If getting in shape is a top priority, here are a few great tips to help you look (and feel) your best on your big day.
Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day; it’s as simple as that. When you’re planning your wedding, you know that on that big day, all eyes-and all camera lenses-are going to be on you. It’s only natural that a lot of brides put a lot of planning and effort into their wedding day appearance, and that includes improving their physical fitness. But with the enormous task of wedding planning, where do you find the time to get in shape? It’s a dilemma that a lot of women face.
Brittney Coffee, a Denver-area personal trainer, understands this dilemma. Soon after her own wedding a few years ago, she began teaching a bridal fitness class at her gym to help brides-to-be get in shape.
“As a new bride myself, I understood the needs and concerns of my clients,” says Coffee, “and I knew I could help them reach their fitness goals.”
If getting in shape is a top priority, here are a few of Brittney’s tips to help you look and feel your best on your big day.
“A bride may be in great shape on her wedding day, but it’s not the number on the scale that makes her glow,” says Coffee, “it’s the confidence she has gained after working hard and-most importantly-believing in herself.”
Tip #1: Start Early
When it comes to starting a fitness routine, the earlier the better.
“It’s never too early to start getting in shape for your wedding,” advises Coffee.”The biggest mistake is giving yourself only one or two months to reach your fitness goals, no matter how big or small they may be. This just leads to undue stress and frustration, and when you’re planning a wedding that’s the last thing you need.”
Starting early can help you figure out a fitness routine that works with your schedule, making you more likely to stick to it.
Tip #2: Crank Up the Intensity
Because brides-to-be are some of the busiest gals around, Coffee recommends shorter, more intense workouts rather than spending hours at the gym.
“If you run on the treadmill, increase the incline to crank up the intensity,” she explains. “You can save time while still getting a great workout.”
Plus, intense workouts are a natural stress reliever, which is something every bride needs. Coffee recommends getting in some kind of cardiovascular activity (like jogging, brisk walking or cycling) four to five times per week.
Tip #3: Smart Strength
When it comes to strength training, most brides focus solely on the arms, shoulder and back, as these areas are the most exposed in a wedding dress. But when it comes to strength training, Coffee stresses the importance of getting a full body workout.
“Focusing on one muscle group too much puts you at risk for injury. Strengthening all of the major muscle groups will help you achieve an overall leaner look and will help you drop fat faster,” she explains.
Make it your goal to work one to two days of strength training per week into your fitness routine.
Tip #4: Food for Thought
The best way to reach your fitness goals is a combination of exercise and healthy eating. A lot of brides make the mistake of going on crash diets to lose weight, which can be very unhealthy and actually slow their progress.
“I hate the word ‘diet’” says Coffee, “so instead I just recommend keeping a food journal. Recording what you eat makes you more aware of what you’re putting into your body and can help you make healthier choices.”
A few small changes like drinking more water or adding more vegetables to your diet can make a big difference in the long run.
Tip #5: Ditch the Scale
If your fitness goals become too wrapped up in numbers, you may find yourself getting impatient and frustrated.
“Weighing yourself from time to time to check your progress is perfectly fine, but try to shift your focus away from the scale,” advises Coffee.
Instead, focus on how your clothes fit, your energy level, your mood and how you feel when you look in the mirror. Feeling great on the inside can be far more motivating than the numbers on your scale.
Tip #6: Stay Positive
When starting a new fitness regime, it’s easy to get frustrated if you’re not seeing immediate results. But the most important thing is to stay positive.
“Getting fit takes time!” says Coffee, “and it’s important to remember that your body needs the chance to adjust to your new routine.”
In the meantime, stick to your routine and feel proud of how hard you are working to reach your goals.
When it comes down to it, looking your best on your wedding day is all about feeling your best. Setting and attaining goals for yourself can give you a huge boost in your self-esteem that lasts far beyond your wedding day.
“A bride may be in great shape on her wedding day, but it’s not the number on the scale that makes her glow,” says Coffee, “it’s the confidence she has gained after working hard and-most importantly-believing in herself.”
Also in Beauty & Fitness:
