Wedding Blog
While we’re on the subject of things to do before you get into a bikini for 14 days straight…
When I opened up my Google homepage this morning, my heart flip-flopped (and not in a good way–more like when you’re on the diving board in your swimming lesson in 5th grade and your whole class, including that boy with the spiky hair that you secretly have a crush on, is watching, and you take a deep breath and fumble oh-so-ungraciously and SMACK! do a belly-flop into the pool).
Because my wedding countdown widget says there are only NINETY DAYS until our wedding.
GAHHHH…
I think all brides can relate when I say that getting past the 100 day mark is a wake-up call.
But I’m thinking destination brides may have it worse than everyone else.
Because–are you ready for this, ladies and gentlemen–there IS trade-off to having a destination wedding, and it just walked up and smacked me in the face.
Not only does this DW bride have a list as long as her arm of wedding-related things to do in the days leading up to d-day… but she has only NINETY DAYS to get a BIKINI-WORTHY BUFF BRIDE BOD!
Ok, so maybe not that ripped. More like:
I just love this photo, she looks magnificent. Source
Seriously, how DEDICATED is this bride? She looks awesome! Source
Other than looking at pictures of other buff brides (what? procrastinating? no I’m not, it’s research) I haven’t done ANYTHING thus far… and I don’t know even where to start! I’m in panic mode!! (Wait, do you burn more calories when you’re in panic mode? Maybe this is a good thing… hmmm…)
My goal is not to lose weight, but rather, to make a trade–some jiggle for some jiggy-wid-it*, if you will. Read: I need to get toned. Everywhere. Immediately.
I found this book online called Fit To Be Bride which looks intriguing - it has exercises inside which are geared toward specific body types and I do love me a manual - but I’m not sure what the timeline is and, more importantly, since I really have no experience whatsoever with fitness exercises beyond my junior high gym class, I’m not sure I’m ready for it.
So I’m putting the call out to all the buff brides out there: What on earth should I do?
Here are some necessary details: I work full-time in an office; I am not a morning person (though could possibly be motivated by abs of steel to change my ways); I am not/never will be a runner; I like structure; I am ok with repetition; I need to see some sort of results pretty quickly or else I lose interest (instant gratification, anyone?); I feel better about physical torture if there are other people getting tortured along with me.
What do you think? Can you suggest something I can do to get buff in 90 days?
*My sincere apologies, I do not know WHAT came over me there. I wrote ‘jiggle’ and Will Smith promptly appeared in my mind and refused to leave, resulting in this lame wordplay. Yes, lame. I’ll try not to let it happen again. No promises, though.
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I can’t wait to hear the responses. Your necessary details are the same as mine. I sit in an office 9 hours a day, I HATE running (was a swimmer growing up, but I don’t have access to a pool these days), lets just say I hate cardio all together. I do enjoy weight lifting though. I specifically need work in the abs/love handles section of my bod. Suggestions anyone?! Ohhh and I’m a foodie. Not junkie foodie, I just love food in general.
I think I’m pretty similar. Two things I do enjoy:
1) Rollerblading around the Seawall. Being a big circle, you can’t give up halfway and you’re forced to keep going. Plus, the scenery is gorg!
2) Yoga night with gfs. We do a yoga DVD at someone’s place, and then we gossip or watch trashy shows like The Bachelor after 
hehe.
Try “The Firm” videos. My mom swears by them, and even gave me a few of hers when I mentioned I wanted to “tone up” for the wedding (I have yet to try them, lol!). They promise visible results in ten workouts- not too shabby!
It won’t necessarily make you buff or even make you tone up (only diet and exercise can do that!), but if you want to smooth out, I swear by Fat Girl Slim. I used it for about…3 weeks? twice a day before my boudoir photos. Every time I use it I notice a difference.
I count calories. how does that get me in the gym? B/c i think.. .if i get on that tread mill for 300 calories, i can eat this X… i love food. I can’t run for the life of me. I’m in an office 11-13 hrs a day and cardio is not fun. But you can’t start to burn fat without cardio… 5 weeks on a 1200-1500 cal diet (with 3-5x week cardio) i lost 13 lbs… now i’m at a plateau, but i’ve also been less restrictive with my diet, and exercising inconsistently… but counting my calories got me to the gym…
I’d suggest doing a fitness bootcamp. They’re not as scary as it sounds. The cost can be a little high, but it’s the fastest way to get into great shape (as long as you keep to a healthy nutritional diet). Plus, it really keeps you in check. The one i did in SF (Bootcamp SF) was really good. I kept a food log and for 6 weeks, 4 days a week for an hour a day, I saw amazing results!
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=433
is a great website with 10 work-outs made for bikini worthy bod in a short amount of time.
Also, if you need group participation I would check out the website thedailyplate.com you can track food/calories on there, but in your case I would most def. join some of the support groups, especially the ones made for daily excercise accountability. There support groups are AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING and really will be of assistance.
Good luck and remember either way, if you were jiggly or jiggy-worth you are still going to look stunning and your personality is to boot, so no worries. You’re going to be a stunning bride…so don’t stress either way!
You can work certain areas, like arms and abs, but the best route is overall cardio if you want to drop pounds. I have had good sucess with a combo of yoga, weight training, running and not eating anything yummy for months.
I did a bridal bootcamp! The Healthy Bride is a seattle based bootcamp but there is probably something similar near you. I had been working out with a trainer but didnt see real results until I did the bootcamp twice a week. I even did pushups on the dancefoor in my wedding dress to show off my new arm muscles
This may be cost-prohibitive, but working with a personal trainer is great. You can basically tell them everything you told us, and they’ll design a program. Plus, the fact that you have an appt (and will lose money by not showing for it) is a great motivator. I’m still rotten about going to the gym, but I NEVER miss a trainer appointment.
@Nstar: I learned how to rollerblade last summer so I suck but I’d totally do it if I didn’t have to do it alone. 
@Anne: I do have some videos laying around (including Carmen Electra’s Aerobic Striptease Collection) but I’m not a good self-motivator so videos haven’t worked so far.
@Wanderus: @Clarita: Bootcamp! Now THERE’s something I should look into! Anyone know of a good one in Vancouver? (that’s not at 5 am? ugh)
@Melissa: Good idea, but do you have to work out at the gym by yourself between appointments?
@mrs gb 2.0: Hi GB 2.0!!!! Yep, I tried that but I kept forgetting to do it. It’s that self-motivation thing again…
Two words: Turbo Jam!!!
Oh my gosh! DO IT! It’s fun, exciting, and there are tons of different workouts so you’ll never be bored.
It is all about keeping you interested and excited to work out and Shalene is the least annoying “instructor” I have ever worked out to. There is an ab work out, a sculpting work out, a 20 min work out, a couple longer ones … order the whole package I think it’s about $70.
http://www.beachbody.com I promise it’s worth it! Make sure you do measurements of everything (thighs, waist, arms) and you can tell the difference almost immediately!
If you’re not looking to lose weight (or inches? is your dress already fitted?), then some moderate cardio (focus on working hard and getting your heartrate high for 20-30 min. rather than going at it slow and steady for longer periods) will help you shed fat, and weight training will help you build muscle that will show up once that little layer of fat is gone!! You can even do cardio and weights on the same day if you only have 3-4 days a week you can get to the gym. That’s the minimum if you really want to see results. 90 days is plenty to see some!
I second the ladies above about meeting a trainer to set up a program. There are also online trainers out there that are a lot less expensive if you can force yourself to get to the gym– I can highly recommend mine, who has set up an online community where you get lots of different workout schedules to choose from depending on what your goals are, a place to ask questions and ask for support when you don’t feel like going to the gym, etc. It’s http://phit-n-phat.com/ (and no, I don’t work there, I just love the program!!).
get a gym membership with your soon-to-be hubby. we did it, and although he’s doing it more often and i’ve been somewhat inconsistent, it’s fun and it’s been working! I’m on a toning mission and trust me: when you think about a hot honeymoon body, that’ll get you motivated! running isnt as bad as you think, but if you hate it, i would go to a gym class. Im a la fitness member and they have GREAT classes. (spinning, abs, kickboxing)
also, the best thing to do is weight lift. not too high weight but more repetition: 3 sets of 15. squats are perfect for all over legs.. the lower you go- the more you work out your booty and dumbells are great for arms and upper body.
you can do it! 90 days is a LONG time and if you stay consistent and go at least 3 days a week… you’ll see results soon! (oh, i work 9-5 too, and i try to go for an hour after work. Sometimes it’s hard, but it’s doable.)
good luck!
Autumn is right. 90 days is plenty of time for some toning!
I, like you HATE running, and think that an hour before 8am should be abolished.
IF you have a small group of friends to keep you accountable, gym buddies or home video workout buddies can be great.
If not, check into a personal trainer. It doesnt have to be as expensive as they seem! After Christmas, I went to the one my gym had one staff, once a week for an hour… and then repeated that same workout 2 or 3 times throughout that week. (For anyone who goes this route - DEMAND that you meet with the trainer on Monday or Tues! The mental “just do it” high from a workout WEARS off and if there is a weekend between - forget it!) I did that for 6 weeks (at $30 per session) and lost 10lbs.
Also, check into a college in your area. If they have a health and leisure major - they have student personal trainers… and they rock too. I just finished up a Fit in 5 boocamp (not scary at all - actually alot of fun) that was run by a student at UWF. Lost 4 and 1/2 inches… and forgot to eat well while doing it! I actually became fast friends with the other people in the class so it was fun, friendly, and a butt kicking workout that I enjoyed going to…. at 8am! =)
Try the Shape Total Body Wedding Workout-it’s 9 easy exercises and you will see results in one week. I do this three times a week and it works fabulously!
Hate running, like structure, like working out with people? It sounds like you should try a spin class! Personally I like elliptical machines - they work your arms a little bit and for some reason I just enjoy them more than running.
Weight lifting — esp. b/c you dislike running, and given your firm-up goals. You don’t even have to join a gym, if you’re willing to buy a couple of 5-lb. and 10-lb. dumbbells . . . .
You’ll see results quickly enough — like two weeks after 3X/week — to be motivated enough to keep going, I think!
You clearly don’t need to shed much fat - I think you want to do a weight routine of some sort to get the tone and boost your metabolism as a nice side benefit. Here is what I did to get ready for my wedding:
1) Lift weights, big weights. Not girl 3-5 pound weights. As much as you can do 3 sets of 8-10 reps of. I did an intense weight lifting routine with my now husband before our wedding and honestly, I have never been happier with how I looked. I was freaked out about getting bulky, apparently it is really really hard for a girl to get bulky.
Its good to have a routine and split up your body parts into days. I did 3 days: legs/shoulders, biceps/back and triceps/chest -a total of 5-6 exercises each day. I was surprised how much I liked it and you increase weights as you can hit the sets/reps target.
A workout buddy and/or trainer is a great asset. If you do weights make sure you learn proper form and have someone design a good mix of exercises for you. Compound exercises like squats (with a big old bar of weight on your shoulders) are amazing for your body.
2) I supplemented the weights with in a bit of cardio, but much less than I used to do, and Pilates classes (on the tower) to help with that long/lean look.
I have never felt so strong, so in shape and so confident. Sadly the will power to go at night after work (usually around 8:30) is much harder when you aren’t as worried about so many people looking at you and the honeymoon to follow!!
my two favorite videos:
the firm: total body toner
boy shorts bottom, bikini belly, tank top arms workout
and then I do a third day or just random strength training exercise that comes to mind.
I do 30 minutes of cardio on strength training days and an hour on non. If you’re not trying to lose weight, I’d stick to cardio just three days a week for 30 minutes.
There’s never a need to apologize for lame wordplay! 
I love me some lame wordplay. I vote for pilates! It will help tone your core, lengthen your arm and leg muscles, and give you better posture.
DO bodypump at Golds…it ROCKS!….seriously I love it..sure it hurts like an SOB the next day but honestly…its the best thing I have done in for - EV..UR (ok ok..if you aren’t into the new NBC show Kath and Kim than whatev)… Good Luck!!!
Omigosh, I’m overwhelmed with all the amazing suggestions! Thank you so so soooo much, everyone.
@Autumn: Nope, definitely not looking to lose weight/inches… I just got fitted for the dress today! (yes, don’t worry, full recap coming soon to a screen near you)
@Nada: I like the idea of a gym that has a lot of different classes. That might work!
@Starry-Eyed Barefoot Bride: Thanks for the support, I think I’ll just might look into personal trainers, at least to get started.
@Miss Hot Cocoa: Ooh, I’d forgotten about Pilates. Hmm, there’s a place nearby, I should check it out. My posture is terrrrrible.
Just in the past 2 years have I finally figured it all out. I’ve worked out consistently since I was 18, but never have I been in the shape I am now and I am 35! The key is a combo of diet and exercise, but not anything that will make you burn out. I am a TOTAL foodie. I live, eat, breathe, food. I do not have any desire to give up food. But when I need to get lean and ripped, I know what I have to do. #1 key is to cut out the “white stuff”. I no longer eat refined carbs. No white rice, no bread, no potatoes. I eat tons of fruits, veggies, and lean protein. I work out 5 days a week. Day 1- run on treadmill for 12 min (I hate running too), then go to a 45 min spin class. Day 2- 30 minutes of weights- shoulders and triceps. 30 minutes on the elliptical or arc trainer. Day 3- 30 min of weights- back and biceps. 30 min of cardio, elliptical or arc trainer. Day 4- 45 minutes of cardio- same as above or combo of the two. Day 5- 30 minutes of weights- legs followed again by 30 minutes of cardio.
I drink alcohol probably on average 2 days a week. I eat chocolate every day. Just a bit, but I have to have some.
I really, truly, think the key is to cut out the white stuff and eat lots of protein. Don’t be afraid to lift heavier weights. You are not going to get bulky. It’s very hard for women to bulk up by lifting weights. I lift as heavy as I can stand.
I promise, this will work! My fiance is amazed by how many women come up to me and ask what I do to tone my arms. You can do it and still enjoy food, I promise!
what a GREAT post! i 1) love food, 2) hate waking up early 3) have a LONG hour high stress job 4) and also hate to run =)
i used to work out at the gym, but then i couldn’t afford to anymore. i don’t want to lose any weight or inches either. but i do wan to tone up….
i’m gonna try some of these too.. unfortunately i have girly 5 lb weights.. do you think i can use them anyway? maybe do more sets and reps??? hmm now i’m freaking out.. hehehe
@kb: Pffft! You’re way up on me. The weight balls I bought for home are 3 pounds and I can barely do 2 reps of 15 (that was for the first three days after I got them… since then they’ve been gathering dust). My coworker brought 4 pound barbells into the office for me and I can mayyybe (on a good day) pump them like, 6 times before dying. I am such a wimp.
Miss Sea Breeze,
You seriously don’t need to lose any more weight or get buff or whatever you want to call it. You look wonderful just how you are!
JD
In response to anyone who says they are a “non-runner”, I challenge you to try this workout schedule: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-380-381–9397-2-1X5-3,00.html
I found this website when I was looking for a new way to exercise. I am also completely a “non-runner” or at least I was for the first 26 years of my life. Running the mile in gym class was seriously the worst experience of the entire school year. This program starts you off running for 1 minute, walking for 2, and repeating that 10 times until you reach half an hour. You build up your running time little by little over the next 8 weeks (or however long you choose to spread it out) until you are running for 30 minutes.
I know exactly what you are thinking right now: “I cannot run 30 minutes, I don’t care what this Jen girl says.” um…yeah me too when I started. Right now I am at the point in the training where I am running for 24 minutes straight, walking for 1, running for 4, walking for 1, and I am running multiple miles at a time.
What I also like about this program is that it doesn’t tell you how fast you need to be going. You can decide that. For me, running a full mile without stopping takes about 12 minutes, and for my skinny little runner friend who likes to go run with me, it takes about 6 minutes. But the beauty of this program is that it’s not about how fast you are going, it’s about getting your endurance high enough for jogging/running where you can keep it up for 30 minutes.
I made some alterations to the program, such as I am more comforatble doing each workout twice before moving on, so I am really taking more like 16 weeks to finish, but that’s just me.
My ultimate goal is that when I do reach running for a full 30 minutes, that I go even further and build up my running time to 60 minutes. I may only run 4-5 miles in that whole 60 minutes, but the cardio workout and breathing control is amazing.
My advice: if you have the opportunity, run outside. It keeps your surroundings changing and keeps you out of a rut.
Also, may I recommend a quick read that really entertained me and inspired me. It’s called “Secrets of a Former Fat Girl”. If you get a chance, read it. The author is not some fitness guru who never had a weight problem and feels that they can spout of advice to people who struggle with metabolism, portion control, and motivation. She tells an honest and candid story of her weight loss journey with hilarious examples and inspiring stories.
Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred- one DVD with three 20 minutes workouts combining Strength, Cardio and Abs. Lots of girls on the ‘getting in shape’ Knot board recommend. It’s HARD for only 20 minutes.
@James Day: Aw JD, too sweet. But this photo shoot, *I* wanna be the one to pick Mr Breezy up and spin him around…
@danathebride: Good suggestion! Come to think of it, I have a friend who loves that. Hmmm..
@Jen: Wow, you’re inspiring! I was definitely also that girl in school who brought up the rear in our cross-country runs in gym class. Maybe it’s time to face the demons head-on?
I second a vigorous, intense yoga class. It meets all your requirements.
Ashtanga 3x a week toned my whole body.
Eventually you learn the sequence and can practice solo.
It’s not the relaxed stretching that most people think of when they hear yoga. It’s a sweaty, muscles trembling, need-more-oxygen kind of yoga. Your body and your mind are fully engaged.
Try it! it’s powerful stuff. I’m hooked for life.
Pilates! Pilates! Pilates! I was hardcore one boring Febuary and did yoga & mat Pilates for 30 straight days in a row. Sometimes I would walk or do the precore on weekends in combo.
I’m not going to lie, I was ripped after. My Pilates did use weights though.
In the same boat…I’m like around the 80 day mark.
Oh yeah, i also swear by Bikram Yoga too.
I feel you, Sea Breeze. My wedding date is Nov 08, too. I had a few sessions with a personal trainer at my gym, and he set up a program for me. I told him my #1 priority: look good in the dress! I’ve been doing a combination of cardio and strength training and it seems to be working well.
My trainer also told me something interesting about diet–he said that right before the wedding, like a week or so before, to cut out carbs and up protein in order to maximize buffness (and all of that hard work that went into strength training!) on the wedding day. Has anyone heard of this working?
Hi Seabreeze:
I’m in Vancouver too and I have personally tried both of these programs so I can guarantee that they work:
1) Body for Life. You can get the book at any bookstore. There is a workout component and an eating component. Really simple and amazing results in 12 weeks.
2) There are a few decent Bootcamps in Vancouver area and one of them is Cardio Core Bootcamp. They run in the morning and in the evening and you can buy a monthly pass for 3 days a week or a pass for 5 days a week. I think it’s about $250.00 / month but this will get you going with a group of people who are all wanting the same thing. It’s all outdoors as well at this time of year and if you’re downtown the Coal Harbour area is so inspiring for a workout!
Good luck!
WEIGHT WATCHERS WORKS
I LOST 20 lbs in 4 months
IT WAS PAINLESS
And I KEPT IT OFF FOR 4 months now - wedding’s in 3 weeks!
GOOD LUCK!
May the force be with you Miss SB!
I am the corporate wellness coordinator for the hospital in which I work. My office is literally about 15 feet away from the entrance to our KICK BUTT gym…which I haven’t walked into since…forever??
Been WAY too busy between work and the wedding countdown. I have been eating healthy, and walking briskly (from meeting to meeting or to the parking garage-HA) for a few months now and have lost 20 pounds.
I say at least park farther and take the stairs as often as possible. At least it’s something!
BTW: I’m getting married the same weekend as you so I feel your 90 day pain, only I haven’t had a bikini body since…5th grade?? Hehe
i have 48 days until my wedding. my moh makes me tell her everything i eat via text message or email and what i do for exercise. being accountable to someone will make you eat better and get the exercise you need. honestly, it doesn’t matter what you do, weightloss/body beautification comes down to only 2 things:
1. eat less
2. move more
it truly is that simple.
@melanie: Hello fellow Vancouverite - this is awesome, thanks. I will definitely check out this boot camp. Might be a good way to get my booty on the fitness train.
@Just Saying: Wow, congrats. Happy to hear this worked for you. I’m really not trying to lose weight, though.
@Shasha: Gyms scare me so I don’t blame you!
@amanda j.: WOW, your MOH should get an award. That’s amazing!
One word: Pilates. I’m the laziest and most anti-cardio person EVER and even I like pilates. Unlike you, I didn’t feel the heart-flutter until about two months out, so I had even less time to get toned, but Pilates gently kicked my butt into wedding-worthiness! (and call me crazy, but I felt like I saw results after just one or two classes!)
Spin class, running and swimming definitely work if you’re not into lifting weights. Swimming tones you so quickly, and you don’t even realize it! I’m going to get started again to get rid of my bat-wing arms!
Good luck!
Two words: Hot Yoga!!! [or Bikram Yoga :)]
It’s ridiculous how many calories you burn doing Bikram! Check out how many! http://www.bikram-yoga-noosa-australia.com/weight-loss-and-yoga.htm [this means I lose 850 calories per session!!]
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Mrs. Sea Breeze, Vancouver/Dominican Republic
Age in 2008 and Occupation: 30, Communications Manager
Fiance's Age in 2008 and Occupation: 29, Experiential Marketing Director
Engagement Date: October 6, 2007
Wedding Date: November, 2008
Blogging Since: July 17, 2008
Venue: Majestic Colonial Resort, Punta Cana
About Me: Planning a destination wedding by the sea should be (oh no she di-in't…) a breeze (…*sigh* yep, she did) but when you've never been to the Caribbean, your powers of imagination are really put to the test. Luckily, I'm 90% resourceful, creative optimist (and kooky, neurotic practicalist-if-that's-a-word for the other ten). Other than writing about our week-long celebration of family, friends, laughter and love, I adore books, shoes and… you guessed it… long walks on the beach.
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