Health and Fitness Tips Cont'd
Strength Training Tips
Include some type of strength training in your weekly exercise regimen no matter what your fitness goals are. Resistance training provides many health benefits.
Don't take the all or nothing approach. It's better to do a little training than none at all. So, even if you can only fit one strength training routine in a week, you'll still benefit from it.
If you're a woman, don't be afraid of strength training. You won't bulk up (unless you are really trying to). And, resistance training is easy to start. With professional guidance and direction, you can quickly learn how to train properly.
Be sure you are training with the proper resistance size. Ideally, you should choose a size that fatigues you after 10-12 reps.
Focus on correct form. If you are unable to use proper, safe form when performing an exercise then you probably are using weights that are too heavy. Choose a size that allows you to train with correct form.
Concentrate on the muscle(s) you are working during a specific exercise and don't allow your other muscle groups to assist with the exercise.
How long you rest between sets is important. For building muscles and getting bulkier the rest time should be longer. For more muscle endurance and leaner, sculpted muscles the rest time should be shorter.
The frequency of your strength training depends on whether your goals are to get bigger and stronger (less often) or whether you want to get leaner and more defined muscles (more often).
Try the periodization technique which progresses you every week over a 4-week timeframe. Try a plan of starting with lighter weights and more reps, and each week increasing the weight size appropriately and decreasing the number of reps.
Bridal Fitness Tips
One of the most important things to remember if you are trying to lose weight is too start early. For example, don't try to lose 20 pounds two months before the big day. The key is to plan ahead so that you can lose the weight (or just firm up) gradually.
Be realistic with yourself. If you're never been a size 6 in your life, then it is probably unrealistic to think you can magically transform just because you are getting married. Set attainable goals.
Brides typically are short on time and long on to-do lists. This leads many to try unhealthy fitness programs or starvation diets. Don't be tempted by diets that promise quick, drastic results with little effort from you.
It's very easy for brides to say I don't have time to exercise?or I'm too tired to exercise? But diet and exercise should always go hand in hand. Without activity your body can't burn as many calories. If you are very short on time, try to exercise in small 10-minute bursts throughout the day. And, keep in mind that little things help too, like taking the stairs or parking at the outer edge of the mall parking lot.
Eat regularly -- don't skip meals. Not only is skipping meals unhealthy, it often leads to binge eating. That often means eating very fattening foods and/or overeating all at once. To avoid this try packing light snacks to keep on hand throughout the day. Good examples include carrot sticks, cheese strings, peanut butter on crackers, etc.
