The Best Exercises To Look Good in Formal Attire, Fitness Expert Says
Are you gearing up for wedding season or your very own special day? If so, it's safe to say that looking good in a suit, tux, or formal wear is a top priority of yours. We totally understand you'd like to look your very best and tone things up for those wedding vows of yours. After all, this is a day you'll remember for the rest of your life—and it starts with good posture. We chatted with Kelly Najjar, a personal trainer on Fyt, to round up the absolute best exercises to look good in formal attire. (For those of you who didn't know, Fyt is the biggest personal training service in the nation that makes fitness under the expert guidance of an in-person or virtual, certified fitness professional convenient and accessible for anyone and everyone.)
Najjar stresses the importance of maintaining good posture, telling us, "Your head should be over your spine and held high. Your shoulders need to be down and back. Your glutes and abs need to be strong and engaged." So follow along with the below exercises to look good in formal attire and totally rock your savvy look.
Stretch and activate your neck so that your head's in line with your spine
For this first exercise, you're going to stand or sit up tall. Then, Najjar instructs you to put two fingers on your chin and tuck your chin to form a double chin. Gently press down on your chin with those two fingers to enhance the stretch.
Next up, lie down on your back as you press up on the roof of your mouth with your tongue, tuck in your chin, and raise your neck around 1 inch above the floor. Remain in this position for 3 sets of 20 seconds.
Related: The 12-Week Bridal Bootcamp Workout To Get Into Shape for the Big Day
Give your chest muscles a solid stretch to relieve any tightness
This move will have you standing with the left side of your body facing a wall. Bring your left palm to the wall while keeping your arm straight, and rotate to the right until you feel the stretch working its magic. Remain in this position for 3 sets of 20 seconds, then switch sides.
Target the muscles surrounding your shoulder blades so that your shoulders are pulled down and back
Stand up tall, and place your arms by your sides. Bring your belly in toward your spine, then bring your shoulder blades together and lower them down. Hold for 4 sets of 10 seconds.
This next move will have you sitting on the ground. Your legs should be out in front of you. Place a resistance band around your feet, and take hold of the handles. Bring your belly in toward your spine as you start a rowing motion. Bring your shoulder blades together as you gradually bring your elbows back, keeping them close to your ribs. Perform 3 sets of 10 reps.
Related: The #1 Bat Wings Workout To Tighten and Tone Those Arms
Perform single-leg deadlifts to make your glutes stronger
This next exercise is demonstrated above. You're going to stand up tall, and position your feet hip-width distance apart. Your knees should be bent just a bit as you bring your belly button in toward your spine. Bring your hips back, and take your right foot off the floor. Make sure your back remains straight as you bend, then straighten that leg behind you. Squeeze your left glute muscles, and then bring your right leg back to a standing position. Repeat this movement with your other leg, and aim for 3 sets of 10 reps on each side.
Build a strong core with planks
Last but not least comes the classic plank. Begin this exercise on all fours, then bring your legs back until they're straight to assume a traditional plank position. Activate your core, and shoot for 3 sets of 30 seconds.
