Written with love, by Jennifer Dene
We received a comment on social media recently about the negative connotations of #sheddingforthewedding and you know what? I couldn’t agree more. The stereotype, or expectation, of being a certain “wedding weight” is unfair and ridiculous, and it has to stop.
Today I’ll tell you the reasons why I want to exercise everyday, and help you set your own pre-wedding fitness goals that have nothing to do with weight loss. Then I’ll give you a fun workout that you can do at home.
But first, let me remind you that you are already a beautiful bride, with a beautiful body. Together we can create a new culture of brides who love their bodies, love their engagement experience and are able to find and maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to their wedding day (and for life happily ever after).
OK, let’s dive in!
Three Reasons Why I’m Motivated To Workout Everyday
It Clears My Head
I may no longer be a busy bride, but I am a busy newlywed.
This year alone I’ve had three international trips, moved across the country and started my own business. Plus there are the logistics of organizing everyday life – keeping up with friends, tidying the house, spending quality time with family, remembering birthdays… you know how it is.
I’ve come to realize that there isn’t much space for “me time” in the 9 – 5 (or 6am – 6pm as it often seems to be), so that’s what my workout becomes. This half hour is an opportunity to clear my head of its never ending to-do list, and simply focus on my body and my breath.
It Helps My Skin
I had a lot of skin trouble growing up, but these days I hardly ever see a spot. Why? I credit my clear skin to these three things:
1. Minimizing sugar consumption
3. Having a good sweat each day
Working out boosts circulation, which helps to keep your skin healthy and vibrant. As heart rate increases blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells — it’s like getting the benefits of a facial from the inside out.
It’s An Opportunity To Be Social
Most of my friends are also very active people, so weekend catch-ups might revolve around hiking, mountain biking, paddle boarding or attending yoga classes.
Especially now that my husband and I live in Los Angeles, it’s not uncommon for visiting friends to want to hike Runyon Canyon, or bike ride from Venice to Malibu.
Not only does this leave me feeling better (and wealthier) than a long night spent drinking cocktails, I find that conversation flows with ease when our hands and feet are busy doing something else.
Organizing an active social event with your bridesmaids would be a fun and relaxed way for everyone to get to know each other!
A Note On Rest Days
Did I really just say that I’m motivated to workout everyday? Yep! It’s rare that I would have a day when I literally didn’t do anything active, it just doesn’t make me feel good. But that doesn’t mean I’m doing high intensity training everyday either. My body gets plenty of rest because I diversify my workouts. Some days I simply take a walk or do a stretch class.
So, if you struggle with the desire to exercise regularly, perhaps start by re-framing what a “workout” should look like. For me, it’s simply anything that gets my body moving and blood flowing.
Your Challenge
This week I encourage you to establish three, non-weight loss reasons why it would benefit you to exercise regularly in the lead up to your wedding.
I’d love to hear your reasons in the comments below!
Your Workout
Now that you’re feeling motivated to work out, it’s time to get this show on the road!
This week I have a simple at-home circuit that doesn’t require any equipment. The moves are simple, but don’t let that fool you. By moving quickly from one exercise to the next you are getting a cardio boost alongside the benefits of strength training.
1. Start with a 5 minute walk around the neighborhood to warm up
2. Next, set your timer for 6 minutes and repeat as many repetitions of the circuit as you can
3. Rest for 60 seconds and repeat a total of three or four rounds
The Moves
5 pushups
10 situps
15 tricep dips
20 squats
30 lunges
40 butt kicks
50 high knees
Video Tutorial
Disclaimer: Exercise is not without its risks and this this or any other exercise program may result in injury. As with any exercise program, if at any point during your workout you begin to feel faint, dizzy or have physical discomfort you should stop immediately and consult a medical professional. Always consult your physician or health care provider before beginning any nutrition or exercise program. If you choose to use this information without the prior consent of your physician, you are agreeing to accept full responsibility for your decisions.
