The date is saved, the dress has been found … the diet has begun. Of course losing your love handles isn’t going to make you in any way a better bride, or even a happier one in the run up to the big day, as anyone who’s ever met anyone dieting for a wedding will know it’s anything but joyful. No, getting yourself into shape for your big day is all about feeling confident and beautiful on a day where you’ll have all eyes on you – it’ll be much nicer to enjoy the feeling! Knowing all eyes will be on you during the big day gives most women the motivation to get into shape.
The plan
Whether you plan on doing it alone or with the help of a gym or a personal trainer, keep in mind that workouts for brides should be quick and easy because you won’t have a lot of time spare to be in the gym! If you want to lose weight then focus on cardio endurance – it will be the easiest way for you to see the most noticeable difference, and mix in a bit of weight training as and when you can in order to tone up those un-wanted bingo wings!
It’s ideal that you start your workout/healthy eating programme at least 6 months before the big day in order to get the best possible results. Slower weight loss is not only healthier, but you’re also more likely to keep the weight off too. If you’re starting with less than six months then it’s best to look into boot camps or high intensity workout classes. If you have left it really to the last minute then don’t panic, there are plenty of ways that will help you lose a few pounds, hide any imperfections you’re worrying about, and make you feel that little bit more comfortable within just a few days!
If you’re intimidated by a class then look into personal training, many people find it a lot easier to lose weight and get fit when you have the knowledge and guidance of a professional – rather than picking up something online, running with it for a week or so, and then second guessing your plan and starting all over again. Working out on your own can become boring and you’re more likely to plateau or even stop. For me, a personal trainer is the way forward, I googled one in my area of Bedford and ta–da, I’m hooked! By having a personal trainer on hand to help you means that you will also be using approved techniques, and exercises that will work for your body shape – minimising the chances of self-inflicted injury!
Start with a goal and let your trainer or instructor know what it is, so that they can tailor the program to help you reach that goal. Think about what you really want to achieve – don’t guess a number of stone/pounds randomly. Think of a dress size, or a firming up of particular areas, or number of inches in a particular area. Take note of the parts of your body that will be exposed while wearing your dress. Let your trainer know this as well so you can focus on toning those areas. Focus on getting fit and eating healthy as starving yourself before the wedding is not the way to go. An unhealthy diet can have a negative effect on your skin, hair, mood and energy level – none of which lead to bridal beauty!
Posture
I would just hate to look back at the pictures of my wedding day and see myself slumped over this beautiful dress, curled shoulders and hunched. The day itself will consist of lots of standing, walking and sitting, and a better posture not only makes you look taller, leaner and more elegant, but it will also making standing for long periods of time more comfortable.
Tips for getting in shape
- Strengthening upper thigh muscles will help brides stand for longer periods of time
- Exercises that use free weights or your own body weight are better than using machines
- Weight lifting tones the body but also helps you burn more calories throughout the day
- Make a schedule and workout three times a week up to the wedding day
- Add more activity to your everyday life; walk on your lunch break, take the stairs and park further from your destination
Posture training
Step 1: Sit down on the floor, either cross-legged or with your legs straight, take a flat book (not too heavy), or even a cushion if you want to start off easy, and balance it on your head. The aim is to sit as tall as you can without the book/cushion slipping off your head.
Step 2: Do the same as step 1 but in a standing position.
Step 3: Practise walking tall with a book or cushion on your head.
Plan your food
A healthy, balanced diet is important at all times, but in the run-up to a wedding it’s vital. Good nutrition will help to keep you mentally focused at a stressful time. Try and follow some of these tips:
- Eat five to eight portions of fruit and vegetables a day, a protein portion, such as chicken or fish or tofu. Brown rice is a great alternative to wheat-based pasta and potatoes, and if like a lot of us you usually eat a sandwich for lunch swap to soups or a salad.
- Drink lots of water. Try drinking two glasses when you get up, one mid-morning, two with your lunch, one afternoon and two at night!
- This one might be a hard one for some – reduce your alcohol intake! Opt for the low calorie fizzy drinks, like diet coke which has no calories, it’s one of the factors that on its own can make a huge difference to your health and weight, if you normally drink fairly regularly!
Whether you are the bride in question and are thinking of toning up for your big day, or you just know someone who is, the best thing you can do in order to help them lose the weight is support them! This may be in the form of going food shopping with them, going to the gym or going for a run with them or even planning out a healthy eating diet for the week –remember don’t let them feel like they are going it alone! Not only will the bride look all slim and gorgeous but so will you!
Bio: Hannah writes for http://www.thedvcc.com
