Loading ...

From dumbbells to wedding bells.

If you’re looking for an effective wedding workout, whether you’re a guest or the bride, I’m pretty sure you’re feeling pressure to look great on the big day. So, follow my six tips to help ease any pressure you’re feeling to look beautiful at your coming big event.

I get so excited to meet people who have a big event like a wedding on their calendar. I like to work with them, because they have a specific goal and a date to keep them motivated. Having a firm date is important, as goals without deadlines can sometimes feel like unattainable dreams. Finding the motivation and inspiration to start a new fitness plan can be a difficult task. This upcoming spring/summer wedding season provides the perfect reason to start a wedding workout plan.

Which group are you in?

In my years as a personal trainer, I’ve met two types of event-motivated individuals: positively motivated—and frantic. With the positively motivated people, an upcoming event gives them the gentle push they need to start and stay committed to a fitness and nutrition plan. Frantic people operate differently: they’re desperate for an overnight body miracle. Frantic people may have a lot of motivation, but they’re incredibly stressed and often set unrealistic targets.

You might not be surprised to know that most people tend to fall into the panicked group. If this sounds like you, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s understandable that you may feel under pressure to get in shape for the big day. Let’s face it—who doesn’t want to look and feel their best when all eyes are going to be on them?

Knowing you can’t work overnight miracles to solve a specific body area issue can make it easier to stay calm and work towards the body-positive goal of getting in better shape. You must also understand that spot-reducing fat is not a physical possibility. Let me share my tips to help you reduce stress, feel fit and radiate beauty on your big day.

Wedding workout plan: A no-stress, effective approach

Be consistent

Best fitness results come from being consistent. If you go too hard for a few days then you’ll have to stop while your body recovers, it will take longer overall for your body to adapt. Commit to exercising for 30-60 minutes on 4-5 days of the week, and train at an intensity level that leaves you feeling good and ready to commit to your workout the next day. Pushing yourself too hard so that you’re barely able to walk the next day is just going to slow down your overall progress. And remember, even pro athletes have recovery days. You need to give your body time between tough workouts.

Mix it up

It’s necessary to vary the mode, intensity and duration of your workout. Now is not the time to plod along on the treadmill while you read a bridal magazine. Instead, change your speed and incline throughout your workout to help burn a few extra calories. Thinking about how great you’ll look in your wedding outfit might be the best motivation for you. Getting fit in advance will also help give you stamina to get through a long day, without feeling exhausted long before the first dance.

Lift weights

Strength training is great for burning calories and toning your muscles. Try to lift weights or perform body weight resistance exercises on three days of the week. If you’re short on time, perform exercises like lunges or squats to work your glutes. The glutes are a large muscle group, so working them with intensity will burn more calories.

Try yoga

Weddings can be stressful, and exercising can place stress on your body, too. Try to dedicate a little extra time to mental fitness and calming your mind. Spend at least one day each week focused on simple stretches, breathing or yoga.

Get plenty of sleep

Start prioritizing sleep and making sure your body gets adequate rest. It’s while you’re resting that your body makes adjustments and adapts to the increased demands that you place on it. If you’re increasing your exercise routine and want that to transfer into results, you must get adequate rest and recovery.

Portion control

Don’t stress yourself out with a crazy diet right now, especially if you’re increasing your exercise routine. Your body needs energy to function, and you’ll need quality nutrition to get good results from your workout routine. Drastically changing your diet overnight is not healthy. Start by being a little more conscious of controlling your portion size, and focus on consuming lots of fresh fruits and veggies. With minor adjustments, you’ll be well on your way to achieving positive body changes that will last.