Congratulations on your engagement! Now it’s only a matter of time before you walk down the aisle to the love of your life. No matter what you wear or how you prepare, your sweetheart is sure to be awestruck by your beauty on that special day. While there is no doubt that you will look gorgeous, some brides feel that taking extra care of their bodies and overall health before their wedding day will help them feel their best, too! If you’re also looking to focus a little more on fitness during your engagement months, here are some fun ways to shake up your pre-wedding fitness routine!
Get a Workout Buddy
While your bridesmaids may be standing by your side on your wedding day, they might also be able to run next to you during your engagement period! Having a friend to workout with or keep each other accountable with healthy eating habits can make all the difference. While doing it alone is definitely possible, it’s a lot easier (and more fun!) doing it with a buddy.
Experiment with Something New
If you aren’t quite seeing the results you want from an old workout routine, or if you’re just getting bored with the same ol’ thing, experiment with something new! If you mostly use the treadmill or the elliptical machine at the gym, start lifting some weights to build lean muscle. Try out yoga, kick-boxing, a Zumba dance class, or even a barre workout. If you typically run a lap around your neighborhood, take a break and swim some laps across the pool instead! Also, switch up your target areas! Most adults would say they default to cardio and abs on a regular basis. Be sure to incorporate workouts into your exercise plan that target your chest, back, arms, and legs as well!
Try a Change of Scenery
Similarly, if you usually work out in the same location, switch it up! Try working out at a gym instead of from home. Or, take a jog in the park instead of an evening walk around your block! Also, getting out into nature and getting some fresh air is a great motivator and can be very beneficial to your mental health. Try hiking, pilates on the beach, or kayaking on the lake!
Use Your Phone
One of the easiest and most effective ways of shaking up your current fitness routine and tracking your meal plan is by using a tool that you never leave home without - your phone! There are some wonderful fitness apps that you can download to help you reach your health goals. Try an app that outlines different workout routines that you can try from home, or one that serves as a food tracker or meal plan. You can also download apps in which you can track your current and ideal body measurements, weight loss, or muscle gain, and general tips and strategies to help you meet your goals. Also, most phones now come with built-in pedometers, which track your steps throughout the day!
Get Back to Basics
While you’re looking for new ways to get into shape and find more motivation, it’s important to remember the basics. No new fad exercise regimes or fad diets can ever replace the powers of a healthy diet, hydration, and regular exercise.
First of all, healthy eating can help you lose weight, have more energy and fight off illnesses. Be sure to focus on whole foods (which generally refers to natural, unprocessed foods containing only one ingredient, such as carrots, strawberries, or chicken). And, while counting calories isn't always necessary, total calorie intake still plays a key role in weight control and overall health. Regardless of the level of training you are partaking in, it's important to make sure you are feeding your body breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and snack in intervals to maintain a steady metabolism and keep up your energy throughout the day. It's all about balance to ensure you are consuming enough protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, as well as good fats on a daily basis. A balanced diet also involves allowing yourself a cheat day every now and then to reward yourself for your hard work as you prepare for your wedding day.
Secondly, hydration is key! While sports drinks and protein powders sure have their purpose, there is nothing quite like good ol’ fashioned water. While there are some differing opinions in regard to the exact amount of water we should be drinking every day, many people follow the “8 x 8 rule” because it’s easy to remember! Essentially, aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon of water. Another general rule is to drink half of your body weight in ounces every day. For example, if you currently weigh 160 pounds, then make it your goal to drink 80 ounces of water throughout each day. One simple way to make sure you are reaching your hydration goals is to have a glass of water at every meal.
Finally, while your workout routines may vary, consistency and frequency are key! Aim for about 150 to 250 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, an average of 22 to 35 minutes of exercise each day. This can be done in the form of resistance interval training, weight-lifting, and cardio.
Have Fun!
Most importantly, do something that will allow you to have fun and will leave you feeling energized and motivated! If you hate running, pick something else. You can try dancing, hiking, swimming, going on a walk with a friend or your fianceé, rock climbing, paddle-boating, and so much more. You can even get a group of pals together for a group fitness class or hire a personal trainer to help you stay accountable. If you can’t enjoy your workout routine or how it makes you feel after, you will have a hard time sticking to it or making it become a habit. Same goes for food - you should enjoy what you eat so don't be afraid to get creative with your meal plan.
Overall, we hope that you find something to shake up your fitness routine and have so much fun as you prepare for your big wedding day! No matter what, you will look beautiful!!
