Workout Tips for the Bride-to-Be

Having recently passed the most popular days to get engaged–that is, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day–it’s very possible you might be sporting some new shiny bling on your ring finger. If your significant other popped the question (and if you said, “yes”) congratulations! Wedded bliss is in your future; let the planning fun begin.

Along with viewing venues, tasting cakes, asking BFFs to be bridesmaids, and a myriad of other tasks, much of your focus might get swept up by what you wear and how you look. After all, as the bride (OK, and a little bit your mate-to-marry), you’re the star of the show and all eyes will be on you. It’s also a day that will likely be professionally photographed and videotaped, not to mention shared on social media by family and friends in attendance. Feeling your best is the only option if you want to look back fondly on the memories made.

Feel Bride Best on Your Wedding Day

For many brides, feeling your best often means looking your best. Hair, makeup, and what you wear will play a big part, but if you aren’t loving the skin you’re in, you might need to start with a little body love first. Boosting body confidence will differ among brides, but it’s almost always a recipe made up of…

• Eating right. In addition to burning fat, eating whole, properly portioned foods can give you more energy, which you’ll need to keep your wedding planning game strong.  
• Stressing less. Getting married, let alone planning a wedding, can cause skyrocketing anxiety. Asking for help and staying organized will help, and so can a little self-care. Take a break with short meditation practices, schedule massages, and find time for a nap when you’re really feeling low.   
• Being kind to yourself. It’s not uncommon for negative thoughts to make their way into your mind especially if you’re overwhelmed. Instead of calling yourself names or berating yourself for not being good enough, compliment yourself instead. Mantras, journaling, or even just a pat on your own back can go a long way toward improving your self-image.
• Moving more. Working out is obviously a great way to get your body in shape, but don’t forget about what it can do for how you feel about your body, too. Running farther than you ever have before or squatting a new personal best can make you feel as if you can accomplish anything–and you can (we’ll show you how)!

Bride-to-Be Workout Tips

Yes, moving more is key to feeling your best, but with plenty already on your plate, the last thing you want to do is plan workouts in addition to planning your wedding. Before you stress out and opt for a low-profile elopement instead, rest easy knowing we’ve mapped out the tips you need to make fitness less fuss.

• Set goals first. The big day is still plenty far away, which gives you lots of time to make changes big and small. Use this time to set goals. For example, do you want to be a buff bride, showing off toned, muscular arms in your strapless gown? Or do you want play up your curves in mermaid-style dress? Or are you more focused on how you’ll feel laying out on the beach during your honeymoon. Maybe your goals are about accomplishments instead, such as running a 10k with your bridesmaids or building stamina for your hike-through style honeymoon. Whatever it is, write these goals down and dedicate yourself to making them a reality.
• Make a plan. With your goal(s) in mind, you now need a strategy. Think about what your body needs to get you to the finish line. For example, if you want those toned arms, upper body strength training and interval training can help you build muscle and burn fat. Or if you’re honeymoon means carrying a pack on your back, combine bodyweight exercises for strength with lots of walking for cardio.
• Start strong, but don’t overdo it. Think of your plan as a marathon and not a sprint. While you want to start strong, you don’t want to burn out too quickly. Begin by scheduling two or three workouts per week, and then increasing either the duration of the workout or the number of sessions as you progress.
• Add variety. Do the same thing over and over again, and not only will you get bored but your body might plateau. The more you switch up the workouts planned, the better your results will likely be. So if strength training is part of your strategy, change up the exercises. Yoga and bodyweight exercise can build muscles just as barbells and dumbbells can. Instead of just walking, try biking, rowing, running, and jumping rope to get your heart rate up.
• Buddy up. You’re about to have a partner for life, so why not better your bond by getting fit together?

  

  Sometimes being accountable to someone other than yourself can prevent you from throwing in the towel. If your soon-to-be spouse prefers solo workouts, meet up with your bridesmaids. They want to look good for your day, too.

• Reward yourself. You’re bound to reach milestones along the way, and those need to be celebrated. That doesn’t mean binging on ice cream and cocktails, but instead doing something special for yourself. Mani/pedis, a new outfit, or a day to catch up on your favorite TV series while cuddled on the couch can be perfect treats for your hard work.

Your wedding may only be one day, but it’s a day you’ll want to never forget. Take steps to feel your best, and you’ll begin your marriage with nothing but happy memories.

Are you a bride-to-be? Tell us your plans for feeling your best! Share in the comments.

Carrie Anton (270 Posts)

Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.