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One of (many) difficulties in planning such a long engagement (18 months when all is said and done) is committing to getting in shape for the wedding. Now I didn’t just want to lose weight because I want to look amazing in my wedding dress (although that is also a motivating factor)—I wanted to drop a few pounds because I met Mr. Spaniel in the best shape of my life (unemployment will do that to you), and gained ten pounds since I’ve been with him. Harrumph. I don’t like feeling like a sausage in my favorite clothes.
I purchased Buff Brides a long time ago (years before I met Mr. Spaniel) for a friend who broke her engagement. When she gave me back the book, I kept it instead of returning it (is that bad luck?). I have restarted Week 1 of the 24-week program about twenty-five time since then—I’ve never gotten past Week 11, because that’s when it changes from a 3-day per week workout to a 4-day per week workout, and I don’t adjust well to changes in my routine! Not only that, but the stronger I got, the more reps I needed to do to get my workout in, and it started to be too time-consuming.
But the results I’ve had from the workout have been so incredible in the past that I decided to start the program again—the short program, that is, starting 12 weeks from the Big Day. Until recently, I had definitely fallen for the myth that heavy weights make women “big”, but I’ve been weight training for a few months with weights 2-3 times what I used to use when I do the Buff Brides workout, and I haven’t popped out of my clothing yet. Because really: when you are fully capable of benching at least half your body weight, why should you be doing 50 reps of chest presses with 8-pound dumbbells?? That’s just a waste of time.
My current workout plan:
Mondays
Wednesday or Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Seem intense enough? I only lost three pounds this way—probably because I am not doing enough cardio (I skip it whenever I feel short on time), possibly because of my penchant for 2 for $0.99 tacos at Jack in the Box. But I am headed in the right direction, and my clothes were starting to fit a little better. (I also feel much stronger, and that’s a really awesome feeling!)
Have you started a fitness regimen since getting engaged? What seems to be working for you?
Even before getting engaged I worked out…I am a yoga-holic…and hot yoga at that…plus walking my dog at least 30 mins. twice a day. I am hoping to rev it up a little bit (not to lose weight) but just to tone up even more. I really hate the treadmill/gym/weights thing, so this works for me
I’ve started to do 30 minutes of pilates moves about 2-3 times a week while watching TV. I’ve never been this sore from going to the gym.
On & off. I’ve been doing the 30 day shred for the last almost month. I hate change in my routine too so I hate going to the gym more when I have tons of other things to do.
BTW: Yay (kinda) for 18 month engagements!
I understand your pain! I have an 18 month engagement as well and I am really starting to try to figure out why I have wasted the first half of it doing the opposite of losing weight. I’m just now starting to get my act together, hopefully not too late for dress shopping! I think I may get that Buff Brides book, it seems like a good one. I have NO CLUE how to create an exercise program!
So happy to see someone debunk the “heavy weights = bulk” myth. Woman can’t bulk up…we don’t have enough testosterone!
I’m pretty into working out and have recently started the New Rules of Lifting for Women program. It focuses on high weight/low reps and it debunks all the myths about women lifting “Barbie weights.” Highly, HIGHLY recommended!
I had a trainer for about eight months last year which helped me lose 15 pounds I’ve kept off since June. But I’m feeling flabby and finally started getting to the gym on the way to work this week. I always feel intimidated by weights which is why I really needed the trainer to help me over that hurdle. Without someone pushing me, I’ll just ride the elliptical for thirty minutes and take off.
I’m going to be starting Buff Brides in the new year. Cliche, I know, but the plan in BB worked best that way. GL!
Sounds like a great routine! You’re probably not losing that much weight because you’re building muscle. Don’t worry about those numbers, girl, as long as you look and feel good!
@Ms. Min Pin: I was also a workout-aholic before getting engaged… but only in fits and starts! I’d get really intensely into it for awhile, then get worn down and take too-long breaks. I’m trying to stop yo-yoing all the time.
@Miss Sapphire: I *totally* need to start doing pilates. I hear great things about it!
@BrianneG: I was intimidated by weights at the gym at first, too… so I bought a set and use them at home! I only go to the gym for cardio, and even that is usually only when the weather is bad or I can’t get out until after dark.
@Mrs. Mouse: Thanks for the reminder! Most of the time I know this, but sometimes it’s discouraging.
That sounds like a great workout plan. By the time we get married in July, we’ll have been engaged for over 2 years. We have 8 months left, and I’ve already stopped and started several routines. C’est la vie.
Go you!
Even though I am a holistic health counselor and I work with brides, I plan on getting my own HC and personal trainer during my own process!!
Sigh. I need to get a move one BEFORE I get engaged. I’ve gained 15 pounds in the last couple of months and I really don’t want to have to get my ring sized once I lose all the weight again!
I’m on board with the weight train(ing)! I hired a trainer (and I think I’m saving money on therapy since I vent all my frustrations at the gym now!). And, (sheepish admission here) I ended up joining Weight Watchers - something that I always thought was for “old” people - turns out I was wrong. I’ve started cooking more using their recipes and it’s really made a difference when combined with the weights and cardio. I think tracking all the food I eat and all the activity I do has really helped me look and feel better. Now I only have to keep it up until July!!!!
@Stesse: Don’t be embarrassed! Mr. Spaniel and I also joined recently… it’s the first time in my life I’ve paid attention to my intake, and it WORKS!
You are amazing! Thanks for posting this, I need to get off my butt and start working out. I just never know what to do at the gym with all those machines. Treadmill, I get. Everything else is a mystery.
You know, I really like your plan & think I may give it a try!
Yay for Buff Brides! I really do think it’s the one thing that has yielded the best results!!
I want that book! Mr. HD is a personal trainer, but I’ve learned from experience that having a loved one train you can be one of the most stressful and tenuous experiences!! LOL He’s trying to push me and encourage me and I’m just thinking “What a jerk! Be nice to me!” LOL
I think this book would be great for me!
I think I’m going to jump on the bandwagon and get this book too.
I’ve been doing the couch to 5K plan for a month or so but I can’t get past week 4 (I’m not much of a runner) BUT even so, I’m starting to feel some tightening up!
I just bought buff brides too! Did my first workout on Tuesday and my legs are still sore…I need to get heavier weights, I only have 3 lb dumbells and I feel like a wimp using them! I hope it works for me, I am okay at doing cardio (but not enough) but I just recently started with the weights. It really helps me to have a program to follow.
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Mrs. Spaniel, Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 28, Law Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Psychologist Wedding Date: March 2010 Venue: Calamigos Ranch About Me: I'm a third-year law student trying to balance graduating with starting my career, keeping up a relationship, and, oh yeah, planning an Old World, multi-cultural, "mountain lodge" wedding for 180 guests! A South Asian Jewish girl getting ready to marry my handsome Catholic Dane, I'm hoping to blend our cultures in our wedding just a bit more gently than by providing samosas as appetizers and offering æbleskiver for dessert. (Although that would also be awesome.)
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