5. Rest fully between workout days but hit the gym hard as soon as you’ve recovered
6. Train for no less than 30 min and up to 1 hour.
7. Add lunges for the legs – good for stretching and shaping them.
8. Add shoulder presses
9. Add a machine row for the back
10. Swap dumbbells instead of barbells.
11. Get plenty of rest outside the gym

The last word

Pushing yourself too hard all the time will result in burnout, overtraining, joint problems and so on. But if you have a tight schedule, you can train very hard for a short period. Once again, a few weeks of hard work won’t turn you into a bodybuilder, especially if you are not taking supplements to bulk up. If only it were that easy.

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A little commitment goes a long way.

Everyone wants to look great on their wedding day.

Losing a few extra pounds is one way that many brides and grooms-to-be accomplish just that.

So what are the best ways to lose weight for your wedding?

In this short article, we’ll cover three highly-effective methods that you can begin today to jumpstart your weight loss journey.

None of these secrets are particularly difficult, but they do involve discipline and consistency.

Food Choices

The first wedding weight loss method is related to your diet. Most of us consume foods that aren’t exactly optimal for maintaining a healthy weight, so it’s important that these food choices are eliminated from one’s daily diet if your goal is to shed unwanted pounds.

Avoiding things like fast food, foods high in fat and sugar, and processed food will go a long way in accomplishing that. Instead of eating these items, focus on things like raw vegetables and clean protein sources such as fish, chicken, beans, and quinoa.

Bonus Tip

If you’re constantly on the go and don’t have time to prepare a meal, consuming a meal replacement product can be a great alternative.

Get Active

Secondly, it’s vital that you get active. Exercising doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to take up half of your day in order to see results.

Beginning a home-based fitness program will enable you to lose weight and tone up — all from the comfort of your own home. The best part is, you won’t have to rely on high-priced exercise equipment or expensive memberships at trendy fitness clubs to accomplish your goals.

Relax

Last but not least, work on lowering your stress levels. Planning a wedding is oftentimes one of the most stressful times for people, and it is well-known that stress releases cortisol which is responsible for the accumulation of stubborn body fat.

Activities such as massages, yoga, and exercising are all excellent stress busters and can be used quite effectively to lower anxiety levels.

Hopefully this article has given you some useful tips on how to lose weight before your wedding. Getting married is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it’s important that you look and feel your best once that special day arrives.

Put these strategies to work for you, and I have no doubt that you’ll experience tremendous results.

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Get Fit for Your Wedding Day!

You have called the caterer, double checked with your officiant, and made 150 cute birdseed favors for your guests.

You’re exhausted, and you probably feel like you have done enough running around planning wedding details to double as your aerobics.

But no workout is complete without a good weight training routine, and you surely want your arms to look toned as you walk down the aisle.

Lifting light dumbbells (between 3 to 5 pounds for beginners) is a safe bet.

Never lift weights to the point of pain and never begin a weight lifting routine without first consulting a Doctor.

Basic Weight Training for Brides

Here are some basic weight training guidelines to keep in mind:

• Warm up thoroughly with a brisk walk or light jog, followed by stretching.
• Use good form and posture always. Bending forward or backward works the wrong muscles and can cause injury.
• Use slow, steady motions for all exercises.
• Resist gravity. Don’t allow the weight to accelerate as it descends.
• Don’t hold your breath. Breathe out during the difficult parts and in during the more relaxed phase.
• Concentrate on the muscles that lift the weight.
• Keep your eyes open to aid balance. Watch your motion in a mirror, or focus on a distant object.
• Rest at least a day between workouts. Most people should not work a muscle group more than three times a week.

For each of the exercises performed, first establish how much weight you can lift 10 times. (Each lift is called a “repetition,” or “rep,” and each group of 10 reps is called a “set.”) Begin the process by lifting a light weight 10 times.

Rest a few minutes, then add weight and try again. A weight you can lift 10 times only is your 10 RM (repetition maximum). Once you’ve determined your 10 RM, you’ll do three sets of each exercise: one at 50% of your 10 RM, one at 75%, and one at 100%.

For example, if 100 pounds is your 10 RM, you’d do your sets at 50, 75, and 100 pounds. The first two sets serve as a progressive warm-up, and the final set represents the overload. Follow these tips, and check out various online sources or fitness magazines for more assistance.

You will be the fittest and most beautiful bride ever!

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Its got to be easier than this, right?

Now maybe you want to lose a few extra pounds before it arrives for your first fitting…

Maybe you want to get fit before you hit the beach on your honeymoon…

Many brides-to-be feel that their wedding is finally the motivation they need to lose those unwanted pounds.

If you want to avoid resorting to “fad” diets or diet supplements, it is within healthy limits to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week. But it takes dedication!

First, any bride-to-be who wants to lose weight should remember that you will not see results on the scale in two days, no matter how hard you worked.

You won’t lose two inches in two days. You should keep in mind that results will never come as fast as you want them to, but they will if you stick to it.

Keep Track of What You Eat

This tip is perhaps the most obvious. If you are eating a lot and taking in plenty of calories and fat, you will not lose weight. Therefore you should watch what you eat. One of the best ways to keep track of what you eat is by keeping a journal of what you eat. Often, people don’t realize how much they are really eating until they write everything down. When keeping a journal, you may also be able to pinpoint trouble spots in your daily eating routine.

For instance, you might realize that you eat a candy bar or some other candy snack at the same time every day. You realize that it is when you are tired and taking a break from work. By thinking ahead, cutting out that candy bar and replacing it with something else healthy, you could cut 250 or more calories from your daily intake. Don’t be afraid to eat three meals and two low calorie snacks a day. The snacks can keep you from starving and then eating a huge portion during meal time.

Watch Your Portion Sizes

With all the excess at restaurants, it’s hard to view large portions as anything but ordinary. However, most restaurants serve up huge portions, which usually equals a huge amount of calories. Portion sizes should often equal the size of the palm of your hand. For instance, one healthy-considered portion of meat or chicken would be the size of the palm of your hand, or maybe a deck of cards. The same goes with anything you may have on the side like pasta or rice.

When served a big portion of food at a restaurant, a good tip is to get a to-go box even before you are halfway through your meal. Put part of your meal in the box before you are even done eating, and leave behind what you judge would be a healthy portion size. Of course adding extra fruits and vegetables benefits your diet. Besides the vitamins and minerals they contain, they are very low in calories, so they fill you up with little calorie intake.

Exercise 5 to 6 Days a Week

Exercising burns calories. Therefore if you workout 5 to 6 days a week for 30 minutes or more each time, it will help you lose weight. If you are not used to physical activity, try starting out by just walking 3 days a week and then build it up. Strength training also revs up your metabolism. Just don’t forget muscle weighs more than fat so it may affect what you see on the scale if you are strength training!

Drink More Water

It’s important to keep you body hydrated. Drinking water is a good weight loss tool because when you drink plenty of it, it can help you feel full. Also, when your body is slightly dehydrated and thirsting for water, sometimes if feels as though you are hungry. So you may think you may need to eat something, but drinking water and hydrating your body could get rid of that fake type of hunger.

However you choose to lose those extra pounds — set reasonable goals, be patient, stick to it, and you will be well on your way to reaching your goal!

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You can have it all.

I wanted to feel good about my body and feel confident in my sleeveless gown as I walked down the isle.

I wanted to be able to spin and twirl on the dance floor with my future husband without getting winded or breathless.

I decided, like many brides-to-be, to use my wedding date as an initial goal for a healthy weight and better health.

Here are some tips that may help you develop a healthy eating and exercise plan so you can look great and feel great on your wedding day.

Healthy Eating & Exercise

What’s a Healthy Weight for You?

Your first step should be to determine your body mass index and set a weight-loss goal that will put you within a healthy range. Your body mass index, or BMI, is a point value determined by measuring the ratio of your weight and height. A healthy BMI is usually between 18-24 points.

For example, if you were 5’ 4” and 160 pounds, your BMI would be 27 points. You may want to loose roughly 25 pounds to be within a healthy point range.

Food Journal

Keep a Food Journal Once you’ve determined your weight-loss goal (if you need one) begin to journal everything that you eat—even little bites and nibbles; these can add up! Don’t yet focus on cutting calories, just try to get a sense of how much and what kinds of foods you’re eating. For example, I noticed immediately that I hardly ate vegetables or fruits and I was constantly snacking!

When you have a good picture of your eating habits, began to do nutritional research to find out how many calories you need to eat per day and what kinds of foods are better than others. One pound is equal to 3500 calories. So, to loose two pounds a week, you would need to cut 7000 calories out of your diet per week. Web sites such as WebMD and the Mayo Clinic are excellent nutritional and diet resources.

In general, try to eat low-calorie, high-fiber foods and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Also, drink plenty of water—at least six glasses a day. Water keeps things moving smoothly in your body and also helps maintain a smooth, healthy complexion.

Build Muscle and Exercise

Many women believe the myth that if a woman lifts weights, she’ll develop big, bulky muscles like those of a professional body builder. Because of this, many woman overlook the fact that the key to weight loss and a toned body is to build muscle. Muscle tissue requires more calories a day – just to stay alive – than fat does. Therefore, if you were to build several pounds of muscle, you body would require more calories and your metabolism will rise.

If you’re uncomfortable lifting weights at the gym or are not sure of proper form, a good way to start is by using exercise videos that focus on toning. At home, you can stop the tape whenever you need to check your form or modify the sequence. You should also do at least a half hour of cardiovascular exercise every day.

Think of all the fun things you liked to do as a kid: did you love to run and jump? Did you love to swim and play in the pool? Try to envision exercise as “play” time for yourself, instead of a chore. Don’t bother with exercise that you don’t enjoy.

Get Support

Finally, surround yourself with people who are supportive of your efforts! Join an online fitness forum, or attend meetings such as Weight Watchers. Making a life commitment to health won’t happen overnight, and you may have some setbacks along the way. However, with a positive attitude (and your wedding quickly approaching!) you can only succeed.

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Total Body Workouts in Your Own Home

Many brides – even those with that “perfect 10” figure want to amp up their workouts a bit the weeks before their wedding.

There are many workouts you can do at home to get buff for that walk down the aisle.

Don’t worry about adding gym fees to your wedding budget – or getting to the gym in time for a class when you’ve got all of that wedding planning to do.

Whether you are just getting started with exercise or are a true athlete, you’ll find something you’ll enjoy from our list of favorite home workouts.

The Bollywood Dance Workout with Hemalayaa

Bollywood films are full of expressive music and great dance. You’ll enjoy this energetic and fun cardio dance workout that engages your entire body. It’s ideal for the beginner or anyone who enjoys dance. The Bollywood Dance Workout with Hemalayaa includes cardio, sculpting and stretching – so your workout is complete. Best of all you may pick up a few new dance moves for the wedding reception dance floor!

Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred

Jillian Michaels is known for her success as a no-nonsense trainer on The Big Loser. If you’ve been impressed with her on the TV show, get ready to see what she can do to get you ready for your Big Day with her 30 Day Shred! This is a workout for those who are already exercising regularly and expect it to push you to the limit. But Michaels’ encourages you to stick to her routine to see great weight loss and toning results.

Bellydance Fitness for Beginners – Arms, Abs, Hips, Buns & Thighs

This belly dance DVD features twin sisters Veena and Neena who lead you through a fun belly dance routine. Even if you’ve never belly danced before, you’ll find this fun and easy to follow. Best of all, you’ll work out all of those bridal “trouble zones” we all stress about for that wedding dress. If you like this DVD, the twin sisters have several others so you can keep belly dancing till you say, “I do!”

The Firm Calorie Explosion

The Firm workout DVDs are known for their tough workouts so you can expect to get a great workout from their Calorie Explosion. On this DVD you can choose the workout you’d like to do – choose from 4 great workouts. This is a workout with weights so you’ll get both cardio and toning. Ideal for someone who has been doing some regular exercise. The Firm has many exercise videos so if you like this one, try their other great workouts before your Big Day to be a buff bride!

Zumba Fitness Latin Workout Routine 4 DVDs Box Set

Many have fallen in love with Zumba – for a high calorie burning workout that’s lots of fun. 4 DVDs are in this set and you can start with the Beginners DVD to help learn all about Zumba. Don’t worry about learning all of the steps from the beginning; you’ll catch on the fun Zumba moves before you know it! Then try Abs, Buns and Thighs or the Advanced DVD or Power DVD for a great workout. A great way to burn calories and get ready to dance all day (and night) on that wedding reception dance floor as a buff bride!

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Get Fit for the Big Day

It certainly does mark a new beginning for anyone who has spent the majority of their life single.

So of course, you want to look perfect.

Unfortunately, between holding a job, running a household, and organizing a major event that you only plan to do once, you might be stretched a little thin, making it hard to get in shape before the big day.

Adding the burden of eating healthy 24/7 and exercising daily might be just a little too much stress to add to your already-full plate.

But believe it or not, there are ways to work the physical fitness routine you crave into your busy life.  Here are just a few tips to help the beleaguered bride-to-be get fit before the bell tolls.

1. Join a class.
   If the onus is on you to hit the gym, you may find yourself heading home for a much-needed nap instead.  But when you join a class that meets a couple times a week, it won’t be long before it becomes routine.  And if you’re paying for it, you’re a lot more likely to attend.  So find a class that looks interesting at a local gym or even a nearby community college and get yourself signed up.  Not only will it have you looking svelte for your walk down the aisle, it will also help to reduce stress and increase energy, two benefits that you cannot put a price tag on.
2. Join a club.
   Whether you’re into schooling yourself with a plan like Weight Watchers or you want a program that provides food, as with Jenny Craig, joining a weight-loss club might provide the motivation you need to embrace a healthy diet.  Doing it on your own simply may not be an option, especially if you’re an emotional eater.  So consider joining a community of people who can commiserate as well as offer advice and support (not to mention a program that gives you the skills you need to eat right for life).
3. Enlist a friend.
   Everything is easier with a friend at your side, so see if your bridesmaids are willing to embark on this journey towards physical fitness with you.  You’ll likely find at least one who would like to squeeze into a smaller size before preceding you in the bridal procession.  And even if you only go for a hike on Saturday mornings and exercise independently the rest of the week, at least you’ll have one fun-filled, stress-busting workout with a friend to look forward to.
4. Control blood sugar.
   Stress can be a big factor when it comes to eating things that are not on the diet, but so can low blood-sugar (which comes not only from eating the wrong foods, but also from skipping meals).  So if you’re trying to lose a few pounds, you need to be diligent about both what and when you eat.  Break up your day into several small meals, more like snacks, and make sure they include the natural foods that are going to keep you on an even keel.  Lean protein and carbs are essential slow-burners that will leave you satisfied longer, so thinks eggs and toast for breakfast, turkey sandwich for lunch, and a balanced dinner, then fill in the gaps with fruits, vegetables, and nuts (for example).
5. Do double duty.
   Simply can’t find time to work out?  No problem; do it while you work.  Need to call a client?  Put on your Bluetooth headset and talk while you walk (around the outside of your office building).  Stuck at your desk?  Do some leg lifts or keep a pair of light hand-weights to do curls while you review contracts.  And make sure to get up, walk around, and stretch several times a day.  It’s not ideal, but it’s better than nothing.

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You’ve spent months planning and preparing for your wedding and years dreaming about it. Well, maybe just the brides on that one! Regardless, a wedding can be a very stressful event, which makes the honeymoon such an anticipated escape.

A lot of women sweat and starve to fit into their wedding dress and the honeymoon can quickly reverse all of the hard work (hello, buffets!). Now, I think you’d have to be crazy to spend a minute of your honeymoon trapped inside a hotel gym, but you can stay fit and healthy on your honeymoon while having fun!

A healthy vacation starts by planning your schedule around fun activities that you’ll both enjoy and burn calories doing. Of course, don’t pack your schedule so tight that you have no time for relaxation…that’s the point of a honeymoon right? Relaxing, quality alone time!

Healthy Travel

Healthy traveling is comprised of smart eating choices (with some splurges), along with daily physical activity. Healthy eating while traveling seems difficult, but it is totally doable. Try to keep breakfast pretty simple and low in calories. Stick to fresh fruit and an egg white omelet (made with a cooking spray and not butter/oil) or plain oatmeal. Cut back on calories where you can to make room in your diet for indulgences like splitting a dessert and cocktails. Healthy trips don’t have to feel like boot camp. Be sure to make sure that the activities you plan are ones you’ll both enjoy so you won’t notice you’re staying active!

You can stay fit on vacation by enjoying outdoor and sport activities that your destination has to offer.  There are plenty of adventurous activities you can do no matter where you choose to spend your honeymoon.

Island Retreat

• Snorkeling – take advantage of all of the underwater beauty that the ocean has to offer! Snorkeling is very cheap and easy to do, which makes it very attractive to otherwise lazy beach combers.
• Scuba Diving – imagine the beautiful marine life you will see! Take scuba lessons and have fun staying active on your trip.
• Kayaking – kayaking is an incredible workout and a great alternative to underwater sports.
• Beach volleyball – a real calorie-scorcher amidst a beautiful backdrop…what could be better?
• Surfing – surfing is a very fun, adventurous sport. Take lessons if you don’t know how and catch some waves! Hang ten, bro!
• Hike a waterfall – this can be a very exciting excursion with breath-taking views. Obviously, do this only under the supervision of a guide.

City Escape

• Forget the tour bus – Lace up your sneakers and get moving! Get a map and directions from the hotel concierge and map out a route of where you’ll go. Avoid taxis and buses to cut down on costs and to get some good exercise! Of course, use transportation when necessary, but try to walk to all of your destinations. A city looks much better on foot!
• Golf – a very fun sport and a good calorie burner if you walk the course. Not a golf player, ladies? Walk the course for the exercise and time with your man.
• Tennis – a great choice because you can play together and make new friends in the process!

Country Getaway

• Hike – pack some snacks and some water and hit the trail. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the views!
• Bike – rent a couple bikes and take a leisurely bike ride through a pretty area. It is so refreshing and fun that you’ll forget you’re working out.
• Kayak – kayaking or white-water rafting is an adrenaline-pumping sport that is sure to leave you and your spouse hungry for more!
• Run – through a field of daisies… or, a field of anything! Get out there and enjoy a beautiful morning jog together and kick back with the endorphin rush afterwards.

Eating right and staying active on your honeymoon can better ensure that you have a healthy vacation without getting sick (that would be a major bummer!). Exercise and proper nutrition boost your immune system and keep your body healthy and happy.  Follow these tips to stay healthy on vacation and have the best honeymoon possible!

This article was written exclusively for STL Weddings by Jessica Kerr. Jessica, from www.healthcarecolleges.net, is a health and wellness coach. She has been working in the health and fitness field for many years and enjoys counseling people on how to live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives.

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