Getting in Shape for the Big Day

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How Maleke Stays in Shape

Okay, so I’m not exactly out of shape. As an aerial artist and coach, my job requires a high level of athleticism. However, I want to be sure that I reach my own personal best shape for my wedding day.

I think the wedding day can be a great motivational push. Once the day is set, you already have your deadline, so all you have to do is set your goals. It’s important you start your exercise program in advance. It takes time to tone your muscles and lose weight safely. I decided to give myself six months to tone up some trouble areas. As a personal trainer, I was able to create my own exercise program.

My workout started out like this.

3xs/Week

- 30min Cardio (Jumping rope or Silk Climbing/Stairs/Mini-Tramp)

- Single Leg Squats

- Squat Jumps

- Leg Kicks – front/back/side

- Single Leg Heel Raises

- Push-ups

- Shoulder Raises with 5lb weights

- Rotator Cuff exercises

- Triceps Dips

- Bent Over Lateral Raises with 5lb weights

- Stability Ball core conditioning with lots of variations of plank

Keep in mind that the exercises above compliment my existing training program.  It’s not a total body workout, but meant to target some weak areas I have and correct some imbalances.

Exercise is only half the battle. Don’t forget that if you want to see improvements, you might have to change the way you eat. Healthy eating is key to success.  If you don’t know much about nutrition, you may want to consult a nutritionist.

If you are planning on getting in shape for the big day, I would strongly recommend working out with a personal trainer.  A trainer can come up with a personalized plan for you and help keep you on track. Yes, it can be expensive, but out of all the things you’ll spend money on for your wedding, shouldn’t your fitness take priority?  It’s not just about the aesthetics. With exercise you can increase your energy, reduce risks of cardiovascular disease, prevent injury, boost confidence and so much more!  I know it’s hard to get started, but once you commit yourself to it, you will see results!  The results will motivate you and you’ll keep it up.

Three exercises every bride can benefit from and do at home with no equipment

1. Plank – This exercise is great for your core and it help can narrow your waist

I like the variation in this video, but an easier version would be to hold it on the hands or the elbows.

2. Dips – These can be done off your couch at home and are great for toning up the backs of your arms. You can straighten your legs to make it harder.

3. Arm Circles

What are you doing to get in shape for the big day?

a)     I’m cutting out junk food and eating healthier.

b)    I’ve started a workout program and I’m seeing results!

c)     Absolutely nothing.  All my free time has been eaten up with wedding planning.

Comments

  • Joanne

    Great post on something not too many people talk about before the wedding. Helpful vids too!

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  • http://www.weddingbells.ca/blogs/author/hkentner/ Heather

    Judith, I love exercises without equipment the best too. All the fancy machines and stuff really aren’t necessary for most people. Also, Yay small results! Awesome!
    Emily, yes it is important to do both. Another perk of exercising is an energy boost and after all our planning we could all use that on our Wedding Days.
    Alanna, sounds like a good plan! Keep it up!
    Jessyca, yes it’s always hard to find time. That’s why I like body conditioning exercises, you can do them at home. Then you don’t waste the time commuting to a gym.

    Good luck with all of your workout plans!

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  • Jessyca – Luxury Bride

    Nice post!

    I agree with Judith, food is definitely my weakness too, and between work and planning, and building our house, I’m finding less and less free time for myself these days.

    I probably should be working out a bit more, not only for the physical appearance, but for my health as well.

    Great tips! I’ve always loved the plank!

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  • http://www.weddingbells.ca/blogs/author/jmanzano Judith

    I just realized I said “looking forward to the weather being nicer” – guess I’m just doubly excited about it :).

  • http://www.weddingbells.ca/blogs/author/jmanzano Judith

    Thanks for the tips! I’ve slowly started my work out routine which consists of exercises that I’ve learned through a fitness boot camp I took last year. The great thing about the exercises are that they require no machinery – just your own body weight. I’m looking forward to the weather getting better so I can begin rollerblading. I’m looking forward to the weather being much nicer because I tend to get bored with my indoor work out.. always nice to break it up and do something different. I’m already seeing small results which TOTALLY helps with the motivation. Which by the way, I always have the hardest time finding :p.

    I’ll also be truthful in saying that I love food too much – it’s my weakness :). That’s what I need to work on; dedication to eating healthier. Not just for the wedding but also because I’m hypoglycemic and SHOULD be eating healthier.

    Thanks for the motivating boost :).

  • http://bit.ly/wbcontest Emily – Traditional Bride

    Great post, Heather! I have to do variations of the plank for my back regularly – NOT fun, especially the side plank!! But you’re right, you definitely notice the difference. I bought a used treadmill a few weeks ago and I’ve been running 3 times a week just to improve my overall fitness – I think it’s probably important to do cardio as well as strengthening exercises. And if you know you’re exercising and putting in the effort, I think you’ll definitely feel better on your wedding day :)

  • Alanna

    Good post!

    My wedding is in 7 months. My eating habits are a bit better and my work-outs have gotten more frequent.
    My main problem areas: upper arms and upper back
    My work-out plan:
    - Every other week I go swimming in the morning every day before work, I swim for about 40 minutes and do anywhere from 40-52 laps. To target my upper arms & back I make sure to do mainly arms only :)
    - On the weeks I’m not swimming, I go to the gym before work (about twice/week) and do cardio using the rowing machine and then hit the free weights to work on my arms again, then end it off with a little ab workout.

    Let’s hope my plan works!