If you're having trouble getting motivated to launch the pre-wedding get-in-shape program you promised yourself you'd commit to, think of this: exercise may be the best-ever stress buster. Stress can take its toll on your skin, on your ability to handle small problems that come up, and on your libido and that's definitely not good. Then, remind yourself that whatever you look like on your wedding day, will be immortalized in your photos. Think about it: Everyone from your grandparents' dearest friends to your future great-grandchildren will see those images.

How to Get Started

To get started you need to -- pardon the cliche -- just do it. Pick one activity you actually enjoy and get out there. Start a journal and write down why you should exercise: The list of reasons will outweigh the list of excuses. We've come up with several ways to get you started. And it won't even feel like exercise -- promise.

Stretch It Out

Start with just five minutes of stretching in the morning and before you go to bed. Your body will love it, and you'll elongate your muscles, too. Start with just any stretch that feels good. For example, lie on the floor, put your arms overhead, and pretend a machine is pulling your toes in one direction and your fingers in the opposite direction. Try to think of your body as a machine with many parts -- head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, fingers, chest, torso, butt, stomach, legs, feet, and toes -- and try to stretch every part one by one. Gradually work up to more advanced stretches, like the ones you used to do in gym class. Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and bend your knees slightly as you lower your upper body over your lower body.

Go for a Walk

Get outside for at least a 15-minute walk every day. It's like taking a mini vacation from the daily grind. Get off the subway or bus one stop earlier, walk around the block before you get into your car, or find a park and get back to nature.

Take the Stairs

Granted if you live or work on the 31st floor, taking the stairs may not be your gig. But why not get off on the 28th floor and walk up three flights? Or, promise yourself you'll walk up and down the flight of stairs at home five times. Then build up to 10. Heck, step up and down on one stair for five minutes: You'll still feel the burn.

Try Yoga

Doing yoga a few times a week will work wonders for your body, mind, and spirit. (Incorporating yoga into your everyday routine will change your life for the better, but for now we're just covering the bare minimum.) Buy a videotape to do at home or sign up for a class. Trust us on this one: Every bride should do even a little bit of yoga.

Lift Weights

Want to see results quickly? Invest in a pair of three- to five-pound weights. If you've never trained with weights before, it's a good idea to talk to a personal trainer, buy a book, or do research online to get information on the specific exercises you require. But for those with a little experience in this area, use common sense, listen to your body, and begin. Start out lifting weights for five minutes every day, and work up to 10 minutes. Pick them up when you're on hold with the caterer, watching your favorite television show, or doing an at-home facial. And for a last-minute arm improvement work out with hand weights the morning of your wedding for about 10 to 15 minutes. Your muscles will gain temporary definition that will last through the evening.

Do a Dance

Close the curtains, crank up the music, and dance. You can burn up to 320 calories an hour by shaking your booty (even if you only do it for 15 minutes, that's still 80 calories). Grab your hubby-to-be and practice your moves. Or sign both of you up for some dance lessons: You'll burn calories as you practice and impress your wedding guests with your Fred and Ginger moves.