Rescu. Fitness expert, Natalie Carter shows us how to get red carpet ready, even if it’s just in the comfort of your lounge room!
The gowns that have graced our screens currently, with awards season, have been showstoppers. The return of glamour and form fitting gowns is back! You might not have the a-list invitation to big awards shows but you can look just as good as Angelina “look at my leg” Jolie.
Rhianna recently rocked the Grammy red carpet, with her amazing arms. Toned, lean and ready for exposure. How are your arms looking? Bit sad and flabby? Time to turn your back on countless hours of cardio and get lifting some weights. Here’s how to turn those flabby arms into tight, feminine weapons of mass envy.
Medicine ball press & overhead extension:
Using a 5 kg ball (or even dumbbell) sit on a bench, nice and tall. Holding the ball either side, ball starts off at the chest; press it straight up overhead. Once at the top bend your elbows and guide the ball (using your triceps) down to the mid back, now extend the ball back up (tricep extension) and bend the elbows, returning the ball to the front of your body. Repeat this for 12 reps, 3-4 sets. We are working shoulders, triceps and core all in one here.
Bicep curl with resistance band:
Select your resistance band (different colours equal different resistance). Stand on top with both feet, elbows in to your waist, tall spine and abs in. Starting with the arms fully extending, curl with band up to the top of your arm. Always keep the upper arm close to your body (no elbows swinging madly please). Repeat for 12 reps and try to get out 3-4 sets.
Shoulders, triceps and biceps sorted!
Who doesn’t love a backless gown, I mean you just aren’t human if you didn’t swoon at Ahna O’Reilly (The Help) red stunning, asymmetrical number at the SAG awards. Everyone want’s a tight back sans unsightly back fat and here’s how you get it!
You can use a resistance band or the lat pull down machine for this exercise.
Lat Pull down with resistance band:
Secure the band to a door or hook over head (To attach in a door, put a knot in center of band, drape knot over door so loose ends are on side by you, close door, and check that band is secure.). You’ll be kneeling on the ground for this one, so you need to create space close to you. Hold on to band or handles, pull hands down, squeezing shoulder blades together, until hands are around chest height. Slowly bring the band back to start position. Repeat 12 reps, 3-4 sets.
J-Lo, Cam Diaz and Rooney Mara all rocked gowns exposing their décolletage (some a little more than others) at the Oscars. The chest area can be a tough area to get good results. Not because it ‘s hard to work but it’s about achieving that fine balance of not getting too over developed and keeping one’s femininity.
I’ve got the best exercise that gets you definition in your chest (plus helps lift those boobs) and targets the flabby arm affliction some of you may “suffer from”.
Lying Chest flyes:
Grab some dumbbells (beginners try 3-4 kg, advanced start form 5kg and increase as necessary). Lie on a bench or Swiss Ball (this will add core and balance into the exercise). Feet on the ground, body flat. Start with the dumbbells extending in the air in line with your chest, slowly you are going to separate them till they are parallel with the floor, performing an arc movement. Then come back up to start position. Think of hugging someone (open arms, close arms. Easy!) Repeat 12 reps and try for 3-4 sets. Slow and controlled movement at all times. This will tighten the arms, lift the boobies (yay!) and give you a lean décolletage.
Last minute tips when you need to look drop dead glam:
– Drink 2L of water at all times, no excuses
– Resistance exercise will change the shape of your body! Embrace it
– Dress for your shape, find a dress that shows off your best assets not shows all your flaws.
– Aim to workout 4-5 times per week (3 with weights 2 cardio) to maintain a banging body all year round
– Stop with the silly “need to get into this dress ASAP” diets. Try to reduce your overall portion size, limit your alcohol and sugar instead. If you have 1-2 weeks up your sleeve, reduce the amount of carbohydrate you eat be replacing it with fresh, green veggies. Delicious and fat burning.
