Two 3- or 5-pound hand weights

Running shoes

Comfortable clothes

A straight-backed chair

A mat or blanket (if necessary)

Check out the righthand column of this page for a list of the exercises you'll be doing.

6 Months and Counting: Get Moving

In order to make sure that you are working out at a level that will do your body the most good, you'll need to find your target heart rate before begining your program. To find your maximum heart rate (the highest your heart should be beating during your exercise session), use this formula: 220 minus your age (in years). Your target heart rate zone is usually about thirty to sixty beats per minute less than your maximum heart rate. Check your heart rate often during each workout.

Another thing you should do before beginning your plan is start a workout diary. Write down today's date, all the reasons why you need to work out, and what your goals are. Write down your weight (always weigh yourself in the buff in the morning), and use a measuring tape to record the size of your chest, waist, hips, thighs, and forearms, so you can monitor your progress. (Weigh in and take measurements once a month only. Focusing on quick results will only discourage you.) To stay motivated, keep notes all the way through. This month, we want to focus on just getting active and engaged in the program.

Weeks #1 and #2 -- 20 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week.

Weeks #3 and #4 -- 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week.

5 Months and Counting: Pick Up the Pace

Still here? Good work! Now get out that measuring tape and scale. Any improvements? You shouldn't focus too much on weight loss yet, but have you noticed any changes in your mental health? Keep writing in your journal, and pay special attention to how you feel, how you're dealing with stress, and what you think you are gaining from your exercise program. Remember: Check your target heart rate about 15 minutes into your aerobic exercise.

Weeks #5 and #6 -- 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week; 2 sets of 10 stomach crunches; 1 set of 10 push-ups.

Weeks #7 and #8 -- 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week; 3 sets of 10 stomach crunches; 2 sets of 10 push-ups.

4 Months and Counting: Still Going

This is usually when people start to give up. Get out your diary, and flip back to your first entry. Remind yourself why you are doing this. Also, flip ahead in your calendar and check how quickly your wedding day is approaching: Aren't you glad you started exercising weeks ago? Weigh yourself and take your measurements again. Are you making progress? Even if you haven't lost weight, you should see some results in your muscle tone. (Don't forget, muscle weighs more than fat, so you might have gained a few pounds, but you've turned some of that fat into muscle.)

Weeks #9 and #10 -- 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week; 3 sets of 10 stomach crunches; 2 sets of 10 push-ups; 1 set of 10 squats.

Weeks #11 and #12 -- 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week; 3 sets of 10 stomach crunches; 3 sets of 10 push-ups; 2 sets of 10 squats; 2 sets of 10 bicep curls; 2 sets of 10 tricep curls.

3 Months and Counting: You're Halfway There!

Take a minute to write a note of congratulations to yourself -- you're doing an amazing job (we know it sounds cheesy, but do it anyway). Weigh yourself and take your measurements: If you've been following the program, you definitely should notice some changes by now. (If nothing has changed, you may need a more advanced program: talk to a personal trainer.)

Weeks #13 and #14 -- 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week; 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches; 3 sets of 15 push-ups; 3 sets of 15 squats; 3 sets of 15 bicep curls; 3 sets of 15 tricep curls; 2 sets of 10 chest presses.

Weeks #15 and #16 -- 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week; 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches; 3 sets of 15 push-ups; 3 sets of 15 squats; 3 sets of 15 bicep curls; 3 sets of 15 tricep curls; 3 sets of 15 chest presses.

2 Months and Counting: Time for Target Practice

Okay, now let's get serious: There are only eight weeks to go until your wedding. Weigh in and take your measurements. Now, where do you still need the most help? Stomach? Thighs? Butt? Pick one or two areas, and focus, focus, focus. We're going to continue along the same program, but now we're going to add an intense three sets of 15 extra exercises for whichever area still needs help. With every crunch or set, envision yourself in your gown -- you'll get there.

Weeks #17 and #18 -- 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week; 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches; 3 sets of 15 push-ups; 3 sets of 15 squats; 3 sets of 15 bicep curls; 3 sets of 15 tricep curls; 3 sets of 15 chest presses; 3 sets of 15 "extra target area."

Weeks #19 and #20 -- 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week; 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches; 3 sets of 15 push-ups; 3 sets of 15 squats; 3 sets of 15 bicep curls; 3 sets of 15 tricep curls; 3 sets of 15 chest presses; 3 sets of 15 "extra target area."

1 Month and Counting: The Home Stretch!

Just four weeks to go! As you get closer to your wedding date, your crazed schedule may threaten to derail your exercise program, but don't let it. Use your newfound energy to attack problems like the powerful woman you are! Weigh in and take your measurements, but don't be surprised if they aren't as important anymore -- the way you feel should be motivation enough to keep exercising. We are going to continue working at the same level as last month. If you're having trouble finding the time to keep up this pace, cut back the number of sets you do, but use heavier weights.

Weeks #21 and #22 -- 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week; 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches; 3 sets of 15 push-ups; 3 sets of 15 squats; 3 sets of 15 bicep curls; 3 sets of 15 tricep curls; 3 sets of 15 chest presses; 3 sets of 15 "extra target area."

Weeks #23 and #24 -- 40 minutes of aerobic activity at least three times a week; 3 sets of 15 stomach crunches; 3 sets of 15 push-ups; 3 sets of 15 squats; 3 sets of 15 bicep curls; 3 sets of 15 tricep curls; 3 sets of 15 chest presses; 3 sets of 15 "extra target area."