We hosted a live Facebook chat where fans had the chance to submit their toughest fitness questions and get personalized feedback from workout guru Sue Fleming, the creator of the Buff Brides program. What we learned: No gym membership? Don't sweat it! All you need in order to work on the moves below are a swiss ball, a set of free weights, exercise bands, resistance tubes, and a good pair of sneakers.
Q1: "I'm wearing a strapless gown and am considering having the dress neckline altered to cover up the side-boob action. (You know, the little area right in front of the underarm.) Are there any particular moves I can focus on—other than just dropping my body fat percentage in general—to deal with that area?" —Brittany B.
A1: Sue Fleming: Push-ups are great to improve that area you're talking about. Try decline push-ups (your feet are on a bench, hands on floor) and incline push-ups (hands are on the bench, feet on floor) for an added boost!
Q2: "I've lost almost 40 lbs. but am struggling to lose the last 10-15 lbs., which is mostly in my thighs. Can you give me any helpful tips to minimize that area?"
—Jamie H.
A3: Sue Fleming: Those last 10 lbs. are always the hardest. Stay in there and stay focused! Now's the time to change up your cardio if you haven't already. Cross train—do as many different kinds of cardio activity that you feel comfortable with. This will "trick" your body and get you to burn more calories. Also, make sure you're eating enough! If you're not, your body thinks something is wrong and will go into protection mode, which will prevent it from losing weight.
Q3: "I need help! I lose weight everywhere, except for my arms. I can't afford a gym membership, so I work out from home. What are the best exercises for me to do?"
—Sheree W.
A3: Sue Fleming: Your body will lose weight in the areas where it wants to first. That's the hard part! In terms of losing weight in your arms, keep yourself on a balanced exercise program, which includes cardio and strength training. It's frustrating, I know, but eventually you'll see the results in those problem areas.
Q4: "What do you think is the best time to exercise? Morning, night? Before or after meals? Please help!"—Jenna R.
A4: Sue Fleming: This question is one of the most popular that I get. I tell my clients to work out the time of day that they will actually do it! If you know that you're not a night workout person, don't push your workout to the evening. Best rule of thumb: Get it out of the way. Then, if something comes up during the day, you don't have to worry about fitting a workout in.
Q5: "What are the best exercises to do to look great in an open-back dress?"
—Rachel D.
A5: Sue Fleming: Great back exercises include lat pull downs and dumbbell rows for the lower back. One of my favorites is what I call "the bird dog." First, get down on all fours. Then, straighten out your right arm and extend it out in front of you, pointing forward. At the same time, extend your left leg backwards as straight as you can. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Now you look like a bird dog! Remember, a strong back also prevents injuries. Don't forget to neglect the abs as well—a strong back and strong abs work hand in hand.
Leave a comment below or write one on our Facebook wall to be answered in an upcoming Fitness Friday chat!
P.S. If you live in NYC, mention our Fitness Friday Facebook promotion to receive 20% off a one-on-one training session with Sue.
—Stefania Sainato
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