10 easy ways to tone up

We all know a gym bunny who lives for daily circuit classes and hardcore workouts, but for busy brides-to-be juggling work, home and cake-tasting appointments finding time to burn off the calories can be 
a struggle!

The good news? Toning up can fit into your life so easily, you won’t even notice (and you might even have fun doing it!). Check out our 10 tips and you’ll soon be slim, toned and ready to shimmy down the aisle…

1 Go retro
Looking for a fun way to get all your bridesmaids together before W-day? Why not plan some old-fashioned girly fun. Visit your local roller disco or 
ice-skating rink and spend an hour having fun! Plus, this is great for toning your legs, bum (and arms as you try to keep upright!).
Calories burnt: 600 in an hour.

2 On your bike!
Vintage-style cycles are the stylish way to commute now with celebs including Agyness Deyn and Kate Hudson setting the trend – so ditch the car and tone up while you ride! See pashley.co.uk for classic designs.
Calories burnt: 300 during a 26-minute ride.

3 Come dancing
Struggling with two left feet and in a panic about your first dance? Then learn to ballroom dance with your 
hubby-to-be. Wow your guests with Strictly-style moves, and burn off the pounds as you learn!
Calories burnt: 257 in one-hour.

4 Eat smart
Did you know research 
has shown your body burns around 25 per cent of calories 
in a protein-rich meal? So 
choosing low-fat protein foods like lean meat, skinless chicken and low-fat dairy products can help you lose weight! Try the protein-based Fuller For Longer range at Marks & Spencer for the easy option.

5 Feel the heat
Being very hot is thought to raise your metabolism by about 20 per cent – so escape from the W-day 
madness and treat 
yourself to a sauna session! You be blissed
 out, but still be busy burning more calories.

6 Punch 
it out
Mother-in-law driving you crazy? De-stress and tone up at the same time with a high-energy kick-boxing session. Mix up boxing and kicking moves for a top-to-toe workout – just stick to non-impact... you don’t want a shiner come your big day!
Calories burnt: 300 in a 20-minute session.

7 Hot ‘n‘ spicy
Eating spices like chilli is thought to raise your 
metabolism for up to three hours after eating! Prepare your own healthy recipes at home. We love tasty veggie curries, and lentils and spinach are the perfect base.

8 House beautiful
Burn off the fat and get your home newlywed-ready at the same time! Simple DIY jobs around the house can be just 
as good as a gym session – 
for example 45 minutes of scraping off old wallpaper will burn 300 calories.

9 Grab some 
you-time
Walking is one of the simplest ways to get some exercise, and it’s a great way to tone up, plus it gives you the time to think through those all-important 
wedding-planning decisions.
Calories burnt: 346 in an hour.

10 Little and often
Evidence shows eating small, regular meals throughout the day may help keep your metabolism ticking over. Around 10 per cent of the calories we eat each day are used digesting the food we eat too, so eating small regular meals should make this effect greater!