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It takes a lot for this self-proclaimed Cardio Queen to back away from the elliptical and scoot on over to the weights side of the gym. In fact, it has taken me almost 3 years of working out with Mr. S to finally make the leap. But a bride-to-be has to do what a bride-to-be has to do.
Source: Daily Mail Online
No, don’t worry, that’s not my inspirational picture that’s helping me through the workouts. As if. While I’d definitely prefer not to have chicken wings on the day-of, I have no need to see the veins popping out of my biceps as I walk down the aisle.
Anyway, back to cheating on my elliptical machine. I’ve grown to have a strong affection for certain ellipticals at the gym, and I don’t like giving up my 65 minute workout for anything else. That 65 minutes is full of me pushing myself to not give up on myself, woring through the fatigue and frustration until I hit the last 20 minutes, and sailing through the last bit. Unfortunately, though, when you’ve been sticking with the same workout for a couple of years, your body adapts. Cruel, isn’t it?
Last weekend I finally gave in - the Cardio Queen left her “throne” and went on over to the dark side. And you know what? It actually wasn’t that bad. It was, well, kind of fun. I’ve never known what half of those contraptions do, and it was interesting to learn. And, more importantly, it was great to learn from Mr. S. Normally when we walk into the gym, we go our separate ways, get into our individual workouts and meet up after an hour. We have it down to a science, really. I’m sure I cramp his style a little bit as he teaches me what to do and we figure out how much (or, err, how little!) weight I can handle, but it’s fun. We get to spend that precious time together.
I’ve only lifted twice so far, and will probably be reserving my lifting times for Friday nights or early weekend mornings when the gym is a little quieter and the weights section is far less intimidating. And I’m not about to give up a lot of my regular cardio time! But I know that without mixing in different workouts and pushing my body in different ways, I’ll never look fan-freaking-tastic on my wedding day! And besides, what’s better than quality time with my man and sculpting my guns?
Do you work out as a couple?
Haha. Funny you posted this. My fiance is a professional football player and a health promotions major! Put that with my motto of “my farm work will keep me fit, i dont need a gym”….and it’s interesting! I just joined a gym for the first time 4 months ago…and the first time he went with me was soooo intimidating. While he’s lifting his 100 and some pound dumbbells, i’m working with my 15! But really tho, it was cool to finally see what it is that he does hours a day and how serious he takes it. And how much he laughed at me for doing everything wrong!
We go to the pool together and swim laps 
Have you tried circuits yet? You might really like it b/c of the cardio + weights
Those veins are crazy! Madonna’s arms also frighten me.
Make sure to work on your back and shoulders too, as it will help your arms look more defined. I have been trying to get Mr. Taffy to work out with me, but it has only happened twice so far.
Man I WISH we did, but Mr. Bruschetta’s finishing up his gym membership before starting one at mine. And, when he does, he’s going to get me started on (dun dun DUN) the GUY weight side of the gym. Yikes, I’m scared and intimidated, but excited to see how this workout impacts my body!
I am not a fan of cardio (okay, well running), but have always loved using weights and weight machines to tone muscles. As a former gymnast, you find it’s important to create a balance of cardio and weight/resistance training for an overall effective result.
Whew, I’m so glad that that isn’t your inspiration pic! I was going to tell you EW! There is a point where you just look too cut. The trainers in my body pump class definitely need to stop.
FH and I joined our gym together and I signed up for a trainer… almost a year later he doesn’t go b/c he moved farther away from the gym and his hours at work changed, but I still go at least twice a week
I’ve seen a big difference in my upper body since I started with the weight. My arms are skinner and more toned. I Miss Taffy, be sure to work your back and shoulders too
I think after we get married and he moves here my FI and I are going to join a rock climbing gym near us. That will be some fun boding + exercise. You go girl getting in to the weights!!! It can become a ton of fun!!
We run together, but lift separately (and I do a lot more stretching). Anyhoo, I’d love to have Linda Hamilton/gorilla arms, but there’s just too much subcutaneous fat in my genes. 
Good luck with your workouts!
You should try Jackie Warners (from the Bravo tv series Workout) home dvd. Its great and it is broken up into sections of upper body, lower body and core. I usually do core and upper body one day and then run the next day then core and lower body. I just keep switching it up but always doing core. It shows you how to ‘cheat’ if you only have a few months. Her trick is to really develop the ‘v-taper’ which really makes your arms look thinner and more fit even though they may not be (yet!) Good luck!
Actually I’m a huge weights lover. I love walking in there and I think because it gives me such an immediate response–I feel the slight soreness and the lactic acid building up in my muscles. Whereas on the treamill/elliptical/track, all I feel is like a sweaty hamster on a wheel. A very souped up wheel, but a wheel nonetheless. It makes me nuts to look at the time so I try to avoid it. Don’t get me wrong I love running, but only if I’m suitably entertained!!
We go to the gym together sometimes, but work out separately. I do cardio and lift weights everytime I go to the gym. Combining different activities is the best way to get into shape and really tone up!
i tried to work out with my man, he taught me a routine. but then, when i went to the gym by myself, i got intimidated cuz of all the buff guys lifting, and there i was with 10 lb dumbells. i stopped going shortly after that. i would like to work out with the boy more often, maybe after we get married since we don’t live in the same place right now.
Good for you for switching things up. And dang — 65 minutes on the elliptical? That’s hardcore.
My guy and I are opposites when it comes to the gym. He does the weights, tae kwon doe and brazilian martial arts whereas im more eliptical/treadmill kinda gal. I need to start the weights but a lil nervous…
Good for you! And DON’T use Tara Palmer-Plompkinson, or whatever her name is, as an inspiration - ugh! That girl freaks me out.
We don’t work out as a couple - I go alone and I love doing dumbells. It makes me feel good and makes my arms feel like they’re BUFF (which um… they aren’t, but that’s beside the point!.)
I go to a Women’s Only gym, so even if West Coast Groom wanted to come, he’s not allowed in! My work out time is ME time. I use it to process the day, work through any bad decisions (food or otherwise!), pump up my self-esteem, meditate and de-stress. I’m just not a work-out buddy kind of person, unless it’s a a workout class. Thankfully, West Coast Groom likes to work out at home, by himself, to unwind after work before I get home.
I also totally agree wtih Miss D’Orsay’s suggestion that you try circuits. It combines weights/cardio together, will give you sleek tone quickly, and is waaaaay more efficient of a work out than doing your cardio and weights separately (though I usually do at least 15 minutes of hard cardio of my own outside a circuit session).
Has anyone tried CrossFit? It is the workout of all workouts, combining weights AND cardio in a one-hour long session. Its not just focused on getting you leaner, but even more importantly, stronger (without the Madonna-like-vein-popping arms)! There’s gyms dedicated to the CrossFit model all over the country. I live in Albany NY so I go to Albany CrossFit but check out http://www.crossfit.com for a gym/trainer near you! I have not been paid to post this, I’m just completely manic about it since I’ve started last month to get in killer shape for my wedding in Oct.!
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Mrs. Stiletto, Chicago Age and Occupation: 26, Non-Profit/Fundraising Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Engineer and Photographer Engagement Date: March 2, 2008 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: The 19th Century Club About Me: My fiance and I love living in the city of Chicago with our cats Basil and Linus, and vow to never move to the suburbs if we can possibly avoid it! We’ve poured ourselves into planning a wedding that reflects our personal style - modern and high contrast with a vintage twist. Blogging keeps me creative, baking keeps me happy, and grande nonfat no foam sugar free vanilla lattes keep me sane.
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