Let’s get one thing straight: I started working out because I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror. I continued working out because I liked that I could buy smaller clothes and I felt better. Vanity is certainly in play here, but it’s not the only reason I work out. In fact, looking good is no longer the main reason I work out. These days, I hit the gym (or grass, or pavement) because those workouts are saving my sanity  - especially now that I’m a bride.

It all became crystal clear one day as I was training in a Body Revolution class and one of our exercises involved throwing a medicine ball at the ground as hard as we could. After one toss of that weighted ball, I realized that I could take all of my anxiety and frustration out by beating the heck out of a slab of concrete with a medicine ball. With each slam I felt better about silly things that had been taking up my mental energy: managing family drama, debating locations for a honeymoon, stressing about a never-ending to do list. That release of my pent-up emotions made for s great workout where I really pushed my limits, but it also resulted in a sense of peace about all of the craziness that comes with planning a wedding.

After having the Medicine Ball Epiphany, I now look forward to my workouts for the balance they bring – and I’m not talking about standing on one foot doing shoulder presses! I know that my workouts are an outlet for wedding stress and that makes them even more important as I near my wedding day. I’m ensuring that my workouts are a priority because not only are they making me physically stronger, they’re improving my mental health as well. After all, being a healthy bride is about more than just eating your veggies!