Not so into sweating for the wedding? Maybe, at the end of the day, you are just too tired to drag yourself to the gym. Maybe you don’t have time. Or maybe, just maybe, you JUST. DON’T. WANNA. (Insert hand-raised emoji here)! Well lazy brides celebrate because I have the perfect solution. I’ve created several exercises that will allow you to still binge watch whatever mind-numbing show you’re into this month AND tone your trouble spots for the big day without ever leaving the floor (or the couch, if you’re too lazy to move the coffee table).
Join me, ladies, as we remain horizontal in the following arm-slimming series!
*As always, consult your doctor before beginning any fitness or nutrition regimen.
Perform each exercise in the order below as many times as you’d like. For this prone-position series, you must keep your core engaged the entire time in order to avoid lower back pain.
Pilates (Wanna-be) Push-Ups
Begin by lying on your belly. Bring the palms of your hands to the floor by your chest and squeeze your elbows inward. Keeping your elbows close to your body, press into your mat and through the heel of your hands to straighten your arms and press your shoulders downward. If you feel pressure in your lower back, tighten your core and do not fully straighten your arms. Return to the mat and repeat for 1 minute or until it burns.
Pro-tip: The starting placement of your hands will modify or intensify the exercise. Hands closer to shoulders will modify and hands closer to ribcage will increase your burn.
Straight Arm (Almost) Lift
Still lying on your belly, roll your shoulders back and down (think, good posture) and bring your arms down to your sides. Turn your thumbs down to your mat with your palms facing (and almost touching) your legs. Keeping your elbows locked, lift and lower your arms while reaching back (toward your toes) with your fingertips. If needed, you may set your forehead or cheek on the mat but maintain good posture! Continue for 1 minute or until you just can’t even.
Pro-tip: Do not allow your arms to widen as you lift, keep them in line with the width of your body.
Tricep (Half-Hearted) Hits
Without leaving your belly, turn your palms toward the floor and bring your arms to just below shoulder height. With straight arms, forcefully bring them down to your sides but keep them away from the floor. Return to start and repeat for 1 minute or until you think you might start sweating.
Pro-tip: Attempt to hit your pinkies together above your booty!
I hope you enjoy #notsweatingforthewedding – stay tuned for more series in my Lazy Bride Fitness Guide!
Maggie