The Fitness Routine You Need for the Wedding Day

We could give you a six-month fitness plan. We actually thought about that. But if you're anything like me, you're going to start attempt this six months in advance of your wedding, but you're really not going to take it seriously until you're about three months out. Some of us work best under pressure, amirite?

This article isn't for those of you who are already faithful gym patrons. If that's you, then you keep doing you, girl. This is for those of you who would really rather watch “Say Yes to the Dress” than fit into the dress.

Pre-Training

Put down the pop. From now on, you only get to drink water. When Netflix asks you if you are still watching, say “no, Netflix, I am no longer watching.” And get out the door and into the gym. Since you have only three months instead of six months, this really turns into more of a fitness bootcamp rather than a fitness routine. Unfortunately, due to procrastination you're going to have to kick it into high gear, which means you can't afford to have cheat days or meals, you don't get to skip Monday morning workouts and you certainly do not get to make excuses! Those things are for six-month programs, not for last-minute, running-out-of-time, need-to-lose-10-pounds programs.

The hardest part of working out is getting into the gym. I've never really struggled that much while I'm there, but I struggle pretty regularly to get there. You want to know what helps? Wearing cute gym clothes! Really! When you look fit, you feel fit. This is also the perfect excuse to get one of those Shedding for the Wedding/Sweating for the Wedding/From Hot Mess to Wedding Dress/Train Like a Beast, Look like a Bride workout tank tops.

Cardio Training

The next battle is knowing what to do once you get there. There is a level of intimidation that may overwhelm you at first, but keep in mind, you're the only one who knows you don't know what you're doing.

The first thing you need to come to terms with is that this fitness program will require burning calories. Burning calories will require cardio. Cardio will require sweating. Sweating will require working your butt off (literally). But you can't depend solely on cardio; strength training is going to be a necessary element to achieving your desired body. This will mean lifting weights—another intimidating operation if you don't know what you're doing. More on that later.

So for cardio, you have a few options. But let me rule out one of these options right away. If you want to burn serious calories, you can't just go for a three-mile jog. That's because your heart rate will generally stay the same throughout those three miles, and it's really only when your heart rate is speeding up and slowing down that calories are burned—at least a significant number of calories. Instead, allow me to introduce you to a little thing called interval training. Interval running is when you alternate between speeds and inclines on the treadmill. You still can run those three miles, but instead of staying at a consistent pace, you will be walking, jogging, running and sprinting (depending on the interval you decided to do). Those short bursts of exertion will give a spike to your heart rate and every time your heart rate jumps up, more calories are being burned. I search for all of my interval workouts on Pinterest. That's the best way to find a simple, printable interval workout that can meet you where you're at.

If the idea of running is repulsive to you, let me tell you a fun fact; you can walk briskly on the treadmill at an incline and burn roughly the same amount of calories as running. The incline is the key because it adds resistance to your workout.

If the idea of treadmills is repulsive to you, consider signing up for a team training/workout class. Sometimes, it's A LOT easier to have an instructor telling you what to do and offering some motivation a.ka. yelling at you. Plus, the added element of socialization with other gym go-ers that are enduring the same cardio battle as you helps to ease the misery. A few of the crowd favorites include: cycling, Zumba, kickboxing, and circuit training. These classes typically run 45-60 minutes but with upbeat music, an instructor, and other gym patrons suffering alongside you, an hour of cardio really isn't so bad—especially when you're burning 600-1,000 calories per class! There are also many options that combine strength training with conditioning. It's essentially two birds with one stone.

Strength Training

I know most of you are starting this fitness program with the single goal of losing weight, but let me stress the importance of incorporating strength training into your routine. Cardio helps you lose weight, but strength training gives you that desired tone you want in your arms, back, legs and tummy. And contrary to misconception, lifting weights actually burns a significant amount (if not more) of calories! Also contrary to misconception, you don't necessarily have to lift weights to do strength training. Lunges, squats, pushups and mountain climbers are all examples of strength training that don't require weights.

Getting toned arms is especially important; believe me when I tell you that you will notice your arms in almost every one of your wedding photos. Try to lift weights at least twice a week. If you don't know where to start, consider taking a strength training class (a class that incorporates cardio and lifting weights) or working with a personal trainer. If you can't afford either, simply type in “strength training” in the Pinterest search box and you will be rewarded with tons of free, easy-to-follow printables that will help you get started.

Rest Training

This is everyone's favorite part of the fitness program. There needs to be at least one or two days where you don't do any sort of intensive workout. But I wouldn't consider this an off-day when you do nothing. Instead, stretch, go for a walk or leisurely jog, use a foam roller to work out your sore muscles, hit the sauna or hot tub—use this as a day to replenish your muscles. These days of rest are absolutely essential to your workout program, even if you're down to the wire before your wedding day. It's the days of rest when your muscle mass is actually being developed and it's how injuries are prevented.

Best Workout Apps

Since you're more than likely planning your entire wedding online using apps, WeddingDay tools, and other planning guides, your fitness program might as well be tracked and managed online, too! Here are some of our favorite workout apps (for free, obviously):

-Pandora: it's a must for workouts as you can customize your own workout station

-Nike+Running: if you're going to run, this app is fantastic for tracking miles, routes, playing music and managing goals

-Nike Training Club: this app lets you choose options—to get lean, get toned, get strong or get focused. Each option includes various workouts you can do for your choice of time and fitness level.

-My FitnessPal: this is one of the best calorie trackers out there. It even allows you to find items on a restaurant menu and track it when you're dining out!

-BodyLab: this is a J.Lo fitness app so you know it's legit! The app includes a diet tracker, personalized workout plans, progress trackers and workout suggestions complete with animated views of how to do the moves!

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February 14, 2016

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Awesome tips to stay fit always. Check out awesome GYM workout planner app which has GYM exercise planner, 7 minutes workout, Run Tracker, BMI Calculator and many more. App Link - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.planner.gymworkout

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