I am sure you have your bridal essential kit for the day, if you don’t have it already you have in mind what you want to do. You know that little back up bag you have on hand while getting ready for your big day… tape, safety pins, deodorant, lipstick, and tons more (maybe even a mini bottle to help with nerves!).
So what about your fitness needs. I have exactly two months till my big day and yes, I have my wedding workout essentials! I am in serious workout mode and clean eating. I originally had the idea that I would avoid training this year for a figure competition because of the wedding but now that I am training for the day, I wish I had just thrown a competition in there any way!
Your Bridal Workout Essentials
Workout Goals Written Out: You’re wedding is in how many months? Or even weeks? It is time to get a move on and start upping your motivation. The best way to do that is to know what you are trying to accomplish. It is one thing to say you want to lose weight, and look great in your dress but be more specific: how much weight? Do you want to tone up? Lose body fat? Be a size 4? Lose 12 pounds? Be as specific as possible.
In case you’re curious here are my fitness goals: I want to lose 5 pounds of fat and add 3 pounds of muscle in exactly 2 months (my wedding is 9-18). Doesn’t sound like a lot but I am already small, so these changes will make a big difference. I want to bring my body fat percentage down to 16-17% too that is the perfect place for my body to see great muscle tone. Right now I linger around 19%.
Workout plan: If you don’t know what you are going to do then you are wasting time. If it’s fat burning that you’re after you need a fat burning workout… looking to tone up a bit? Then you’ll need something completely different and geared more towards muscle building. Plus, if you aren’t sure what you are going to do with each workout you will hurt your results, the workout won’t be as intense, you will rest too much between moves and quite frankly you’ll get bored and leave because you have all your bridal priorities on your mind instead of your workout!
Of course remember for a good workout plan, check out The Art of Weight Lifting! Also, change it every 4 weeks.
My workouts: My workouts right now are intense! Little rest in between exercises, I have lowered my weight down a bit and lifting for higher reps which I haven’t done in a while so it is a good change. My body is reacting really well and I am exhausted (in a good way)! I am doing three days of strength training right now and 4 days of intense cardio intervals. The weights take me about 40 minutes and my intervals don’t go over 25 minutes so I am done in an hour.
Great, motivational workout attire: As a bride, our cuteness is on the top of our list. If you’re new to working out and looking for extra motivation to get you to finish your workout confidently go splurge on a few new workout outfits. New sports bras, running shoes, shorts, etc. If you’ve always worn t-shirts and soffee’s now is the time to switch it up and look like a fitness chick!
My Favorites:
Nike Women's Pro Training Sports Bra- $28.00
Nike Tempo Print Track Shorts (really comfie) $28.00
Nike Airborn Removable Bra $45.00
All of these are at Dicks Sporting Goods If You’re Interested.
Pictures and Fitness Journal: Track your progress for the ULTIMATE motivation. Seeing yourself and your body change does wonders so that after your wedding day you won’t stop the healthy habits you’ve worked so hard to start. Every two weeks take a snap shot of yourself… standing at the same place, same outfit, same time of day. Two weeks is great because it is long enough to see results and changes. And keep a journal keeping track of your workouts… the exercises, the reps, sets, etc… so no two workouts are identical and you’re always working to improve.
Example of Progress Picture
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Great advice, particularly the importance of having specific goals and timelines. You’re right about what a waste of time it is if you’re just trying this or trying that or not really sure how to systematically get in better shape. It’s also good to see you stressing exercise, and not just diet. Too many brides (me included) practically starved ourselves, rather than eat sensibly and exercise more to get in shape for the big day.
Good luck with your goals.