The Healthy Bride

Some brides have a hard time getting started on their bridal fitness and weight loss programs.  There is really no better time in life to start down a path to fitness and health than now.  It’s a happy time, you are in transition, and you’re deciding who you will be as a married woman and couple.  Health is a gift, one both you and your fiance can decide to give each other – from this day forward.

Below are 12 steps to move you toward building a healthy lifestyle for the long term.

Step 1 – Admit you are powerless over your resistance to exercise – that your life is badly in need of a fitness make-over.

Step 2 – Come to believe that a power greater than your own “willpower” can restore you to activity.

Step 3 – Made a decision to turn your “willpower” over to the care of a well organized, balanced, realistic workout schedule.

Step 4 – Make a searching and fearless inventory of your obstacles, objections and resistances to exercise.

Step 5 – You are entirely ready to rely on the plan you have outlined that addresses and overcomes the issues you listed in step number 4.

Step 6 - Admit to yourself and to another human being that healthy eating and exercise is your path to a healthier future.

Step 7 – You have humbly resolved to start slow and build on your successes and you vow to believe that some activity is always better than none.

Step 8 – Make a list of all the diets and workout programs that have not worked for you over the long term, and vow not to go back to them.

Step 9 – Make a direct admission that diets do not work, and you will therefore embark upon a program of eating that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean meats and you will eat in amounts that support your best health.

Step 10 – Continue to take personal inventory of your activity and eating programs and promptly correct what you find out of balance with your health goals.

Step 11 – Seek through planning, scheduling, support and forgiveness to improve your health through knowledge, awareness and the power to carry out your plan.

Step 12 – Having a healthy awakening as the result of these steps, you will carry this message to others offering your support and encouragement for their success.

If you need help organizing your 12 steps to bridal fitness bliss, give us a call, or send us an email. We are happy to help out!  It’s not too late to join our bridal bootcamp classes or our free 2010 Healthy Bride challenge.

Not sure you read USA Today, this morning, but there is an article about the high level of children’s stress.  Now, brides are not children, but the adults in the survey also reported feeling stressed.    There is really no time that is happier and more stressful all rolled into one big happy event than a wedding.  The economy is definitely adding to the stress level of the average American, and adding the cost of a wedding to an already shaky economy is enough to elevate anyone’s stress level from average to high.

So what’s a bride to do?

The best advice is to find a way to manage the stress.  Catching the level as it rises is much better than letting it go to the explosion level.

Exercise is (of course) our #1 recommendation for stress management.  Regular exercise can be a major stress reduction strategy.

The American Psychological Association just released their “”Stress In America 2009” report.  They surveyed 1568 adults in July and August 2009.

Their findings:

This year, 49% of respondents reported turning to tunes when worried; 44% said they exercise. Reading helps calm 41% of respondents, while watching television or a movie and social interaction help ease the stress of 36% of those surveyed.

Despite the prevalence of sedentary activity, a bright spot is that the report found that Americans are looking less to smoking and alcohol use than they did a year ago. In 2008, 18% of respondents said they smoked or drank to reduce stress. This year, that number shrank to 14%. The number of Americans–4%–who said they gamble away their worries was the same this year as it was in 2008.

Though 42% of Americans this year say their stress is rising, compared with 47% in 2008–nearly a quarter of respondents say they experienced high levels of stress in the last year. (This is measured by an eight, nine or 10 on a 10-point scale.) Irritability or anger, fatigue and lack of interest or motivation top the list of symptoms.

Such high stress levels can result in conditions such as high arrhythmia of the heart and hardening of the arteries, says Dr. Joseph W. Stubbs, president of the of Physicians and an internist in Albany, Ga. Stress also increases adrenaline, which increases the heart rate, potentially leading to high blood pressure. The number of migraine headaches may also increase for sufferers.

The Cost of Stress
The workplace also suffers in absenteeism and lost worker productivity. A study conducted last year by the Emory Institute for Advanced Policy Solutions found that firms that focus on improving employee health through worksite health promotion programs showed that the savings are greater than the cost. The study reported that program, for example, reduced health risks such as high cholesterol levels, smoking and high blood pressure, and saved the company up to $8.8 million annually.

“We found that the design of some of these programs have been found not only to reduce medical costs, but more immediately increase productivity,” says Ken Thorpe, professor of health policy at Emory University. We know the designs of these programs can produce return on investment of up to five to one.”

Such programs may help Americans deal with health-related stress issues, but with unemployment at a 26-year high of 9.8% and expected to grow by year’s end, it’s not likely that Americans’ stressors will soon abate. Still, there are ways to cope.

Those dealing with job-related stress should maintain healthy habits, even if the amount of time available to devote to them has lessened. This includes setting aside time for daily exercise and relaxation techniques. Taking attention away from work by socializing with friends also may also help relieve anxiety.

It may seem counter-intuitive in uncertain economic times defined by the constant threat of unemployment, but taking a vacation could help alleviate job worries. Removing yourself from daily demands and changing your environment allows you to recharge so you’re better able to perform in the office.

If getting away isn’t an option, Stubbs recommends lifestyle changes such as getting a good night’s rest, eating well and exercising. He also suggests cognitive behavioral therapy, and in some cases, medication.

The experts have spoken.  Make your plan for how you will manage your stress….from this day forward.

 Well, I think the participants can speak for themselves about the Battle and how it went.  Here are comments for three competitors and one sponsor.  Also:  Check out the photos and comments.

Battle of the Betrothed conga

“Comment by Robyn Prout & Kenny Wyatt: We had a great time this weekend! It was great to meet everyone and can’t wait to see everyone on Valentine’s Day. Cheers! ”

“Comment by Marcus C. & Karina P.  What an incredible weekend! It was great meeting you all and we’ll see you all next weekend!”

“Comment by Beth F and Nate L The BOTB was so much fun this weekend. The event went off without a hitch which is proof that it was well planned out. It was great to finally meet all the other couples. Everyone there was fantastic. I think the healthy bride should give us all a honeymoon that we could go on together. How much fun would that be? We can’t wait until Saturday.”

“Thanks so much for everything.  I think the event went really well.  I hope you are pleased with everything.   I’m really looking forward to Sat. and seeing who the dream honeymoon winner is!!!!” Nancy – I-Play

Here are some photos of the weekend, plus our warm up video.

• Have Fun: You’re engaged, and in 12 months or less you’ll be a darling bride. Banish Bridezilla moments — schedule a few minutes of fun every day.
• Exercise: Gotta do it: at least three days per week, or four, if you want it to really show. You’ll be healthier and less stressed too!
• A-line or Strapless: Pick your dress style early and gear your workout to toning your body exactly for it. Make it easy, effective and convenient.
• Lifestyle: Take a look at your life and keep your “wants” balanced with your “needs.” If your list is out of whack, you will be, too.
• Time Management: One word: Delegate. What are mothers and friends for?
• Habits: Forget the bad, and just focus on the new — good nutrition, stress management and exercise. One great tip: Eight glasses of H20 daily and bonus points for adding a cup of green tea.
• You! It’s all about you, so make sure to take time for yourself.
• Buff: For arms your bridesmaids will envy, weight training must be part of your exercise program — at least twice a week.
• Rest: There’s no rest for the wicked, so get plenty of sleep on a regular schedule. Your skin will look better too!
• I deserve the best! From this day forward!
• Diet: The D word. Focus less on what you can’t eat and more on eating whole grains, plenty of fruits and veggies, calcium-rich foods and lean protein.
• Energy: If you follow these Tips, you’ll be brimming with endless energy, so you’ll stroll down the aisle with grace and style … and into married life with your Mr. Right!