woman doing yoga
Photo by: Jorg Badura
Designed to be performed for six months, five days a week, with sessions lasting 30 minutes (for beginners) to just over an hour (for fitter women), each month of this workout builds on the progress you've made the month before.

Getting Ready
Visit your doctor. You need his or her OK before starting any diet or exercise plan.

Keep a journal. Start by writing down your workout goals, and make them as specific as you can—think "I want to lose five pounds and tone my shoulders."

Size yourself up. Measure your waist, hips, thighs and arms. Step on the scale to find your starting weight. Finally, calculate your body-fat percentage (or body mass index) at caloriecontrol.org. Record this info in your journal, then weigh and measure yourself every week after.

Pen it in. In your planner, block out time each day for exercise just as you would for an important meeting.

Get in tune. Load your MP3 player with songs that motivate you.

Equip yourself. You'll need cross-training shoes and a supportive sports bra. If your budget allows, consider a heart-rate monitor.

Next: 6 Months Before

Dream Day Details

centerpieces

Elements of Style

Get inspired by hundreds of goregous wedding ideas.
Advertisement

Free E-Newsletter

Sign up for our Wedding Partner e-mail and get the scoop on big-day products and offers!



Marketplace
tacori

Wedding Band Giveaway!

Tacori is giving one couple $5,000 toward the wedding bands of their dreams!
NEW today on InStyle.com
Please Note: You may have disabled JavaScript and/or CSS. Although this news content will be accessible, certain functionality is unavailable.
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Total Slides:  [View All]

What's Right Now

Try On Sexy Oscar Hair!
More

Spring Beauty

Jessica Alba-updo-robert ramos
Master the easiest updos ever!
More

Transformation

Heidi Klum: February 2009
See Heidi Klum go from supermodel to supermogul
More

Get Star Style

Star Q&A - Katie Holmes - Star Style Icon
Stars like Katie Holmes reveal their style icons
More

Parties

Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston - London Premiere of The Bounty Hunter
Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler re-teamed for the London premiere of their big screen caper.
More

Look of the Day

Sarah Jessica Parker in Stella McCartney
Sarah Jessica Parker in Stella McCartney
More

Daily Beauty Tip

Gwyneth Paltrow-Laureus World Sports Awards-hair
Gwyneth Paltrow's Tiny Side Braids
More

Clothes We Love

Topshop Jacket and Yigal Azrouël Dress
How to Wear Spring's Hottest Trends!
More

Hair Look of the Day

Jessica Simpson-Ken Paves-Late Show with David Letterman
Jessica Simpson's Sleek Style
More