Toning up for the big day HELP!!!!!

Most of us have squishy bits we don't like but before you go to all that hassle, do you *really* need to "tone up" or are you just falling into the trap like everyone else does of crash dieting and everything else when you are probably perfectly fine as you are.

After all, your h2b is marrying you for what you are, not what you could be - and isn't that the most important thing, rather than what anyone else may think?

Most crash diets and 'wonder slim' products fail because they are only effective for the time you're on them, and most people resent them - as you've already said, you're eating salad but are still hungry.

Permanent weight loss requires either permanent lifestyle changes, or risky surgery. Little things like grilling rather than frying stuff can make a difference that you hardly notice until you start to lose weight and then it's a surprise - and it's easy to maintain. Of course, if you spend 6 hours a day in front of the telly eating bacon sarnies and cream cakes then you're going to have to make a lot more effort but it sounds like with 3 kids and 2 jobs you're fairly active - in fact you're probably almost too busy and may I guess that perhaps convenience meals and takeaways are quite common as you don't have the time or energy to cook when you need to?

Hi im trying to tone up for my wedding in oct, ive been using that shakeweight to try tone up my arms, ive also bought the Jillian Michaels exercise dvd but not tried it yet lol

Erm.. im not sure if its working or not lol ive been using it 6mins a day for 2 weeks now and i cant really tell yet i think it is, im just going to carry on using it as its not wasting much of my time.

Wow that sounds grueling!!

I live in Yorkshire, good luck with it though lovey!

Pilates?!

I never understood it, it seems too calm to have any benefits.... Suppose thats my ignorance!

Ab circle pro looks really good

That is exactly what I used to think!! Try it though, you might love it. I started going about 6 weeks ago because I pay gym membership which includes all classes and I wanted to get my money's worth LOL. Anyway in 6 weeks I have already noticed a difference in my abs and back and my general strength and posture. It is low impact in that there is no bouncing around so to fat burn you have to combine it with cardio exercises. However it is very slow, controlled and intense, anyone can do 12 sit ups but in pilates you might do 300 but in a very slow and controlled way and I actually do work up a bit of a sweat when doing it. I absolutely love it and I am a complete convert.

Where do you mainly want to tone within the next 10 weeks?

Slimming world would be my recommended solution - i lost about 1.5 stone in my first ten weeks!

I think just being a bit more active and cutting down on the obvious unhealthy choices...is the best thing you can do , as some of you are aware from my previous posts ive lost 17 stone , and i agree that no quick fix diet is going to work it will make you look tired withdrawn , your skin hair and nails will suffer and you will be cranky not a great look for your big day... so just make little sensible changes.. walk more... i advice doing a home dvd or the wii games are great.. as long as your moving your working out.. it doesnt have to be something boring x

Kiiradee, well done on the weight loss.

I've been going to Gymophobics since last July and have lost 22 inches off my body. I'm due a re-assessment in the next two weeks to see how the new 'fat-burning' programme has gon. I didn't think I'd like going, but I find I miss it if I'm unable to get down there. It's a 30 minute circuit of resistance training.

Definately give the zumba a go. I do it twice a week and have noticed the effects. I have it on the x box kinect and to be honest have used that only twice and need the room to myself to move around. I found doing zumba in a local class more fun and motivating. Gets me out two nights a week too so it's a bonus and feel like I have been partying all night!

POWER PLATES (or FabeLos) All the way!! You can do a course of 30 and they are amazing..As time is tight this is also perfect as you only do 10min sessions.. they're based all around and your local gym my have one.. ours does a 30 session for £30 bargain and i will defo be doing this before my wedding... I've just done a course of 5 and have already noticed a difference.

I recommend slimming world and Body Pump is great for toning.

I've lost 3 stone on SW and Body Pump (and Combat) has really helped me shape and tone up. Defo helped the old bingo wings!!