When we first clapped eyes on Pippa Middleton at her sister Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding in 2011, it was her pert derriere that we were all desperate to emulate.
“It’s a bit startling to achieve global recognition before the age of 30, on account of your sister, brother-in-law and your bottom,” she laughed at the time.
Fast-forward to 2017 it was a set of seriously sculpted arms we were coveting at the 33-year-old’s own wedding, as she said “I do” with her beau James Matthews.
Pippa was a vision in her beautifully elegant lace wedding dress.
So just how did the brunette beauty get her guns into tip-top shape for her big day? It’s all about making a plan and sticking to it, Pippa explains.
“Whatever your goal, be it athletic performance, weight loss, wellbeing or muscle definition, set yourself a realistic plan,” Pippa suggests, speaking to UK company Waitrose.
“It could be as simple as planning a regular daily route, using lunchtime to stretch your legs or signing up for an organised walk.”
She also insists variety is the key to keeping fitness fun.
“I always find it helpful to change my workout – use the cross-trainer instead of running, lift heavier weights, try a new class – every 4-8 weeks,” Pippa says.
But the arms, Pips, we want to know about the arms!
Pippa’s a fan of running to stay fit.
Planks, tricep dips and push-ups are three of Pippa’s go-to exercises for toning up her guns.
Another favourite she tells Waitrose, is the band curl. “Stand on a resistance band, feet hip-width apart with a handle in each hand,” she explains. “Keep your elbows close to your body as you curl the band towards your chest, then slowly lower. Do 10 reps.”
The newlywed also rates a classic for arm-strengthening: push-ups. And if you’re new to exercise, or a full push-up isn’t quite within reach? “Try a wide-feet push-up,” says Pippa, then gradually step the feet in.
Pippa first hit out #fitspo lists when she showed off a truly toned rear at sister Kate’s wedding in 2011. Dubbed Her Royal Hotness thanks to that figure-hugging bridesmaid dress by Alexander McQueen, which showcased her insane body and perfectly pert backside, Pippa (and her bottom) became an overnight sensation.
