By Craig Lindberg

“The Skinny” is a Fitness column by Craig Lindberg, CPT and Founder/Co-owner of Optimal Performance Center in Shrewsbury (www.opcfitness.com). If you have a question about training, nutrition, bodybuilding, or anything else that falls under the topic of Fitness, please send it to craig@opcfitness.com. Craig will answer one or two questions each month, so check here as soon as a new issue of Pulse hits the streets to see if he’s chosen yours!

This month’s question is no doubt on a lot of women’s minds…

Q: I’m getting married this winter. I exercise regularly, but really want to be in the best possible shape I can be in for my wedding day (and night!). I want to lose about 5 pounds and tone up my back and arms. What do I need to do to get there? Bethany, 26

The Skinny: Congratulations! Without knowing any specifics about your physique or diet, I can tell you that ~ if you feel you are close to where you want or need to be ~ there are some minor changes you can make to guarantee that you look as fabulous as possible on your big day.

First, make an honest assessment of your eating habits. Sweets, high fat snacks and alcohol are the major offenders that should be eliminated from your diet. I know this could be easier said than done, especially if you are in good shape and only treat yourself every so often. The fact remains, though, that to see change, you must initiate and then practice change. Three or so months is a pretty short amount of time, in the grand scheme of things, to look the way you want to on your wedding day.

Second, increase your workout intensity. Begin with frequency: if you are working out 3-4 days per week, up it to 4-5 or even 5-6. If you’re already a dedicated exercise enthusiast, more commonly known as a gym rat, increase your intensity. Reps, weights, varieties of exercise ~ all should be taken up a notch or two in order to stimulate your metabolism and elicit some muscle growth for more definition.

Last, but by no means least, consider hiring a trainer to assist you with your goals. You’ll be doing a lot of planning (and consequently, worrying/panicking) over the next few months, so having a professional plan out your transformation can eliminate the guesswork from your workouts and meals and leave you with fewer things to stress about. Plus, if you play your cards right, you might be able to include the expense as part of your “wedding budget.”

The most important key to a successful transformation on any level is dedication…stay focused. If the thought of your impending nuptials isn’t enough to keep you motivated, then how about picturing your soul mate and 100-200 guests watching you walk down the aisle in that gorgeous size 2 Vera Wang original that totally blew your wedding budget out of the water??

To take advantage of Craig’s 3-month total transformation package that will have you looking and feeling fantastic, please contact him directly at craig@opcfitness.com to schedule your consultation.