6 Tips to Amp Up Your Bridal Fitness Routine

Getting wedding-dress ready isn’t just about eating right and exercising; it’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin and exuding confidence on your wedding day. Even if you’re not trying to lose weight, working out is a great way to relieve stress and get rid of any pre-wedding jitters before the big day. Whether brides choose to take the next step towards their fitness goals with a personal trainer, fitness DVDs, or group gym workouts, it is important to stay healthy and focused throughout the entire process. These six tips from celebrity trainer Jay Cardiello will supplement whichever workout regimen you choose and are geared to help brides walk down the aisle with confidence:

1. Eat right. Taking in 500 fewer calories a day can help you drop one pound per week, even without exercising. Note: Make sure to intake the correct amount of calories per day for your body type – for some, taking in 500 fewer calories per day may be dangerous.

2. Team up! Start a fitness program with your bridesmaids. This will provide you all with a supportive and fun way to get in shape as a unit. You will also have at least one person to hold you accountable should you turn off-course.

3. Keep a daily journal, not a food journal. Writing down everything you eat can be too time consuming, especially with a wedding to plan. Instead, be creative and jot down how you are feeling, what days of the week are hardest for you, and what foods and exercises make you feel your best. Writing things down will help to constructively control and conquer feelings of frustration and promote those of accomplishment.

4. Be realistic. Too many women want to drop back into their “high-school body” in three months. This may not be feasible and could also be dangerous. Take a reasonable and positive fitness goal, and make it happen. You will gain greater respect and confidence for yourself by achieving an attainable goal rather than coming up short.

5. Get some sleep. Planning a wedding is a busy time, but it’s important to remember that weight loss and general good health come from adequate sleep. Sleeping less than six hours or more than eight hours every night may not only increase a woman’s weight but can also wreak havoc on the body.

6. Drink up! Drink half of your body weight in ounces of water a day. For example, if you weigh 100 pounds, consume 50 ounces of water a day. And remember to drink water on your wedding day! It’s easy to get caught up in all of the excitement and forget about little necessities such as food and water. Stay hydrated and your body will thank you. Cheers!

Trainer to the stars Jay Cardiello has worked with celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Minka Kelly, Ciara, 50 Cent, and numerous athletes and teams within the NBA, MLB, and NFL. His mantra, “change your life, not your lifestyle,” has made him a favorite for time-pressed individuals who are looking for a no-fail workout in twenty minutes. Perfect for busy brides-to-be, his JCORE Accelerated Body Transformation System totals only eight hours over forty days, while most programs require seven hours for just one week. Visit cardiellofitness.com for more information.