Official Blog of WeddingShape.com

Learn the best fat-busting workouts

Let’s face it. Creating and maintaining a manageable fitness plan (in addition to the other million things on your wedding-prep to-do list) is harder than it seems. Need proof? Just look at the current American obesity rate.

And until now, you may have considered an aerobics class or power walk to be a complete workout. Maybe you pick up a couple of free weights, do some arm curls, or squeeze in some crunches.

But all those flashing lights on that cardio equipment, machines and other gear…they’re intimidating.

That’s why I use the concept of Workout Building Blocks to create a framework for each training session in WeddingShape Diet and Fitness Guide for Brides. In my book and in my gym, all of these elements are a piece of a bride’s-to-be workout:

Workout Building Block #1 – Dynamic Warm-up
This gets you moving, increases core body temperature, lubricates joints and mentally prepares you to work out. Block 1 takes the place of the old school warm-up that included movements like static toe touches.

Workout Building Block #2 – Reactive Training
Reactive Training teaches you to bend, turn and twist quickly so you’ll be less likely to get hurt when you need to move in a hurry.

Workout Building Block #3 – Resistance Training
This is what we talked about last week – the true Fountain of Youth. Resistance training strategically challenges your muscles so you rev up your metabolism, burn fat and slow the aging process (among many other benefits like looking fabulous in your dress).

Workout Building Block #4 – Core & Balance Training
We work our body’s core – abs, lower back, hips and butt -- with original exercises so you can say “goodbye” to backaches.

Workout Building Block #5 – Cardio-respiratory Conditioning
Aerobic exercise, a.k.a. cardio, gets your heart and lungs moving to burn calories, prevent disease and beat stress.

Workout Building Block #6 – Recovery
At the conclusion of each workout, we do some creative stretching and massage techniques to rejuvenate your tired muscles so you’re amped up and ready for your next session.

Each Building Block is an important component of an all-around effective workout, which, over time, will help get you in top shape.

To check out real success stories, visit: http://www.youtube.com/user/weddingshape

For more information about WeddingShape, visit: www.weddingshape.com

And for more information about PEAK, visit: www.peaksc.com

Yours in health,

Joe

Joseph Arangio, MS, CSCS
Director, PEAK Strength & Conditioning CLUB
Author, WeddingShape Diet and Fitness Guide for Brides