Weddingbee Blog

In a previous post, I talked about my efforts to become a healthy, happy, and confident bride (and person) before I walk down the aisle in January. Now I want to talk more specifically about what had helped me lose those 90 pounds and what has been working again this time around. There’s nothing particularly special or unique about me physiologically; if I can do this, so can anyone. So can you.

As everyone knows, there are two major components to weight loss: diet and exercise. You’ve probably heard the saying that weight loss is 90% diet and 10% exercise, right? Well, for me, starting a consistent exercise routine was absolutely, without a doubt, the most important part. Like many women, I am a stress-eater. I tend to eat when I am worried, when I am anxious, when I am nervous. I quickly discovered, though, that a good workout does an even better job of taking away my stress. I could work through my frustrations at my job over a spin class, not with a dozen chocolate chip cookies. I could clear my mind after a disagreement with a friend by running it out on the treadmill, not by smothering it with mac and cheese. With each substitution, I felt better—and grew lighter.

Going to the gym also made me feel like a badass in a Nike ad. That’s right: I just did push-ups! And some free weights! Now I am going to do a couple of miles on the treadmill—faster than I did last week! Faster than you! Regardless of how fast I was actually running or how much weight I was actually lifting or how many push-ups I was actually doing, I felt powerful and strong. The last thing that I wanted to do was feel weighed down by greasy or calorically dense food.

My favorite Nike ad and source of fitness inspiration / Image via Nike Blog

I know that joining a gym, let alone actually working out in one, can be intimidating. So here are some things that I learned along the way:

1. No one is watching you or judging you. No one cares if you are red-faced or sweaty (unless you don’t wipe down the machine afterward). If someone takes the time to do so, he/she isn’t getting as good of a workout as you are anyway.
2. Everyone has to start somewhere. The key is to get moving, however slowly. I started running by using a modified version of the Couch to 5K program. (In fact, I modified it to be easier.) Sometimes you have to walk on the treadmill before you can run on it.
3. Group classes provide an excellent workout—and an excellent opportunity to meet others who can hold you accountable to showing up each week. Thank you ladies of 9:00 AM Step!
4. Cardio is not the only workout. Add in resistance training and weights if you really want to see the numbers on the scale drop. (I’d recommend picking up a copy of New Rules of Lifting for Women if you need some tips.) Plus, you’ll be able to put on your own gun show.



I am not quite so ripped anymore, sadly. My mirrors are cleaner.

5. The little things matter. Yes, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Sure, park a little bit farther away from the mall. Why not, sit on an exercise ball at your desk. Those things all add up over time.
6. The little things don’t matter as much, though, as the big things. If you want to see serious change over time, you have to put in serious time at the gym (or wherever/however you exercise). I found that I was seeing the most results when I was able to put in four to five hours at the gym per week. I’m seeing these results again. I am comfortably back in my 29″ jeans, and they are even getting a bit baggy.

What items would you add to this list? What have you learned along your own pre-wedding fitness journey?