Exercise 'Til Death Do You Part
Establish a workout routine with your fiance to get you both looking your best:
With all eyes on you as you say "I do," you'll want to look your absolute best from head to toe. One of the many stresses that comes along with planning a wedding is the pressure of being physically fit. You and your fiance will soon become partners for life, and you will also become each other's workout partner for life. You can begin your lifelong journey by setting goals together and by creating an exercise routine. According to Katie LeMoine, athletic director at Wellbridge Athletic Club & Spa at Town & Country, it is important for you and your husband-to-be to decide that you are going to stick to the program before you begin it.
Determine Your Goals:
When determining your goals, decide whether you want to lose weight or inches, tone problem areas or increase cardiovascular endurance. "Post the goals on a calendar on your wedding date," says Lindsey Bradely, personal trainer at Wellbridge Athletic Club & Spa at Town & Country. Keep in mind the wedding attire that you will be donning in order to decide on which areas to concentrate.
Since strapless and sleeveless wedding gowns are particularly popular, Bradely says that most brides are concerned with toning up their shoulders, biceps and triceps. Grooms, however, are more interested in slimming down their stomachs and bulking up their chests. If you will be honeymooning at a tropical destination, you may want to tone up your glutes, thighs and abs to ensure you are swimsuit ready. Participating in an assortment of fun classes as a couple, such as kickboxing, spinning, treading and boot camp, can help you reach your goals while spending quality time together.
Most health centers offer an initial complimentary fitness consultation in which members meet with a trainer to create a timeline, set goals and tailor a program to meet the individual's specific needs. By attending the session as a couple, you and your betrothed will understand each other's needs and struggles so that you can better support one another.
"The timeline for your fitness program depends on your goals and what fits best with your schedule," says Bradely. "It takes about six weeks to see improvement in your body, so you will need to begin your workout regimen a minimum of six to nine weeks prior to your nuptial ceremony." Dietitians and nutritionists are available at many gyms to counsel you on healthy eating habits, meal planning and dietary modifications to reach your fitness goals. These nutritional services can help prepare you for the married life; after all, a healthy marriage and a healthy lifestyle go hand-in-hand.
Wedding Workouts for the Bridal Party:
One feature of the Wellbridge Athletic Club & Spa at Town & Country is its Wedding Workout program. These group training sessions are an opportunity for the whole bridal party to get involved in a variety of boot-camp style classes. You and your fiance, parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc. can motivate each other in these intense total body workouts that target several different body parts.
No Time to Hit The Gym?:
A personal trainer can suggest supplimentary routines that can be done from the comfort of your home. In addition to the at-home exercises that you do separately to target your individual problem areas, there are a variety of activities that you can do together, such as jogging, walking the dog and performing an ab workout.
Don't forget to relax to avoid being consumed with the pressure and stress of wedding planning. Take a dip in a whirlpool or hot tub, participate in a yoga or pilates class and keep in mind that in the end, you will be wedded to the one you love.
