Getting Fit

I know that for a lot of brides, getting fit for their wedding dress is a top priority. For me, getting fit has been a priority for over three years, well before I even met my future husband and it extends well beyond the wedding. In the last 3+ years, I’ve lost just over 100 pounds and counting, so naturally I want to look and feel especially good for our wedding given how far I’ve come, but because of my lifelong commitment to improved health and fitness, I’m not interested in any crash diets or short term solutions.

As far as I’ve come, I would ideally like to lose another 20 pounds between now and July, putting me at my goal weight in time for the wedding. To make that happen, I’ve committed to a regimented diet high in protein and veggies and low in sugar, calories and simple carbohydrates. In addition, I’ve taken to trying to push myself physically and really ramp up my fitness routine. It’s really easy for me to get bored and for the body to adapt to what it’s doing and results to drop off, so I’m all about trying out new things. Recently, I went to my first spinning class and it was incredibly challenging, but really fun.

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Unfortunately, we recently relocated and I haven’t yet had a chance to investigate a new gym so I’m not sure when I’ll get to attend more spinning classes. In the meantime, I’ve been an avid follower of Jillian Michaels’s 30 Day Shred since September and I’ve seen dramatic results in both inches lost, muscle definition, and endurance. I first found out about the Shred from fellow EAD blogger Dana, and since then I know the craze has spread like wildfire throughout the bridal blogging community. And there’s a reason for that – it works! Recently, Jillian released two new videos, which take it to a whole new level and are definitely not reccomended until after you’ve mastered the Shred or a similar program. Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism and No More Trouble Zones are longer, more intense and packed full of Jillian’s no excuses mentality.

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In addition to a good butt kicking compliments of Jillian, I am also a huge yoga and pilates fan. I try to run whenever I can force myself to, although I will openly admit to a lifelong hatred for running. When weather is good long walks with the dog and kayaking creep their way into my routine as often as possible. As well as having made working out a consistent, non-negotiable part of my life, I’ve also made smaller changes like parking farther away from stores, using stairs instead of elevators, and just moving more in general, which have all amounted to big improvements in health, fitness and physical appearance.

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Now that the final push is on until the wedding, I am that much more determined to finally hit my goal weight so I can look and feel amazing, but also so I can start our marriage as a new fresh chapter, one where I can focus on continuing to make healthy lifestyle improvements as opposed to one where I am fighting to get rid of those last pounds. I am once again itching for a change in my workout routine and would love to know what you’re doing or what you’ve done to get results.

Are you looking to lose weight and shape up for the wedding and beyond? If so, what are you doing and what’s working for you?