Lifestyle /
Bridal Fitness: Getting Fit & Fab For Your Special Day
Spending time selecting your centerpieces, décor, outfits and invitations are all part of the exciting and hectic path to your special day but odds are that you’ve neglected to focus on the most important focus of the wedding: Yourself!
Picking out a gorgeous wedding lengha, makeup and accessories can only take you so far if you aren’t feeling fit and fabulous while wearing your wedding day wardrobe.
Too many brides often rely on crash diets and extreme short exercise binges that are unsafe and unhealthy for your well-being in the long run. Unless it’s supervised by a doctor or professional trainer supervised, I would suggest staying away from these extreme options and instead explore some of the healthier ways brides are using to not just look good on their wedding day, but to maintain it long after they say “I Do.”
Below are some of the hottest trends that will keep your fitness routine fun and far from boring and remember, preparing for your big day can be just as festive as the celebration itself.
Doonya: The Bollywood Dance Workout:
This fun, high-energy workout keeps you sweating while dancing to the beats of Bollywood songs.
The great part about the Doonya DVD are the fabulous instructors: Priya and Kajal guide you through each series of moves which are easy to follow, making any bride feel like a Bollywood Belle.
Mind you, your arms, abs and legs become toned but you don’t realize it because you’re having so much fun.
Key benefits: you’ve got some awesome moves to show off at your Sangeet, you’re building up endurance to a healthy you, and killing 600-800 calories per hour during each workout.
Pic credit : www.doonya.com
Insanity:
Recommended to me by a few brides, Insanity is a high intensity cardio DVD workout that lasts just under 40 minutes for the first month and under 60 minutes for the second month.
Don’t be deterred by the timeframe, as stretching and warm ups are included, leaving about anywhere from 30-45 minutes of actual cardio and interval workouts. It’s a 60 day program which will make you more toned, stronger and filled with energy. I’m only a few weeks in myself, and it is an insane workout but in an insanely good way.
Shaun T the instructor, pushes and motivates you to 'dig deeper' and there is no doubt that if you stick to it, this one will leave your arms and abs looking fabulous in any bridal wardrobe.
Pic credit: www.beachbody.com
Spinning:
Group cycling classes are one of my favourite 45 minute to 90 minute workouts that I started when I was first engaged. They allowed me to build up my strength and endurance, which in the long run allowed me to handle the craziness of planning a large-scale Indian wedding.
Focusing on your legs and core muscle group, spinning allows you to go at your own pace and up the ante when you are ready to move onto the next level.
Certain instructors add in moves that work your abs and arms allowing you to have a full body work out. In the end, you are in control of pushing yourself with amazing music, a fantastic instructor, and a group environment, you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way.
Pic credit: www.shape.com
Barre:
Ballet-inspired classes have been popping up everywhere and variations of it have you moving through yoga positions to pilates to downright dance cardio.
Executing a series of quick controlled movements your arms, legs, shoulders, ab muscles quickly start to burn from the intense repetition.
The beauty of it is the strength and poise you develop leaving everyone sighing as you walk as gracefully as a dancer down the aisle during your dream wedding.
Pic Credit: www.lululemon.com
Bonus: Fit Foodie
There are a number of shakes/smoothies/drinks that brides are trying to trim their figures for their special day. Some are great in maintaining your caloric intake, but make sure it’s in moderation, doctor supervised, and that your body is still getting the vitamins and minerals it needs. You don’t want your body to be confused if you’ve been only having liquids and suddenly introduce food during the festivities.
We’ve all heard of the Master Cleanse (or Beyonce’s Diet) and although it’s great for flushing out the system for a few days, one must be cautious when pushing these to the extreme for longer then a few days as it can lead to health problems. BluePrint Cleanse, Slimfast, Atkin Shakes are some of the more popular diet programs. Do your research and find the one that suits you and your eating habits but more importantly, avoid the crash diets and choose balanced meals that are high in fiber for a healthy kickstart to your workout regime.
No matter what diet plan you choose to prepare for your big day, let yourself loose during your celebration and enjoy the delicious menu you’ve chosen for your guests. It’s your day!
Pic Credit: www.blueprintcleanse.com
If you've tried any of the above, tell us which one has worked for you or which you're willing to try?
Feature Image: www.thehealthkick.co.uk
Vandana Duggal
Author
Vandana Duggal, a former Beauty & Fashion marketer, is the co-founder of Shaadi Belles, a South Asian Wedding inspiration search engine. Based in New York City, Vandana is a biking enthusiast, beauty junkie, Bollywood fan, vegan and global traveler. w...
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