Wedding Workout: Picture Perfect
Tips for getting in great shape before walking down the aisle.
Your wedding is likely to be the most photographed day of your life, which is why so many brides-to-be want to slim down before they slip into the gown. However, deciding on a workout plan can be daunting, so we asked several local fitness experts for tips on how to achieve a bridal body so you can go from single to married looking and feeling your best.
Set a Goal
Whether you want to firm up or lose a significant amount of weight, it’s important to pinpoint a specific goal before getting started. “All too often, people will take on a diet regimen or fitness routine that is not in line with what they are trying to accomplish,” explains Ben Graves, owner of My House Fitness in College Park. “For instance, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, and you take on a vegan diet and attend yoga classes, you may not get the results that fit with your goals.” Graves recommends setting mini milestones leading up to your wedding day so you can hold yourself accountable and track your progress. And be realistic: Change doesn’t happen overnight.
Choose the Right Workout for You
First, do something you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick with it. For example, if you don’t like going to the gym alone, sign up for a group class or book a personal trainer.
Second, remember your workout needs to include resistance training using either weights or your own body mass. “Five pounds of muscle burns 240 calories a day, while 5 pounds of fat only burns 40 calories a day,” explains Austin Hair, owner of 9Round Orlando. “You get muscle by doing resistance training. Therefore, it is imperative that you do it if you want to burn fat.” Focus on getting strong, and then complement your routine with cardio exercise. Aim to work out four to six days a week for a minimum of 30 minutes each day.
Use Your Time Wisely
“It takes an unbelievable amount of time and energy to plan a wedding in 2018. You need to find a workout that doesn’t take an hour and half so that you can focus on the fun stuff,” Hair says. That’s why a heart-pumping, 30-minute workout is ideal for a busy bride-to-be.
“When time is short, higher-intensity workouts like Tabata and interval circuit training are better options,” Graves adds. “Having no time is a poor excuse. A good interval workout can be done in 20 minutes or less.”
Eat Smart
Maintaining a well-balanced diet is imperative to achieving results. Because super-restrictive fad plans are unsustainable, figure out how many calories you need to maintain your current weight. (You can find helpful calorie calculators online.) To lose weight, aim to consume less than that number each day. “Focus on getting protein first,” says Hair. “Don’t snack on high-carb foods between meals, and instead snack on protein-rich foods. Also, make sure every meal has a balance of protein, veggies and carbs.”
Remember To Relax
Don’t exhaust yourself at the gym days before your wedding. “Workouts during your wedding week should be less intense and less risky. You’d hate to injure yourself right before the big day just trying to lose another inch,” Graves says. Instead, be smart about your eating, be kind to your body, and enjoy your last couple of days being a fiancée.
