Shape Up: Fitness Pros’ Best Tips for Brides

Track Your Progress
Keep track by recording your goals in a journal — having them in writing is a fantastic motivator. The key, Rice says, is to keep them small and specific. He gave us a few examples:
Week One: Work out at least twice and be sure to strength train; then also do cardio two times during the week for at least 20 minutes.
Week Two: Repeat your fitness regimen from week one, but add 0 minutes to your two cardio workouts. Also, cut out all soft drinks for the entire week.
As you reach each goal, record it — you’ll find it’s not so tough to build on your successes.

Change Your Mindset
Conde says that instead of looking at your fitness goals as chores, you should try to see your time at the gym as an oasis of sanity. After all, she says, “With all the chaos around you planning a wedding, it is comforting to know that you have control over how your body will look in your wedding gown and on the honeymoon.” Focus on what you’re doing, turn off your cell phone, and forget about your list of to-dos.

Maintain a Positive Perspective
Will you ever have better fitness motivation than your wedding day? Maybe, but we’re not sure when. “Take advantage of this rare window of opportunity to be super-motivated,” Rice says, “there may never be another time like this in your life. It’s not about discipline, it’s desire! Get real — when is your desire going to be more intense than the months leading up to your wedding day?”

Stay Well-rounded
The key to your success: Putting it all together, with proper diet and exercise. “You can lose weight through diet alone, but it is exceedingly difficult to lose body fat by leaving your diet the same and trying to exercise it off,” Rice says. Conde advises a balanced workout as well. “Most brides want to focus solely on their upper body because of their wedding gowns, but you want to work on your entire body for symmetry and balance. Remember ladies, the dress eventually comes off!”