Meg: Bridal Fitness
Throughout my teen years and even into college, I was always aware of my body’s need for fitness to remain healthy and happy. My last two years of college, however, I was stressed, busy, and tired constantly. These were my barista years at Starbucks and while they were a blast, it wasn’t a great environment to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I would wake up for 4:30am shifts and immediately after head to school for an 8 hour day. This lead to my very real addiction to iced coffee…any other baristas out there can probably back me up on that one, and a major lack of exercise. Anyway, when Kyle proposed in December of 2011, I knew it was time to get my act together. From the beginning of college I had gained about 15 pounds and I worked out scarcely. While I’ve never considered myself overweight, I knew I was capable of looking and feeling so much better.
The first six months of our engagement I really made no progress. I’d run at the park for 45 minutes and call it good. It wasn’t until May of 2012 that I began really taking “bridal bootcamp” seriously. I graduated from college and got a new job with a more regular 40 hour work week schedule. The difference in environment alone motivated me to drop some of my unhealthy habits (bye forever Starbucks lemon pound cake). I knew that beginning my marriage I wanted to be confident and healthy so I could focus on enjoying life with my (soon to be) new husband! The fact that I had a wedding dress to buy was another hearty dose of motivation. From then on, I have lived in a healthier way and with that has come some amazing physical results. I don’t have a structured plan, but I incorporate these three things into my week.
Lifting Weights
I lift one to two times a week. I stick to a weight that will fatigue my muscles by 8-10 reps and slowly increasing as I get stronger. I will either do a killer full body strength work out if I have the time or two separate days (upper body then lower). I have seen the biggest difference in my arms from weightlifting. Being a strong girl RULES.
Running/Cardio
I love/hate cardio. I really have to switch it up in order to stay motivated and see change. A while back I really got into running, and when Gina gifted me a Garmin it was love at first sight! I also use my Polar (I think it’s the FT4 model) heart rate monitor for non-runs (ie: jump roping and Stairmaster). I am pretty obsessed with the stair master right now…I like the interval setting on level 12 for 20-30 min. One of my “problem areas” is hips/bum so this gets my heart rate up while my legs get stronger and leaner.
Yoga
Yoga is one of my favorite activities! I have been practicing for about 4 years now and every yoga practice is a challenge for me. I particularly LOVE hot power yoga, and Tucson’s 4th Avenue Yoga studio has my favorite hot yoga class. I have noticed that the flushing of toxins from all of the sweat loss helps a lot with bloating and fluid retention during the week.
It really has taken a lot of hard work, and every day isn’t perfect. I have learned through the whole process to take breaks when you need them and if you accidently eat In and Out at 1am, let it go and don’t dwell on the mistake. Big shout out to all of my Instagram friends (follow me @azbosslady) for the motivating comments and encouragement. It really has helped!
I will most definitely maintain this lifestyle. I love feeling fit, I love looking leaner, and I love healthy food! I’m so excited to rock my wedding dress on May 11th J
Xo-Meg
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I love having fitness bridal gurus! I’ve got until October but I am still totally relating to everything in this post! What I’m trying NOT to do however is make myself stressed out about losing weight/gaining muscle before the big day, dress fitting, etc. Being a bride is a great motivator but there’s a fine line between motivation and major stress. So far so good.
Meg, you’re going to be a gorgeous bride! I can’t wait for Gina to post pictures (because since I got engaged I’ve become mildly obsessed with all things other peoples weddings. lol).
My thoughts exactly! I am getting married in August, and it is definitely a fine line between motivation and unnecessary stress. Congrats to you! 🙂
Same to you! 🙂
Same here – I’ve never had body image issues in my life, but my August wedding is giving me some serious issues. I don’t know how to shake it, but having skinny little arms and shoulders poking out my the top of my poofy dress is all I think about right now.
Good luck with planning, friend! And enjoy being engaged :))
Xo-Meg
Love this! Such inspiration to love our bodies, not stress over treats, and to do what feels good over all 🙂
Thanks for a great post. What is your weightlifting work out? Your arms are looking great! Also, how much cardio do you do a week?
I try to do at least a small amount of cardio 5 or 6 days a week. Then on my strength days I focus on arms (biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest) and when it’s leg day I focus on the larger leg muscle groups (quads, hammies, glutes). Then my yoga day acts as a nice stretch/flexibility session. I really just aim to feel balanced and strong.
I used to work as a barista- I definitely had a few too many americanos to fuel me during that time…
i loved this post! i’m not currently engaged, but i could relate to former unhealthy habits and gaining weight during my undergrad years. your hard work has certainly paid off because you look great and you’re going to make a beautiful bride! congrats <3
great post! you look awesome Meg! Congrats on your wedding this week!!!
What a great post Meg! Inspiring even to those of us who want to feel strong & healthy even without a wedding coming up. I love the harmony I heard in your words: mistakes & progress, motivation without over doing it, strength & energy work & flexibility – but most of all great centered approach. Thanks for sharing!
This was so sweet, thank you!
You look great Meg and you will be a beautiful bride!
Meg you look great! Congratulations 🙂
I totally remember the last two years of college being very stressful with minimal time to workout. Also: hello coffee and yes I want dessert. I put on 15 pounds and was very happy to see them go 🙂
During my time as a Starbucks partner I learned the way of a Starbucks Doubleshot sub sugarfree hazlenut and a touch of cream, it’s the best/worst thing that ever happened to me.
Mouth is watering…haha!
Such an inspiration. It seems like you found the perfect balance. Moderation is key!
You will look beautiful!!
You look amazing. Love those muscular arms! Congrats <3
Meg! You look fantastic- you should be really proud of yourself!
I really want to know about your arm moves, reps, etc – you’re rockin those biceps! Maybe Gina could do a post with you?
XO, Meghan
Congratulations on your wedding, so close to the date already!
OH MY GOSH I LOVE THAT DRESS.
Hands down cutest wedding dress I’ve ever seen, with the exception of my own 😉
I love this post. I really think that if people just took the time to spread the love and made sure to hit some form of these three activities every week, we’d all just be much more well-rounded, fitness wise, not to mention I think a lot could be done for preparation/injury prevention!
I love your balanced approach to fitness.
An early congrats on your wedding- I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful day!
Congratulations on the nuptials and the healthier lifestyle!
Meg, you’re so beautiful and your posts always make me smile. I can’t wait to see your wedding photos!
Meg, you look great! I am envious of your biceps! Looks like I need to start weight lifting 🙂 Congratulations as well on your wedding! It’s coming up SO soon – I can’t wait to see pictures!
I do stalk – I mean follow – you on insta, Meg and have noticed how lean and buff you’ve gotten – simply gorgeous!! I’m getting married next March and you give me workout inspiration! I hope you do a wedding recap (or series?? Gina?) because given what I’ve seen of your taste, I know your wedding will be amaze! Congrats to you and Kyle!!
Thanks Meg & Gina! You ladies ROCK!
You are so sweet! I will DEF be doing something to highlight the wedding 🙂 stay tuned!
I’ve loved seeing your progress shots on instagram! Your arms are AMAZING! You certainly looked just as lovely before the bootcamp, but good for you for wanting to be healthier. Can’t wait to see wedding pics!!! I hope you have a magical wedding weekend and wish you many years of health and happiness!!
I can relate! My fiancé just proposed on New Year’s. I tried on wedding dresses yesterday and while I felt like I looked good, I though, well, my arms are flabby and could use work. I used to be a cheerleader and horseback rider, so seeing myself in terrible shape bothers me. I started the South Beach Diet 3 days ago and have been working out 4x weekly at Planet Fitness doing 10 minutes elliptical, the 30 minute circuit, and 2 minutes of squat holds while throwing a 10 pound medicine ball at a trampoline. My doctor recommended the SBD after finding out I had been doing the above workout October-December and gained 20 pounds! So I got the book from the library after finding out soon I was going to have an “all eyes on me” day and am committed to looking and feeling better on 12/13/14. I saw your SBD post and agree with a lot of the comments regarding cutting veggies and prep time! Even after 3 days of being on Phase 1, I feel a lot more energetic. I have never had issues cutting things out of my diet other than sweets, so the daily end of the day desserts do wonders to keep me to stick to this diet. I just found your blog and am already loving it! Keep the posting up!