We couldn’t think of a better time than during the holidays, when people have so many parties and tend to overindulge a bit to share our new series- Fitness Fridays with Tracie Long of Long Training Studios (or from The Firm studio and fitness video series back in the day). I’ve been training with her for years, and asked her to help give her best tips on how brides can do quick and easy steps to tone/shape up point areas for looking your best on your wedding day or recovering from the holidays!

Our first tip is called the Chest Opener:

“Rounded shoulders and a less than sleek upper back are not what a working bride-to-be wants to show off on her wedding day. However, in the age of texting and hovering over a computer all day, can cause excessive curvature. Stretching your tight chest muscles are the first step to improving your posture which will go a long way to looking good in a strapless wedding dress”

1.   Sit in a comfortable manner for you (on the floor, in a chair, on your knees)

2.   Keep abdominals tight and tuck hips under slightly so you don’t arch your back

3.   Interlace hands completely – behind the head

4.   Without arching the back or losing the interlacing of the hands, pull your elbows back allowing your head to pry your chest muscles open.

5.   Adjust to a deep, but comfortable stretch as the chest muscles begin to relax.

6.   Move in & out of this stretch for 2 minutes.