Dresses, tuxedos, guests, honeymoon – there are such a lot of details that go into your wedding day. All eyes are on you from the moment you walk down the aisle to the last dance of the night. Understandably, brides often feel quite a lot of pressure to look their best on this important day – there’s nothing like a marriage to inspire you to get serious about your health and fitness goals.
But crash diets or extreme exercise programs aren’t the answer. “It’s usually best to start thinking about your specific goals three months before your wedding day to allow plenty of time to establish your routine and adjust to a healthier lifestyle,” says Steve Bronston, a certified personal trainer with Life Time, a healthy way of life. a company that operates more than 115 health and wellness centers nationwide. “This creates a great opportunity for the bride and groom to support each other and get fit together.”
Bronston and Life Time offer three-month countdown plans to get you ready for the big day:
Weeks 1-4
Focus on changing your unhealthy habits. Nutrition is key when trying to lose weight, reduce body fat, and improve your overall health. Work with a professional to develop a detailed nutrition plan consisting of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats at each meal. Then, start with a fitness program that combines weight training and cardio intervals. Arm exercises such as overhead presses, tricep push-ups and bicep curls, in addition to back exercises such as rows and rear flys are helpful for brides who want to wear a strapless or low-back dress. Bronston suggests starting with two or three days of weight training, two or three days of cardio, and one day of Pilates or yoga.
Weeks 5-8
Now is the time to change up your exercise routine. It’s a fantastic idea to work with a personal trainer or join a group fitness class once or twice a week to shake up your routine and stay motivated. Your workout should include one to two weight exercises per body part throughout the week. If you can, try varying the amount of weight you use and the number of repetitions you do to help stimulate changes in your body. Continue your cardio routine two to three days per week and add another day or Pilates or yoga.
Weeks 9-12
It’s important to keep up with your healthy habits that develop as the week progresses, but as your wedding day draws near, you are bound to feel some planning pressure. “A renewed focus on rest and relaxation during this period is key,” says Bronston. You can eat well and exercise perfectly, but without sleep, stretching, rest, and recovery, your body is in danger of not functioning properly.
Planning a marriage can be stressful and tiring, but if you commit to a balanced diet and fitness plan, you will walk down the aisle feeling confident and prepared for your new life ahead.
