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Build strong latissimus dorsi muscles to give your back a sexy 'V' shape and create the appearance of a slimmer waistline.

The following workout routines (with variations for both gym and home workouts) were developed by Bonne Marano, a certified personal trainer in New York City and founder of Fittobetied.cc, to help you get strong and look great in your wedding gown. Please remember, when you try this or any other new fitness regime: safety first! If you're not sure you understand an exercise please seek out a qualified fitness professional who can check your form in person.

In the Gym

First, warm up. Extend both arms forward and then pull the elbows into the waistline (as if you're pulling a rolling chair under your desk) 10 to 15 times. Reach both arms overhead and pull the elbows into the waistline 10 to 15 times. Stretch both arms overhead and clasp the hands together. Reach up so that the shoulder blades expand. Drop the shoulders and then lower the arms.

Then do three sets of each of the following exercises. Be sure to adjust the suggested weights based on your personal ability.

The Gravitron Assisted Pull-Up Machine

The set-up: Select the amount of weight you will need for assistance. (For example, a 125 pound woman who selects 75 pounds" assistance will be lifting 50 pounds on her own.) Grab the handles in a wide grip, and place your knees on the pad.

The movement: Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull yourself up. In a slow controlled motion, allow the machine to lower your body until your arms are straight and you feel a stretch in the upper back. Repeat 12 to 15 times.

Seated Cable Row

The set-up: Attach the close grip handles to the cable pulley. Start with the weight at 40 pounds. Sit on the bench, torso at a 90-degree angle to your legs, and your knees slightly bent.

The movement: While maintaining an erect spine, reach forward and grab the handles. The arms will be extended with a slight bend in the elbows. Pull the handles toward your ribcage. Squeeze the shoulder blades together and bring the elbows into the waistline. Pause, and then in a slow controlled motion, return to the start position.

Front Lat Pull-Down

The set-up: Start with the weight at 40 pounds. Adjust the seat of a lat pull-down machine so that when you are seated and you grab the angled bar, your arms are fully extended.

The movement: Grasp the bar near the ends, palms-out. Keep your torso erect. Squeeze your shoulder blades toward each other as you bend at the elbows, and pull the bar straight down in front of your face to chest level. Pause at the bottom of the movement and slowly return to the start position. Repeat 12 to15 times.

Dumbbell Pullover

The set-up: Lie with your upper back across a bench while holding a dumbbell directly over your chest with both hands.

The movement: Keeping a slight bend in your elbows, lower the dumbbell behind your head to achieve a full stretching your lat muscles. From the stretched position, bring the dumbbell back over your chest.

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