Top Wedding Fitness Questions (and their answers)

As a Personal Trainer for brides-to-be, I often get asked the same wedding fitness questions over and over again. Brides (and grooms) usually are looking for simple and easy ways to get in better shape for their special day.

While there aren't any quick-fix overnight shape-up plans, armed with the right knowledge and techniques anyone can improve their appearance in time for their wedding day. Here are the most common questions along with answers to help you get more fit in time for your nuptials.

My wedding is next month, how can I drop 20 pounds? Bottom line ? you really can't. This answer doesn't get a lot of cheers, but it's the realistic truth. In a month's time the most you typically can expect to lose is about 8 pounds. If you try unhealthy, starvation-type diets you might be able to lose more than that. But, the truth is that those extra pounds probably won't make you look a whole lot better. That's because if you lose that much weight in such a short period of time then you just lose water and muscle weight primarily ? not fat! You'd be better off losing the 8 pounds in a healthy way that includes increasing muscle mass and decreasing fat. This type of weight loss will actually improve your appearance. Plus, with the drastic 20-pound loss, you are putting yourself at risk for illness not to mention making yourself look sickly for your precious wedding photographs.

With all the wedding planning, I don't have a single minute to workout. What can I do? While wedding planning can make anyone's life a little crazy, it's important not to lose sight of the importance of regular exercise. Decreasing your usual weekly fitness regimen is fine, but don't completely forgo it. Try to fit in even just 20 minutes three times per week. And, don't feel limited to traditional workouts. You can incorporate your wedding planning and workouts together. For example, enroll your fiancé and yourself in weekly dance lessons. You'll wow your reception guests with your dance steps plus benefit from the exercise you get during each lesson.

How can I get my upper body more defined looking for my wedding day? You can't spot reduce. So, if you have a lot of fat in that area, you will first need to reduce it. In basic terms, this is done by burning more calories than you consume. So, you need to participate in a healthy fitness program that includes cardio, strength training, flexibility and good nutrition. Once you have decreased the fat, then you can concentrate on strengthening the muscle groups in your upper body. You can do this with dumbbells, resistance bands or weight machines. Choose 1-2 exercises for each major muscle group and perform 8-12 reps and repeat with 1-2 sets. With a good, targeted strength program you could even see results within four weeks.

I really want to get in-shape for my wedding, but I just don't have any willpower. How can I make myself exercise? Find a program or a workout-buddy that will help provide you with motivation, encouragement and accountability. Your fiancé is a great first choice. But, you could also enlist the help of a member of the bridal party or your mother. Another great option is working with a fitness professional. The fitness pro can create an individual program for you or one designed for you and your workout-buddy. Plus, being accountable to a stranger can be much more motivating. After all, your buddy may fear offending you when remarking about a missed workout session.

Our honeymoon is at a beach. How can I get firmer abs and butt for my swimsuit? As mentioned above, you can't spot reduce and you need to take a comprehensive approach to shaping-up. With that said, be sure to include exercises that strengthen and tone those particular areas. For a very challenging abdominal workout, try exercises with a stability ball. There are also many great leg/butt exercises that you can do with the ball. But, plain-old squats and lunges are also effective.

For a comprehensive customized bridal workout program, visit http://www.workoutsforyou.com

About The Author

Lynn Bode, author and certified personal trainer, offers brides and grooms an affordable and convenient way to get fit through her website, WorkoutsForYou.com. WorkoutsForYou can help you get the body you've always dreamed of in time for your wedding day. Visit http://www.workoutsforyou.com/wtw_wedding_fitness.asp for more information and a sample workout plan.

info@workoutsforyou.com

---

Wedding Planning Ideas and Guidelines

Wedding planning is a difficult task for everyone. Unless you... Read More

What Makes The Best Wedding Anniversary Gift?

Choosing a wedding anniversary gift that wows your husband or... Read More

The Monogram Theme Wedding

Monograms are a huge trend in weddings, to the point... Read More

Wedding Photography: Preserving the Memories

A person's wedding can be one of the most important... Read More

Planning Your Honeymoon -- 6 Tips To Help

The groom traditionally plans the honeymoon. However, most brides prefer... Read More

Hot Wedding Trend: Platinum Wedding Rings

In our hungry-for-anything new pop culture world, celebrities are often... Read More

How Wives with Cheating Husbands Can Gain the Upper Hand

Too many wives with cheating husbands put up with their... Read More

The Second Time - Another White Wedding?

That first wedding was a dream, a gorgeous long white... Read More

How You Answer This Question Can Change Your Marriage

Imagine the following scenario. Your spouse has given you an... Read More

Cost Effective Weddings

Many people believe that weddings have to be costly. But... Read More

Men?s Moissanite Wedding Rings To Beat Other Gifts Any Day

Whoever said diamonds are women's best friends, surely missed on... Read More

The Loveliest Las Vegas Wedding Reception

If you are actually planning your Las Vegas wedding reception,... Read More

Are You Fully Present in Your Marriage?

"Presence is more than just being there," states Malcolm S.Forbes.... Read More

Bridal Hair Stylist Goes Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

You are locked in your seat on the most famous... Read More

Top Wedding Fitness Questions (and their answers)

As a Personal Trainer for brides-to-be, I often get asked... Read More

Marriage Proposals ? Why Doing It Right Will Make All the Difference

Proposing marriage to your beloved is a very big step.... Read More

How to Choose the Perfect Headpiece and Veil for Your Facial and Body Features

All brides want to be beautiful on their wedding day,... Read More

Wedding Planning

Depending on your personal preferences and the preferences of your... Read More

Bridal Shower Basics

A bridal shower is an excellent way for the bride... Read More

Wedding Web Site Design - How to Design a Wedding Site That Others Will Rave About

If you are in the process of design a wedding... Read More

Maui Honeymoon Resorts

Each of the dozens of Maui honeymoon resorts can be... Read More

Marriage Advice: What to Throw Overboard When Your Marriage Is In Trouble

When your marriage is in trouble and you're fighting to... Read More

How To Keep Love Growing Through All The Ups And Downs

The relationship expert on i.village.com, I am the author of... Read More

Wedding Loans: Perfect Finance Option for a Perfect Wedding

After seeing each other for years and being tagged as... Read More

Wedding Planning 101: Create a Wedding Planner

Did your wonderful husband-to-be recently "pop the question" and now... Read More

Diamond Hunting

Diamond hunting can be quite traumatic for the uninitiated. It... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 3

Remember the frenzy of the paparazzi when they caught Sarah... Read More

Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

Everybody who has decided to marry wants their day to... Read More

Wedding and Bridal Jewelry

So your not one of those fabulous actresses or models... Read More

Wedding Extravaganza

The extravagance of weddings is a popular topic. We blame... Read More

Marriage Counseling: What Do Wives Really Want in a Husband? Part One

Numerous men have pondered the questions, "Why does my wife... Read More

The Charm of Homemade Wedding Favors

Homemade wedding favors come from a centuries old tradition of... Read More

The Perfect Wedding Budget

Creating a wedding budget is one of the first things... Read More