Do you want to be the most beautiful bride in the world?

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day right? Brinda Sapat has this workout for the soon-to-be brides

It's your wedding day! And to look your best working out is a MUST! Not only will you look slim and tall but have a beautiful glow no make-up can give!

This is how!

(Disclaimer: Please check with your doctor before beginning this exercise programme.)

Get the fat burning and complexion radiating with cardio work

Walk or jog starting at medium pace for 10 minutes and then at brisk pace for 20. Next climb up stairs (three floors approximately) at medium pace.

Cool down with a few stretches and relaxation.

Do this 5-6 days a week.

Tone up your body with these exercises, four alternating days a week.

Squats
For shapely thighs

• Stand with your feet a little more than hip distance apart. Place your hands raised out in front of you in line with the shoulder.
• Bend your knees and squat down by pushing your hip way behind as if you are trying to sit in a chair placed far off.
• Make sure your knees stay in line with your ankles.
• Try to get the thighs parallel to the floor, then press your heels into the floor and get back to standing without locking your knees.
• Do 16-20 reps. Rest and repeat.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

Heel Raises
For your calves

• In standing position come up on your toes, lifting your heels as high as possible.
• Slowly lower down and before your heels contact the floor, lift up again.
• Do 16- 20 reps. Rest and repeat.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Donkey Kicks
For your butt

• Strap on a 1 kg ankle weight on both ankles.
• Get down on all fours, resting your elbows on the floor.
• Bring your right leg into your chest and then extend it back -upwards and backwards squeezing the butt and thighs.
• Do 12-16 reps per leg. Rest and repeat.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Push-ups
This one's for the chest and back of your arms.

• Lie face down on the floor, place your hands either side of your shoulders on the floor and push up into plank position. Keep your hands wide.
• Slowly lower your body towards the floor as far as it will go and then squeeze the chest as you push up to plank again. If this is too tough, do the same things with your knees resting on the floor.
• Do 12 reps.
• Rest and repeat.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Shadow Boxing
Shape up your shoulders and arms.

• Hold light dumbbells (1-2 kgs) in both hands.
• Punch alternating arms in front of you, at shoulder level, taking care not to jerk or lock the elbows. Do a total of 12-16 reps.
• Then take the punches overhead (12-16 reps), then down (12-16 reps), and then out to the side- right arm punches out to the right side and vice versa (12-16 reps).
• Rest and repeat.
• Punching technique: Palm is turned down when the arm is extended and then faces your shoulder as you bring the hand back to you.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Downward Dog to Plank
Fantastic abdominal exercise

• Get into plank position.
• Then raise your hip upwards as if to make an inverted triangle.
• Slowly come back to plank maintaining tight abdominals and bringing the hip in line with the body.
• Do 12 reps, rest and repeat.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Swimming
Get the sexy back

• Lie face down on the floor.
• Extend your arms out on the floor in front of you. 
• Raise your right arm, upper body and left leg off the floor as you squeeze your back. Lower down and repeat with the left arm and right leg.
• Keep alternating, mimicking a swimming movement.
• Do a total of 16-20 reps. Rest and repeat.

Pamper yourself with some wonderful stretches.

Hold each position for 10 seconds or longer if you like. Relax your breathing and enjoy the feel.

• Lying on your back, stretch your body by pulling yourself in opposite directions.
• Bend your knees and hug them into your chest.
• Drop the legs over to the right and both your arms to the left. Switch sides.
• Come back to the centre and extend your legs straight up.
• Pull both legs towards you stretching the back of your legs.
• Relax and then roll over onto your tummy and bend your knees pulling both heels into the hips.
• Release the stretch. Link your fingers behind your hip and raise your arms up towards the ceiling.
• Come up on all fours, round your back and go into child's pose walking your fingers forward.
• Sit up and place your hands behind you pushing your chest up to the ceiling.
• Take full five minutes after stretching to relax.
• Do a bit of deep breathing, easing your body each time you exhale.
• Compliment your workout with a well-balanced low fat diet.
• Keep your energy levels up by taking enough carbohydrates through the day.
• Add a lot of fresh fruits and veggies.

On your wedding day

• You will, most likely, be in a tizzy, but take the time to do something good for your body and mind, even if it's 5 minutes.
• Pick what feels good to you.
• It could be a five-minute run, weight lifting, abs workout or just good stretching.
• This will release the stress and make you feel energised.
• And undeniably, it will kick in the glow!

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com