In the craziness of wedding planning, getting in shape before you walk down the aisle may seem like another to-do item to stress over. Luckily, you don't have to stop by the gym to get fit. Here are 6 ways you can workout without hitting the gym, according to guest writer Kacey Bradley...
1. Do an at-home workout
At-home workouts are about as convenient as you can get. From the comfort of your own living room, you can shed pounds. You don't even need to buy the latest fitness DVD to do it - these days YouTube is full of free exercise videos, or you can download an app to personalise workouts for you.Â
You can roll out of bed and hit off your day with Pilates or yoga to add some calmness to the wedding planning chaos. If you know the spots you'd like to tone, create your own series of exercises that targets your legs, arms or belly.
2. Hire a trainer
Getting to the gym requires motivation to drive there and push through a workout. But what if you had someone to help keep you on task? Hiring a professional trainer can pump you up and deliver effective results.
A trainer can work with your schedule to find the best time to meet. They can also challenge you to set new records and exceed your own expectations. Plus, it's nice to have someone cheering you on. Search our Wedding Fitness and Weight Loss section to find a personal trainer near you.
3. Take a fitness class
If exercising with a group is how you get inspired, join a fitness class. Your local leisure centre probably offers group classes, like Zumba or barre, where you can feed off the energy of others and copy the instructor's moves. You may even pick up some health benefits from working out alongside others, especially those with healthy habits.
Bridal boot camp is one group class that is designed to help brides-to-be get in shape for their wedding. Your area may have a few of these fitness classes that give you the chance to bond with other ladies on their way to the altar.
4. Team up
Local sports team can be a way to let off a little steam and do some cardio before the wedding. Join an informal team of your favourite sport for a fun way to burn some calories. If you played netball, football or rounders through school, pick it up again as a way to exercise.
Whether you're a fan of ultimate Frisbee or you'd like to try out basketball, you'll hardly notice you're working out while playing a sport. Team sports help you get fit with a little healthy competition, and may even make you some new friends too.Â
5. Head outdoors
Outdoor fitness is a versatile alternative to the gym. From a stroll in the park to wild swimming or hiking up mountains, there are many options to get in shape outside. You can exercise while enjoying fresh air, and as well as helping you get in shape for your wedding, spending time in nature even increases your emotional and mental health.
Many parks and playgrounds have outdoor exercise equipment now, which is a free way to take your workout to the next level. Use your own weight as resistance on these supports.
6. Dive in
Swimming reduces the impact that many other exercises have on your body but still builds muscle and gets your heart pumping. Jump in at your local pool and swim a few laps each week to lose weight or target problem areas.
For those who avoid sweating at all costs, jumping in the pool saves you from feeling gross but still gives you a full-body workout. If you like the water but swimming laps is not for you, you can replace that with water aerobics and fat-burning pool workouts.
Overall, don't let a dislike of the gym hold you back from looking and feeling your best for your wedding day. Get creative with your fitness plan so you can achieve your goals while enjoying yourself.