Seven GOOD reasons to workout leading up to the Wedding Day

It is common to see women increase their physical activity in the months leading up to their wedding day, and you know I love to see people getting active. It makes me sad, though, to think that the newfound desire for fitness tends to be more focused on how the brides (or bridesmaids or mothers of the bride/groom – notice how it’s all the women?) look than on how they feel.

The truth of the matter is that everyone involved in the wedding could benefit from using the planning period (all 3-12 months of it) to pay attention to their health and fitness, and here are some reasons why…

Seven good reasons to workout leading up to the Wedding Day (for everyone, not just the bride) that have nothing to do with size:

• Improved stamina: you’ll be standing, dancing, and doing A LOT on the big day, so focusing on both cardio and strength training in the months beforehand makes a lot of sense.

• Stronger core: Weddings come with presents, travel, and sometimes moving into a new home. Give some specific attention to your core muscles to prep your body for all the lifting to come. 
• Stronger Immune System: The last thing you want on your wedding day is a case of the sniffles! Regular moderate intensity exercise puts you in a good position to fight off bugs to keep yourself healthy.  
• Improved flexibility: A more flexible body is less prone to injury, and you want to be in tip-top shape for the pre-wedding festivities through to the end of the honeymoon. Incorporate yoga and general stretching several months before The Day for the best results.

• Positive Body Image/Self-Esteem: Regardless of any physical changes that may come, working out leaves you feeling good about yourself – the perfect way to be when you’re posing for all those pictures. 

• Lower Blood Pressure: It can take a lot of work to make a wedding day perfect. Take some stress off your system by doing cardio training – it will help you start off with a lower blood pressure. 
• Live Longer: Making fitness a habit now can help you lead a longer life – more days with your sweetheart sounds pretty great, right?

This is an exciting time for everyone, and the healthier you all are the more you’ll be able to enjoy every last moment. Better yet? The work you do leading up to the wedding can be the start of a life-long habit.