So your wedding date is set. All the plans are in motion and like most brides you also want to be in tip-top shape for your special day. Well, firstly, let me advise you that there are no gimmicks, miracle machines, pills, etc. that can do the work for you. You need to get into the gym and work that body. Like good nutrition it requires consistency and effort. However, I also know that this is a stressful and busy period for you and time is limited. So, I am going to share some essential strategies that you need to follow to get the maximum results from the time you do spend working out.
1. Know which days of the week you are going to work out on—schedule it in your agenda—just as you do all your other appointments. It has to be a priority otherwise you will find a million reasons to do something else. Try and aim for five hours of exercise per week. Remember that exercise will not only energize you, but it is also an incredible stress reliever.
2. If possible hire a personal trainer. This will help with both commitment to showing up at the gym and getting the most out of your workouts. Make sure your trainer is certified and experienced in working with people who have similar goals to you.
3. Do something you enjoy. There is obviously a much greater likelihood of you sticking with something if you enjoy it or at least can see and feel the benefit of it.
4. Plan out the details of your workout beforehand. Know what you are going to do before you get to the gym. That way you are less likely to skip certain exercises or cut workouts short.
5. Do not be scared to lift heavy weights. Lifting heavier weights tears more muscle fibres than lighter training does. To compensate, the body must work even harder to rebuild that muscle after the workout is over, triggering an immediate post-workout boost. A study in the International Journal of Sports Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism found that women who performed a single session of intense resistance training had an increase in resting metabolic rate that lasted a full 16 hours after they left the gym.
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