Getting in Shape for the Big Day
My wedding is five months away and it is going to be the most important day of my life! For the past couple of months I have been running to get in shape for my wedding. Running is a great way to burn a lot of calories and help shed unwanted fat. I started my workout routine in November and have been pretty consistent up until a recent toe injury! My toe is starting to feel better and soon I will be back in the gym.
Before I injured my toe I went to the gym 3 times a week and was running an average of 3 miles every time I was at the gym. If you want to tone up for your big day not only is cardio important but also a good weight resistance-training program is necessary to tone up and drop those unwanted pounds.
I know it can be overwhelming if you are not familiar with the gym and its equipment. If you are a new member of a club be sure to take advantage of the free consultation all gym’s offer to new members. I know personal training is expensive, but with your consultation it is free and usually one hour. You can ask questions and make sure you are using the equipment correctly.
A healthy diet is the most important aspect of a training program, without a healthy diet you will sabotage your ending results. I have been watching a show on the fine living channel called “Bulging Brides” every episode has a great food plan and exercise routine that guarantees results! If you do not have access to this show I will post the notes I take from the show each week that list both diet and exercises to maximize your results. Continue to check back – the posts will be under my Fitness Category.
That is a well preparation of your wedding. Congrats!
Last minute maintenance isn’t going to help, I’m glad you’ve start early.
Many brides-to-be set realistic goals but give themselves an unrealistic timeline to reach those goals. If weight loss is your thing, it’s reasonable to drop 2 pounds every week. Watch out for the cellulite creams, magic fat-loss pills and other scams that target the desperate.
Looking fabulous on your big day is as simple as following a smart workout plan, eating portion-controlled meals, and getting enough sleep.
As a strength and conditioning coach and author of WeddingShape, the total-body makeover program for brides, I recommend you take a total-body approach to make jaws drop wide open when you walk down the aisle.
This workout will burn fat, boost strength, and improve endurance–plus it requires no equipment.
DYNAMIC WARMUP
1) Jog for 5 minutes
Do the next moves by traveling back and forth for 20 yards with no rest in between.
2A) Walk while raising your knees as high as you can
2B) Skip
2C) Jog backward
2D) Shuffle to the side
2E) Sprint 50 yards, rest 30 seconds and sprint another 50 yards
REACTIVE TRAINING
Do the following circuit resting 30 seconds between each movement. After you finish, rest for 2 minutes and repeat for two total circuits.
3A) Squat jump (10 reps)
3B) Scissor jump (20 reps)
3C) Squat thrust to pushup (10 reps)
STRENGTH TRAINING
Perform each exercise for 2 minutes and repeat for three total circuits. No rest between sets here.
4A) Traveling lunge
4B) Pushup
4C) Prone plank
CONDITIONING
Perform each of the following sprints twice. Rest for 1 minute between sprints.
5A) 50 yards
5B) 100 yards
Good luck,
Joe
Joseph Arangio
Author, WeddingShape