Your wedding day is often considered one of the most important days of your life. Looking your best is not just about how beautiful your dress is, it’s also about how healthy and confident you feel in your body. Having a workout schedule planned out at least a few months before your wedding day is essential if you hope to walk down the aisle as the healthiest version of yourself. Of course if you are working out to lose a few inches and tone up, that will also be possible with the right combination of workouts.
In this blog we will discuss the variety of exercises that should be put into your weekly schedule, and how often they should be done in the lead up to your wedding.
1. Set Clear Goals
Before you jump onto any old workout routine, you need to establish what you are hoping to achieve. Determine whether you want to tone specific areas, improve overall fitness, or boost your energy levels for your big day. Knowing what the ultimate goal is will help you when figuring out the correct course of action to take.
Cardiovascular Exercises
Cardio workouts are an effective way to burn calories, shed excess weight, and improve cardiovascular health. Aim for at least three to five cardio sessions per week, lasting 30 to 45 minutes each. These workouts might be HIIT sessions (high-intensity interval training), or perhaps LISS training (low-intensity interval training).
A combination of both of these types of cardiovascular exercises will ensure that you are pushing your limits, but also taking things easy when it’s necessary. Engaging in activities such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling in your favourite gym leggings will offer a great cardiovascular workout. Not only will cardio help you achieve a leaner physique, but it will also boost your stamina, ensuring you have the energy to dance the night away at your reception.
Strength Training
To sculpt and tone your body, you should ideally include some form of strength training in your weekly gym schedule. There is a common misconception that listing weight can lead to a bulkier appearance when in reality it is the complete opposite. This will help define your muscles and give you that desired bridal glow. Strength training should target different muscle groups days. For example, you might do arm strength training on a Tuesday, and focus on legs on a Thursday to give both muscle groups time to recover. Aim for two to three strength training sessions per week, with a day of rest in between to allow your muscles to recover. A quick tip if you are looking to shred some inches before your wedding day, doing some form of cardio after a strength session is proven to be beneficial and induce higher rates of fat loss.
Core Strengthening
Your core should also be trained when preparing for your wedding day. A strong core not only contributes to good posture but also helps you feel confident and toned. Try adding specific core exercises to your routine, such as crunches, Russian twists, leg raises, and bicycle crunches. Dedicate at least two sessions per week to core strengthening exercises, and gradually increase the intensity as your wedding day approaches. Just as a quick tip, whilst engaging in strength training, make sure you are engaging your core for extra strength targeting in that area.
Flexibility and Stretching
Stretching and working on your flexibility are essential if you are new to fitness and want to prevent any muscle strain for your wedding day. Don’t forget to include stretching exercises to improve flexibility and prevent injuries before and after each workout. Incorporate gentle stretching routines, yoga, or Pilates into your weekly plan, and consider going with a friend to plan your wedding to-do list whilst you are completing sessions! These activities will not only enhance your physical well-being but also provide an opportunity to de-stress and find balance amidst the wedding preparations.
Mind-Body Connection
Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and it’s crucial to take care of your mental well-being too. Incorporate mind-body exercises such as yoga or meditation into your routine to bring your focus back to the present, and reduce any sort of overthinking. These activities will help you relax, reduce stress, and improve your overall emotional balance when things might start to feel overwhelming. Consider scheduling dedicated sessions each week to foster a strong mind-body connection.
Hydration and Nutrition
No fitness journey is complete without a sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. Wedding or not, we should be fueling our bodies properly. The most important thing to note about fitness is the ratio of 80/20, meaning 80 per cent of the change will happen from your diet, and 20 per cent will be from your workouts. If you are looking to drop some pounds on your big day, make sure you are in a ca;ric deficit. If you are looking to gain muscle and weight, you need to have a high protein intake, as well as a balanced diet filled with all the other essential nutrients.
Conclusion
Preparing for your wedding is an exciting journey, and prioritising your physical and mental well-being is essential during this time. Wedding planning can get distancing and may take you away from caring for your health and fitness. Make sure you are always able to get back on track and continue to do so for your well-being. You will thank yourself when you feel and look like the best version of yourself on your wedding day.
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