Who doesn’t love the feminine charm and grace of a sari? We ALL do! It has the power to make you feel gorgeous (even if you can barely walk in one!). But if you’re worried about not looking your best in your fave sari, don’t worry! We got your back on this one. Here are 6 amazing exercises that will help you get in shape for the sari and ready to flaunt those fabulous curves. (You’re welcome!)
1. Bye bye, flabby arms!
For: Biceps, triceps, back and shoulders
Step 1: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended straight out at shoulder height.
Step 2: Keeping your shoulders down, do 20 small, clockwise circles.
Step 3: Now, switch directions! Do 20 anti-clockwise circles. Increase your reps as you go along.
Do this thrice a week for the first results to show up in a month’s time.
2. Strengthen those shoulders, ladies!
For: Shoulders and triceps
Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart (or you could do it while sitting), holding a dumbbell in each hand. Start off with 1 kg dumbbells and increase the weight as and when you feel comfortable.
Step 2: Bend your elbows, bringing your hands to your shoulders, palms facing forward.
Step 3: Press the weights straight overhead, keeping your shoulders down; lower the weights back to shoulders. Do 20 reps.
Do this every alternate day and the results are bound show up in a couple of weeks.
3. Bringing sexy back
For: Arms, back, core and glutes.
Step 1: Get into a plank position with your legs wider than hip-width distance, and place your right hand under your sternum (breast bone). Grip the dumbbell (keep your wrist locked out) and spread your fingers wide on the ground.
Step 2: Keeping your core tight and your glutes engaged, exhale and stabilise your torso as you lift the weight.
Step 3: Hold your plank as you lift your left arm to row; feel your right shoulder blade sliding toward your spine as you bend your elbow up toward the sky.
Step 4: Keeping your neck long and energized, return the weight to the ground and repeat the movement on your right side. Do 10 reps per arm.
Do this 4 times a week for faster results.
4. Get a defined waist
For: Muffin top, glutes, back and arms
Step 1: Begin in a forearm plank position with feet hip-width apart and abs braced in tight.
Step 2: Lift your hips slightly above your shoulders.
Step 3: Rotate your right hip towards the floor, pivoting onto the sides of your feet.
Step 4: Pull your abs in deeper to your spine and lift your hips back up to the starting position.
Step 5: Repeat to the left (imagine tracing a rainbow shape with tailbone). Continue alternating sides in each rep. Do 10 reps.
Doing this exercise twice a week will give you the waist you desire. Once your body becomes accustomed to doing it, you can gradually increase the number of times per week.
5. Show off those toned shoulders
What it works: Chest, shoulders and back
Step 1: Lay down on the floor on a Swiss ball, keeping your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Step 2: Hold the dumbbell (you can also use bottles of water) and start to raise your arms up with a slight bend in your elbows.
Step 3: Inhale and open your arms wide like you were going to give someone a big hug, stopping with your arms above your chest.
Step 4: Exhale and bring your arms back to a starting position. Do 10 to 25 reps.
2-3 times a week is more than enough if you want to spot results in the next few months.
6. It’s all about the core
For: Core and arms
Step 1: From a plank, shift your weight onto your right arm as you roll onto the outside of your right foot.
Step 2: Keeping both feet flexed, stack your left foot on top of the right with your legs very straight.
Step 3: Bring your left arm up towards the ceiling and your gaze to the left fingertips, coming into a side plank.
Step 4: After 3-5 breaths, roll back to the center and do the other side, resting in Downward Facing Dog between the two sides if you like. Do 10 reps for this one.
This exercise needs to be done every alternate day of the week if you want the results to show up in a month’s time.
Precautions:
- Taking deep breaths is important, don’t compromise on this.
- If you feel any pain, let go immediately and rest.
- If you’re pregnant, have an injury or are unsure if you should do these exercises, please check with your physician.
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