HEALTH
LET ’ S GET PHYSICAL
MARTIN JACKMAN IS AN ASHFORD BASED PERSONAL TRAINER WHO WORKS WITH LOTS OF BRIDES AND GROOMS TO HELP THEM LOOK AND FEEL GREAT ON THEIR BIG DAYS . HERE HE GIVES US HIS ADVICE FOR WORKING OUT IN THE LEAD UP TO YOUR WEDDING
WHY DO MANY BRIDES AND GROOMS DECIDE TO UP THEIR FITNESS LEVELS AHEAD OF THEIR BIG DAY ? Many brides and grooms decide to improve their health and fitness before the big day as it is viewed as a new chapter in their lives together . So , not only do they want to look and feel great on the day they also want to start their married lives in the best possible condition .
CAN COUPLES HAVE PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS TOGETHER , OR IS IT BEST TO TRAIN SEPARATELY ? YES ! Couples can definitely have training sessions together ; it can be a great way to have fun in the sessions and add that little competitive edge , so for some people this is a fantastic option .
Others prefer to train separately ( with the same or even a different trainer ) as they may have very different starting levels of fitness or different fitness goals , in which case training with a PT independently might be more effective .
HOW CAN DOING MORE EXERCISE HELP YOU TO MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY PREPARE FOR YOUR WEDDING ? If the benefits of exercise were sold in pill form it would be the best selling pill in the world !
Exercising regularly helps with physical health , mental health , cognitive abilities as well as protecting you from chronic diseases .
So , when you ’ re stressed from all the wedding planning , getting a good workout in can give you a mental break as well as the ability to refocus afterwards . The increased blood circulation to the brain increases your serotonin levels and releases endorphins which help you feel focused , calmer and happier … all things you ’ ll need when planning the big day !
THERE ’ S A LOT OF TALK ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY . IF THAT ’ S YOUR GOAL , WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE MINDFUL OF ? This is a great question and one that people often talk about however I always ask my clients ‘ if you were to look in the mirror and you were the shape you wanted , felt fit , strong and healthy would you care what the scales say ?’
When people talk about toning up and losing fat what they need to do is head to the weights . Lifting weights will build muscle ( for that toned look ) and is a much more efficient way to burn calories than just running on a treadmill or other cardio machines . Cardio is great for your heart and lungs but lifting weights is where the calories are burnt !
One last point on this is that as muscle is denser than fat you can look leaner and weigh the same or even more than before this is why focussing only on the scales is a pet peeve of mine .
HOW CAN YOU MAKE SURE YOU CONTINUE YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY AFTER THE WEDDING ? The key to successfully counting your fitness journey is to make it a habit and something you just do even if you ’ re busy or not motivated .
You don ’ t ask someone where they find the motivation to brush their teeth everyday . People just do it ( hopefully !) Fitness is the same . If you make the gym or a sport / exercise part of your week then these habits will become part of your lifestyle and consistency is key to fitness .
Follow Martin on @ martinjackmanPT
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