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Getting in shape for the big day!!

ChampagnePop

Thought it might be nice to have a thread for all the Brides and Grooms (and wedding party members) who are trying to stay motivated and get in shape for the big day!!

Step 1 for me is Yoga, not a massive calorie burner but I'm really enjoying it and it will be great to have alongside more intense workout days when I kick it up a notch.

Diet is step two, I've just got braces so I have to change all my eating habits anyway!!

How's everyone else doing?

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LynnGrace

I would like to jump in here too. Wedding day long over, and no upcoming weddings at the moment. Plenty of family occasions in the offing though.

I have a stone I want to say goodbye to. I have overhauled my diet of late, and eat well most of the time. Walking is my main exercise. I got the Fitbit recently and love it.

Onwards and downwards all of us!

premiergal

Also jumping in wedding day is next summer and I really want to shift a stone. Started running but need to get back in the gym. I'm trying to get the groom on board so that will help with the food side hopefully!

willow tree

i so need this thread. so many of you are doing great! i may have left it too late to make any real difference.. getting married in the middle of september. i genuinely just want to change my health habits anyway but it would be lovely to look a bit more toned for the wedding pictures. My diet is good with regard to meals but i need to cut out the snacking. i need to find time to exercise, also it has to be exercise i like or i won't keep it up.. i walk once a week and yoga once a week but i so need to up my game, i find it so hard with the baby, although i could bring her and walk with the buggy more?
well done everyone

Keane2baMused

willow tree wrote: »

i so need this thread. so many of you are doing great! i may have left it too late to make any real difference.. getting married in the middle of september. i genuinely just want to change my health habits anyway but it would be lovely to look a bit more toned for the wedding pictures. My diet is good with regard to meals but i need to cut out the snacking. i need to find time to exercise, also it has to be exercise i like or i won't keep it up.. i walk once a week and yoga once a week but i so need to up my game, i find it so hard with the baby, although i could bring her and walk with the buggy more?
well done everyone

It definitely is hard with a baby!

Getting the time to do anything other than walking is pretty tough. Also I find I snack way more being at home with her!

It's her first birthday party today and we have a gorgeous cake which I will have to try lol ;(

willow tree

Keane2baMused wrote: »

It definitely is hard with a baby!

Getting the time to do anything other than walking is pretty tough. Also I find I snack way more being at home with her!

It's her first birthday party today and we have a gorgeous cake which I will have to try lol ;(

That's so true.. a friend of mine went back to work recently and lost weight and she realised it was because she wasn't snacking. I need to get focused and once its a habit, part of my day, i'll do it without thinking. oh don't feel bad about trying the cake, that's part of your job ;-) enjoy!

psycho-hope

went for a lovely walk today with a friend of mine we walked up to the hell fire club was a lovely day for it tho my god its steep in places:pac:

_ariadne

This thread is a bit late for me as my wedding is this summer but I just wanted to share what has worked for me as I have lost weight over the past few months.

I have been a little overweight (BMI 26) for years and getting engaged was the push I needed to get serious and lose the extra 2-3 stone (BMI is now 21). I did it all through diet, no exercise really at all. I didn't spend any extra money either (if anything I saved it). I just downloaded the myfitnesspal app (free), logged everything I ate and kept to a daily calorie deficit. I didn't eat anything weird, generally ate the same as before, just less.

It was honestly much simpler and easier than I thought it would be. Sure there were hard days and I screwed up a few times but I kept logging and kept losing weight and am so so happy with my current weight and feel in total control of my diet and confident in my ability to maintain this weight.

I hope everyone else on this thread has success too

cactusgal

_ariadne wrote: »

This thread is a bit late for me as my wedding is this summer but I just wanted to share what has worked for me as I have lost weight over the past few months.

I have been a little overweight (BMI 26) for years and getting engaged was the push I needed to get serious and lose the extra 2-3 stone (BMI is now 21). I did it all through diet, no exercise really at all. I didn't spend any extra money either (if anything I saved it). I just downloaded the myfitnesspal app (free), logged everything I ate and kept to a daily calorie deficit. I didn't eat anything weird, generally ate the same as before, just less.

It was honestly much simpler and easier than I thought it would be. Sure there were hard days and I screwed up a few times but I kept logging and kept losing weight and am so so happy with my current weight and feel in total control of my diet and confident in my ability to maintain this weight.

I hope everyone else on this thread has success too

Good for you! That's a great achievement. How long did it take you to lose the weight?

Redchairs

I'm in too! Joined a gym and was going regularly until I went on holiday (2 months ago!) and also joined a boot camp but have only gone to half the classes. I'm always full of good intentions but I dunno, it's so hard to keep it up! Haven't even gone near my eating habits which are ****e. I think I need to sit down and write myself a goal list or schedule or something.

AoifeCork

You're all amazing, I don't know do I feel inspired or lazier than ever. I sing for around 70 wedding ceremonies a year and in the past month 2 lovely couples sent me footage of me singing which featured on their video and also some photos of me performing. I look horrendous. I've definitely crossed the 12.5 stone threshold again after being just over 11 a few a years ago. Feel so so desperate. My problem is-when I'm exercising routinely and eating really well, I tend to shift nothing, give up hope after 2-3 weeks, stop being strict and end up losing a few pounds by not even trying. Then I get into form again and tend to put on weight when I start back running and doing weights, crunches etc. I know it's not all about what the scales says but if I see the damn thing move one more time in the wrong direction I'm going to go mad.
anybody with any advice? I'm not going to ruin anybody's photo album or video ever again.

Keane2baMused

AoifeCork wrote: »

You're all amazing, I don't know do I feel inspired or lazier than ever. I sing for around 70 wedding ceremonies a year and in the past month 2 lovely couples sent me footage of me singing which featured on their video and also some photos of me performing. I look horrendous. I've definitely crossed the 12.5 stone threshold again after being just over 11 a few a years ago. Feel so so desperate. My problem is-when I'm exercising routinely and eating really well, I tend to shift nothing, give up hope after 2-3 weeks, stop being strict and end up losing a few pounds by not even trying. Then I get into form again and tend to put on weight when I start back running and doing weights, crunches etc. I know it's not all about what the scales says but if I see the damn thing move one more time in the wrong direction I'm going to go mad.
anybody with any advice? I'm not going to ruin anybody's photo album or video ever again.

Have you used my fitnesspal? It's absolutely brilliant for tracking every mouthful you eat.

Also do you drink much water? Not being hydrated can stall weight loss.

It sounds crazy but you also have to make sure you are eating enough food. When changing your diet if your calorie intake drops too low it can stall weight loss because your body tries to hold onto fat reserves. Nobody should ever eat less than 1200 calories per day, and at that 1200 is the minimum to just keep your body going. Myfitnesspal can calculate what your ideal calorie intake is based on your weight/height, how much weight you wish to lose and how much exercise you do.

ChewChew

I definitely needed this thread. I've less than 10 months to go! I've an under active thyroid and pcos so I'm a struggling mess tbh. I used to do the C25K but my energy levels are cruel so I stopped. Would love to start up again! Since January I've lost one stone and would love another two. I've done slimming world before but find all the carbs too convenient and stodgy so trying to take a different spin on things! It's so hard though! Thankfully were back from holidays so that'll be that for this year but I have a busy summer and need to seriously think about exercise too!

Gatica

I took up the gym a year before our wedding and I've kept up my membership last few years since. I think the key is healthy eating topped up by a regular exercise routine.

I think without routine it's very hard to stay motivated. I've read articles that say studies show that our willpower is limited and the reserve is reduced by willpower decision making. By having a routine that you don't need to think about, you just do it, you reduce the need to decide to exercise, you just do. If it becomes second nature, it's much easier to control your lifestyle with respect to it. I go to my regular classes 3-4 times a week. It takes something important for me to miss it.

I also find it easier when attending classes I enjoy. Our gym offers a range of stuff, kettlebells, HIIT, spinning, step and aqua aerobics, circuit, boxing/MMA conditioning, abs/core blast... You're not gonna keep up the classes if they're a drag or you don't feel like you're part of the group. I've tried them all, I picked ones that suited timewise and that I enjoyed and keep that up for the college year. In summer they often have bootcamp. I've done MMA conditioning for 2 years, and did step for 3 (not this last year as they've changed times and instructors). I started doing spinning this last year and joined yoga at work last 2 years. A lot has been down to having the same instructors and girls in the class that I got on with so it's good banter and looked forward to going every time!

Personally I prefer to exercise more than eat less as I love my food, although on average I eat quite healthy I do love tasty food and big portions of it... so it can be tough. I also sit beside our sweets drop off area at work, so it's impossible to avoid when people come back from holidays with the toblerones, toffiffees and lindor boxes...

At the moment I'm in my second trimester, and still have food aversions so it's made it easier to stay off the chocolates and coffee!

Redchairs

AoifeCork wrote: »

You're all amazing, I don't know do I feel inspired or lazier than ever. I sing for around 70 wedding ceremonies a year and in the past month 2 lovely couples sent me footage of me singing which featured on their video and also some photos of me performing. I look horrendous. I've definitely crossed the 12.5 stone threshold again after being just over 11 a few a years ago. Feel so so desperate. My problem is-when I'm exercising routinely and eating really well, I tend to shift nothing, give up hope after 2-3 weeks, stop being strict and end up losing a few pounds by not even trying. Then I get into form again and tend to put on weight when I start back running and doing weights, crunches etc. I know it's not all about what the scales says but if I see the damn thing move one more time in the wrong direction I'm going to go mad.
anybody with any advice? I'm not going to ruin anybody's photo album or video ever again.

I know it's hard when you're not happy with what you see in the mirror or a photo, but please try not to be too hard on yourself. I'm no poster child for self love but I know that it's when I'm being cruel to myself that I tend to reach for junk food. I think all this self improvement works better coming from a place of self worth. And just from that post alone I know you're an amazing person with a fantastic creative talent and the drive to work at doing something you love! Best of luck on the getting healthy mission x

Maireadio

baby and crumble wrote: »

I need to lose weight, have for years if I'm honest but hoping the wedding will give me the motivation to really go for it. I love my engagement photos but some of them were a bit of a wakeup call tbh.

My sister and her husband used their engagement period to shed the weight they wanted to lose for years. The wedding was a motivator but they were determined to approach it like a like a lifestyle change so that it would continue after the wedding. They were married in November 2014 and the weight-loss continued afterwards and has been kept off.

So go for it! Great advice in this thread.

cactusgal

Redchairs wrote: »

I know it's hard when you're not happy with what you see in the mirror or a photo, but please try not to be too hard on yourself. I'm no poster child for self love but I know that it's when I'm being cruel to myself that I tend to reach for junk food. I think all this self improvement works better coming from a place of self worth. And just from that post alone I know you're an amazing person with a fantastic creative talent and the drive to work at doing something you love! Best of luck on the getting healthy mission x

That's a really nice post, thank you for that. Something good for all of us to keep in mind! X

Faith

I lost some weight for my wedding, but promptly put it all back on again :rolleyes:. I'm back on the wagon now, but this time I'm offering myself rewards! I have a white board on my fridge with "Lose X lbs - get Y!". The crowning glory is a Diane Von Furstenberg dress

Milly33

Same here Faith lost well a bit nothing serious more toning.. But have started back on things now and went out and picked up a pack of silver star stickers. So for every day I do something I get one star... I do actually feel good putting a star in each day or working towards maybe 3 stars.. Sad isn't it

I found little changes like having herbal teas in work instead of coffees and sugar, having porridge in the mornings, not buying crisps to even pick at in the cupboard or keeping it only for the weekend or something..

Regarding the fitness side of it, I have so hoped to do more but do you know looking back on the photos now there aren't too bad and I did feel pretty. What Redchairs said it true and so so nice, it isn't all about fitness and this and that tis about how you sometimes too in the inside...

I found doing the 10 day abb challenge worked great for toning up in general...

Now haha I got to maybe around 20 max of each thing and cut it down then to maybe have the things, when I wasn't feeling it.. But I defo noticed the toning up must say the butt is great after the I am lost for the name of what they are called. But when you lie down and kinda push your pelvis upwards (whatever they are called) they are good and the side kicks if you need to tone the upper leg...

lazygal

I should take my own advice but clear out all the junk food from the cupboards. I rarely buy treat foods but on the occasions we have them in the house I will eat them, and in larger quantities than I like to admit. I must bring all the junk we have into work and let my colleagues have them before I eat the lot.

My reward when I complete my current round of couch to 5k is a new pair of runner! And when I complete an arm toning plan I'm going to get a new swimsuit for my holliers.

ChampagnePop

I did a really hard* (for me) Pilates class and ate well yesterday, everything into my fitness pal and well within my limits, and I feel awful today..

I can barely move and am so tired, I've been gulping water down but that's not helping, it's so hard to stay motivated when I feel like this

Puibo

ChampagnePop wrote:

I can barely move and am so tired, I've been gulping water down but that's not helping, it's so hard to stay motivated when I feel like this

You will probably be worse tomorrow! Try stretching your abs regularly and keep topping up the water!!

shortstuff!

Great thread!!
Got down to below my goal weight after having my son sooner than expected last year (yay for breastfeeding;)) so haven't been as strict diet wise since christmas, Im up 8lbs so back to weight watchers last Saturday, they have a new plan which is definitely healthier than previous versions (protein lowers points, sat fat and sugar raises points for the same number of calories) so the weight should come off now Im back into the swing of things!
Exercise wise, Im running 4/5 times a week and do a bootcamp once a week. The past week Ive introduced a little daily getting up/going to bed routine (trying to target trouble areas), started as 10 full push ups in the am & pm but going to add to it but keep it really short so no excuse to not to do it daily! Consistency is key:)

cookie2015

Anyone know what would be the best exercise for tonning or shedding a layer off my upper arms?

marialouise

cookie2015 wrote: »

Anyone know what would be the best exercise for tonning or shedding a layer off my upper arms?

You can't reduce fat from any particular area unfortunately. Shedding fat is as they say, like drying a sponge, it has to come from all over and can't be picked from a particular corner. By eating well, eating fewer calories than you burn and getting a good balance of all the correct nutrients (carbs, fats, proteins and micronutrients), you'll see fat loss coming from all over. If you incorporate some strength training with upper body workouts you will strengthen your arm muscles and when the fat comes off, they'll reveal lovely toned arms underneath

_ariadne

cactusgal wrote: »

Good for you! That's a great achievement. How long did it take you to lose the weight?

Thanks!

Short answer: around 7 months to lose around 35lbs (2 1/2 stone)

long answer: I ate approx the same for the whole 7 months but lost a lot of the weight at the beginning (because maths :P). I averaged 1-2lbs a week for the first 3 months then around 0.5lbs a week for the remainder as I got closer to my goal.

What worked for me was 1200 calories Mon-Thurs then 1600ish Fri and Sat and not a whole lot of exercise just the usual casual walking etc during the day.

Hope this helps anyone, I like data (obviously...), and this logical approach really helped me

_ariadne

AoifeCork wrote: »

You're all amazing, I don't know do I feel inspired or lazier than ever. I sing for around 70 wedding ceremonies a year and in the past month 2 lovely couples sent me footage of me singing which featured on their video and also some photos of me performing. I look horrendous. I've definitely crossed the 12.5 stone threshold again after being just over 11 a few a years ago. Feel so so desperate. My problem is-when I'm exercising routinely and eating really well, I tend to shift nothing, give up hope after 2-3 weeks, stop being strict and end up losing a few pounds by not even trying. Then I get into form again and tend to put on weight when I start back running and doing weights, crunches etc. I know it's not all about what the scales says but if I see the damn thing move one more time in the wrong direction I'm going to go mad.
anybody with any advice? I'm not going to ruin anybody's photo album or video ever again.

If the scale isn't motivating you why not try progress photos?
Basically you take photos of yourself (front, side, back) in the same clothes and pose at regular intervals such as every week or month and then compare the photos to see progress and be motivated! It works for lots of people, to get the idea check out https://www.reddit.com/r/progresspics (NSFW people in underwear!).

Also I had a similar experience to you (also similar weight, I started at just over 12 stone) in that when I tried to overhaul my diet and exercise I would often find it too hard and give up quickly. What has worked for me has been targeting diet only and sticking to a calorie deficit. Now that I am at my goal weight I would like to start more serious exercise again (for fitness, not weightloss).

All the best of luck to you in whatever you try

Back2work

Does anyone have the names of any good diet plans to follow? I have tried to dramatically reduce carb intake, but I am finding that I am always hungry. I bought a nutrininja hoping that the juices and smoothies would fill me up, but its not working

Keane2baMused

Back2work wrote: »

Does anyone have the names of any good diet plans to follow? I have tried to dramatically reduce carb intake, but I am finding that I am always hungry. I bought a nutrininja hoping that the juices and smoothies would fill me up, but its not working

Carbs are really important in our diet.

I don't believe in low carb 'diets',they are unsustainable.

What's important is eating the right carbs and a healthy portion size.

The only diet you will need is one full of fresh fruit and veg, lean meat and small portions or wholegrain bread/potatoes/ wholegrain rice/pasta and some beans and pulses for good measure! This type of 'diet' is for life and you won't feel like you have to sacrifice food you enjoy.

It's ok to still treat yourself the odd time,we all need that

Faith

Back2work wrote: »

Does anyone have the names of any good diet plans to follow? I have tried to dramatically reduce carb intake, but I am finding that I am always hungry. I bought a nutrininja hoping that the juices and smoothies would fill me up, but its not working

Honestly - CICO. Calories In, Calories Out. You need to calculate your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) using a site like this: http://www.iifym.com/tdee-calculator/ (Tip: Always set Lifestyle or Exercise Amounts to Sedentary). Then figure out the calorie maximum for your day, and use an app like myfitnesspal to track EVERYTHING you eat (weigh your food!!).

Fad diets and unsustainable approaches (for most, before I get lynched) like low-carb, "juice diets", etc etc etc are just a waste of time.

ChampagnePop

I think the GI diet, I'm conjunction with calorie counting, is worth a look, it's all about stabilising your blood sugar which should help you with cravings and staying on track!

Especially if you want to include a fair amount of carbs in your diet-it'll educate you on what are the best choices!