‘I Asked 6 Trainers How to Work Out Right Before My Wedding—Here’s What They Said’
Now, I’m about a month away from the big day and I’m totally freaking out. Between wedding appointments with the DJ, rabbi, wedding coordinator, florist, hair and makeup pros, and dance teacher, I literally have no idea how I’m going to keep up my routine. That’s when I decided to turn to the experts to find out how to streamline my weeks-before-the-wedding get-fit routine. Here’s what these six totally awesome fitness instructors had to say:
Two weeks before the big day:
Mix It Up
“Work out four times a week, drink lots of water, and take a good look at your food intake. Divide this week’s workout into one day of strength training, one day of circuit HIIT, one day of yoga, and one day of just cardio. By changing up your daily workouts, you’ll keep your body guessing and stop yourself from plateauing.”—Joselynne Boschen, fitness and lifestyle expert at Lifesum
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Go for Gains
“Do some high-intensity classes. Motivation will be at its highest right about now with the day not too far away. Take advantage of that and get some gains.”—Michael Tosto, personal trainer and owner of TITLE Boxing Club in New York City
One week before the big day:
Focus on Upper Body
“Hit the cables and dumbbells. Remember, your wedding dress covers up most of your lower body, but accentuates your back, shoulders, and arms. Increasing basic bodybuilding exercises for your upper body will tone you up just right.”—Brooke Taylor creator of TFIGNITE PROGRAM and Taylored Fitness NY LTD
Stick to Your Schedule
“Keep up your fitness routine. I know it may seem hard, but it’ll be totally worth it when you’re glowing on your big day.”—Michele Gordon, fitness expert and founder of Cardio Sweat Party
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Three days before the big day:
Keep Stress Levels Low
“When it comes to working out, do what you can without stressing. Cortisol is the hormone that is released when you don’t get enough sleep or are under a lot of pressure. Cortisol causes bloating, so ensure that you don’t stress too much and that you get enough sleep.”—Joselynne Boschen
Treat Yo’Self
“Get a massage! You’ve been working out hard and your mind is probably in 10 different places. Take an hour to relax. Plus, you’ll be on your feet (and probably in heels) all day during your wedding. Make sure your body is ready for it! Also, get your favorite workouts in because once the wedding weekend hits, your schedule tends to get a bit crazy.”—Michele Gordon
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The day before the big day:
Take a Hike…Literally
“Get outside for a long hike with your fiancée. It’s going to be a whirlwind of events over the next 24 hours. Staying grounded with each other in nature is a great way to connect and clear your heads. Just don’t get lost!”—Chris Ryan, C.S.C.S., C.P.T., fitness expert
Don’t Go Too Hard
“Breathe, sweat, relax. Make sure you squeeze in a total-body workout that you enjoy, but today’s not the day to go so hard that you’re very sore a day later. You want to feel comfortable on the big day. Finish your workout with a full-body stretch or yoga.”—Michele Gordon
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On the big day:
Stay Chill
“Stretch, do yoga, meditate, or do anything relaxing and restorative that connects you with your body and makes you feel good.”—Kristin McGee, celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor in New York City (Tone up, beat stress, and feel great with Rodale’s new With Yoga DVD!)
Skip the Gym and Try This Instead
“Here’s a fun hotel room workout I love to do before an event. This will tone your upper body and core while activating your lower body and getting your heart rate up. It takes just a few minutes. First, play a few of your favorite songs. Then, do 10 to 12 squats with a twist. (Squat down and turn to the right as you stand back up.) Repeat on the other side. Next, for 30 seconds, raise the roof! Run in place and put your arms up. This will get your heart rate up and give you a big boost of energy. Next, do 16 pushups (full-body or modified) that open into a side plank. Repeat on the other side.”—Michele Gordon