getting into shape!

MANY BRIDES-TO-BE aim to lose weight before the wedding, but what’s the best way to go about it?

There are lots of diets around – The Zone, The LA, the now unfashionable Atkins, and The No Carb are just are few examples – but most of them are fads at best and dangerously unhealthy at worst. Nowadays there really is no secret to weight loss waiting to be discovered, because we have the knowledge to understand what is good for us and what isn’t. It may be a pretty boring answer, but deep down we all know that maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is the key to being fit, healthy, and true to your natural body shape.*

Diet Clubs

Although exercise is a well-known way to relieve stress and tension, taking the decision to lose weight at the same time as planning your wedding can be stressful in itself! So you may find it helpful to join a diet club in order to keep yourself motivated. The main benefits are that not only will you gain the strength to stick with it from being around fellow members, but you will also have access to advice and support.

Weight Watchers

The national club is popular because it is easy to follow and allows a certain amount of freedom of choice, as it works by following a points system. With the enormous range of branded foods on offer, it's not difficult to follow even for the most disorganised eater. There's also an online diet club if you can't get to local meetings. www.weightwatchers.co.uk

Scottish Slimmers

Based around a slimming club where regular attendance is essential, you meet like-minded people and listen to a talk by the instructor, after which you get weighed. Classes are supportive and the diet is sensible and doesn't count calories or points, with some interesting recipes provided. There's an excellent online forum and support network. www.scottishslimmers.com

Working Out

For those who prefer to go it alone, then treating yourself to a gym membership is a great way to get fit before your forthcoming nuptials. Not only will you have every imaginable piece of equipment at your disposal but if you prefer you can join a class such as aerobics, spin, yoga or step. In addition most gyms have tennis courts, swimming pools or football pitches; and if you want help from an expert who can tailor an exercise plan specifically for you, then take advantage of hiring the services of a personal trainer.

Getting Into A Routine

How many of us will admit to having gym equipment in our very own homes, equipment which is now either gathering dust or being used as a makeshift clothes horse? If that sounds familiar then now is the time to get back to using your treadmill, stepper, crosshill trainer or bike. It always helps to have a goal in mind when following an exercise plan, and what better focus is there than getting married? Consider the benefits of exercising at home: you will save much-needed money on gym membership, plus you can exercise in the privacy of your own home, even in front of the television!

Targeted Results

Experts say the ideal way to exercise is setting aside 30 minutes each day, rather than scheduling mammoth sessions in the gym twice a week, so if you can manage it try to follow this. And when you do find time for a full-on workout, make sure what you’re doing is effective in achieving the results you’re looking for. For example, many brides wish to sculpt the upper body so that they look fab in a strapless dress. This requires a combination of cardiovascular exercise and resistance training; what this means is that you will be able to see the definition in your muscles built up from resistance work, having lost the surrounding fat through cardiovascular work. You need to target your upper body two-three times a week, using a mixture of high and low repetitions. Try to find cardiovascular activities that you enjoy and if possible benefit from fresh air by building walking, skipping or jogging into your training. If you’re more worried about those spare tyres round the midriff, sit-ups are the most effective way to tone your stomach, though they’re not much fun! Aim to do three sets of 16 a day. Always allow a rest day between training sessions as this is when your body repairs and improves. And whatever the main focus of your training, make sure you vary your regime so that you don’t get bored and feel tempted to quit.

Keeping It In Proportion

It’s only natural that you want to look your best for the wedding, but it’s important to keep the issue of body weight in perspective. If you get obsessed with the idea of reaching an ‘ideal’ shape, you won’t enjoy the planning process as much as you should – let’s face it, he didn’t ask you to marry him with the proviso that you slimmed down did he? Also, it is advisable not to lose too much weight before your big day because it may cause problems with dress alterations – and you want to be true to yourself and your natural body shape. The pressure to be the perfect size can feel overwhelming but it’s more sensible to aim to become toned rather than dramatically lose weight.

* If you are seriously overweight and want to get fit for your big day, you must consult your doctor before adopting a diet and exercise plan.