Shaping up for your Wedding
Monday, July 31, 2006 - By Leslie Orlen, B.S.
You've been dreaming about this day since you were 5 years old. You've found your man, booked your date and can visualize yourself in the perfect dress.
Benefits of exercise include looking and feeling better, increased energy, and stress reduction in addition to health related benefits. If you are trying to lose any weight them most important thing you need to remember is energy in = energy out. So if you are eating a well balanced diet, focus on portion control and working out moderate to intensely this is a good start. Are you already doing these things, maybe try some of these tips…
Nutrition 101- Eat breakfast, make eating a conscious effort, & make healthier choices. Try choosing whole wheat pasta over your traditional; try whole grain breads over white. Have a sugar free jello snack with 1 serving of lite cool whip after dinner so that you don't feel hungry right before bed. Remember to stay hydrated! They are serious about those 6-8 glasses a day, more for exercise. Hate drinking water? Try zero calorie-flavored water, crystal light or decaf tea. Are you drinking soda? Try switching to diet. Limit your white sugar intake or try replacing it with Splenda. Taking small steps like this will help you look and feel your best.
Exercise 101- Workout moderate-intensely!
- Cardio Schedule 3-4 cardiovascular workouts a week for 25-40 minutes. Remember to pick activities that you enjoy, exercise should be fun and just think how great you will feel when you are done. Make your time count.. Bored? Try interval training or download some potential DJ wedding picks to your IPOD.
- Strength Try 3-4 strength workouts a week for 30 minutes. When strength training make sure you really feel your last few repetitions. Don't forget to include core and stabilization training. Try incorporating physioballs, BOSU and discs into your workouts. No time? Try circuit training. Make the time (these recommendations are only asking you to commit about 1 hour to yourself 4 times a week, try walking briskly on you lunch for 30, there is half the battle!)
- Stretching Stretching is important now more than ever! Stretching will help you increase flexibility. Flexibility training can help avoid muscle imbalances, postural distortion and injuries. Wouldn't you love to look like a dancer from the Pennsylvania Ballet on your wedding day! Stand tall, shoulders back, walk graceful and don't forget to smile, this is your day!
Stress reduction - enjoy every minute! Your engagement is an ideal time to spend some quality time with your fiancée. Take time to smell the roses and remember to breathe. (Don't sweat the small stuff). This is your time, enjoy every minute. RELAX, and remember to breathe!
Remember that true love only comes once in a lifetime. You found yours so try thinking of this as your 'me' time. Planning a wedding is so much fun, but sometimes you may feel overwhelmed. It is important to exercise, eat healthy and remain as stress free as possible. Just think how much better you will feel. Fairy tales do come true!
