How to get into great shape for a big event

Written by Samantha Clayton, Director of Fitness Education at Herbalife.

Get into great shape for the big day

Do you need to get in shape for the big day? Wanting to look good at your wedding or other event can be just the motivation you need to get fit. Whether you have a high school reunion, new job, or a milestone anniversary, let me show you how to get in great shape for that big event…

I’m excited because I get to pull from my personal experience to help you look and feel great for your special day. I’ve created a wedding workout and de-stressing plan. More importantly, my advice is designed to help you (and anyone reading this) to develop healthy lifelong habits. It’s time to stop wishing, stop worrying, and get to work!

To make it fun, my four fitness beliefs fall into what I call the D.R.E.S.S plan:

D for De-stress

De-stressing is crucial because stress can cause weight gain, lack of confidence, depression, and negative thoughts. Every day, tell yourself that you have a dream and a plan to see that dream through. These two things together should help you realise that you are totally in control.

R for Relax

Do you remember being a kid in school on the day before a big project was due? If you were anything like me, you probably put off your project to finally clean your bedroom or help mom with the laundry to avoid doing the work! The funny thing is, a lot of us still engage in this sort of behaviour. Just remember, if you want to get results you need to be focused on your priorities. Take care of yourself, and finish up any wedding or big event plans. Any other projects can wait.

Painting, sorting or house cleaning waiting to be done? You have permission to put those off until your self-improvement habits are well in development. Its human nature to immerse yourself in other projects, hoping that your main issue will somehow fix itself. Instead of falling prey to this trap, take my advice and forget about housework and focus on self-improvement. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself! 

E for Enlist a support team

'It takes a village!' It’s very hard to be motivated and consistent by yourself. My advice to all is to tell people you trust about your plans and have them find ways they can be both physically and emotionally supportive over the next few weeks.

S for Sweat

By sweat I have two meanings: I want you to push yourself in your pre-wedding or big-event workouts until you are out of breath and sweating – that’s one of the easiest ways to tell that you’re burning calories!

I also want you to not sweat the small stuff in your everyday life. During workouts, it’s important to be mentally present and 'in the now.' I believe that one focused and conscious squat is better than 10 unconscious ones, so forget about your to-do list during your workout time and concentrate on maximising your results.

S for Simplicity

There is no need to attempt a complicated exercise plan or undergo radical dietary restrictions. All it takes to begin developing healthy habits is an awareness of your choices in everyday life. I want you to focus on making the best health decisions you possibly can with the advice I am giving you. By accepting that making the best choices for your body is now a part of your everyday life, you will have a hard time skipping your pre-wedding workouts!

If you haven’t been very active in a while, its best that you ease into fitness by following a workout routine for at least 30 minutes three to five times a week.

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