Fit For Marriage

Last but not least - legs

"These exercises will tone the lower part of your body.  You'll be working out and shaping your glutes (bottom), quads, hamstrings, and calves.  They'll also strengthen and build stamina ready for lots of standing on your wedding day" explains Pippa.

These exercises should be done three times a week with a day's rest in between.

Start by doing each exercise for three sets of 10 repetitions slowly building up to 20 repetitions.  Rest for 30 seconds between each set.

The Lunge

Grasp a dumbbell in each hand and allow them to hang at your sides with palms facing inward. Keep your head up, trunk straight and feet shoulder width apart.

Step forward with your right leg. Your weight is on your right leg and your left heel is lifted from the floor.

Lower your body straight down until the right thigh is nearly parallel to the floor. Don't let your left knee hit the floor, and keep your right knee in line above your ankle.

Press up with the right foot (with the "push" coming from the heel - not the toe) until you are back to the starting position.

Perform the repetitions, then repeat with the opposite leg.

Squats

Stand with your feet a little more than shoulder width apart.

With your arms straight out in front of you, keep your head up and your back straight as you bend your knees. 

Push the hips back and squat down until your thighs are about parallel to the floor, keeping your knees in line above your ankles.

Straighten your legs, pushing up from your heels, and return to a standing position.

Standing calf raises

Stand on a step or box with the balls of the feet on the box and the heels off the edge.   

Keeping your knees locked (but not hyper-extended) raise up and down on your toes.

Thanks to Debbie for demonstrating the exercises.

Fit for marriage - Introduction +click here
Fit for marriage - Upper body +click here
Fit for marriage - Abdominals +click here
Fit for marriage - Lower body +click here
Fit for marriage - Aerobic +click here