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

What's the Best Time to Work Out?

It’s an on-going debate. What time of the day is best for working out?

Well, while many experts recommend a first-thing-in-the-morning workout or mid-afternoon fitness routine, what good is that if your hectic pre-wedding schedule simply doesn’t allow it?

Are you doomed to forever skip the gym?

Not at all!

So, how do you make time? Plan it.

Schedule the workout into your calendar, at the same time of day every day. That will get you into a routine and will help prioritize your life so that if something else pops up, you’ll be less likely to cancel your workout.

Just like you have to schedule a dress fitting, your hair appointment and your bridal shower and party, you need to make working out a planned priority to stick with.

WeddingShape Diet and Fitness Guide for Brides has a built-in planner: the accompanying WeddingShape Training Plan for Brides.

The handy companion manual has over three years’ worth of personalized workouts, based on
your ability level — Beginner, Intermediate, or Superbride (you know who you are). The annual training plans are broken down into four-week mini-workouts so you can tone, trim, and tighten under the most stressful deadline. Better still, it’s small enough to fit in your gym bag.

It’s like you have your very own personal trainer with you at every gym visit.

To hear some of WeddingShape’s success stories, visit:
http://www.youtube.com/user/weddingshape

Yours in health,

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

Buddy Up For Fat-Burning, Muscle-Sculpting Success

As a bride-to-be, you want to look better-than-ever in your wedding day photos. And along with that goal comes the goal to drop a few pounds before your big day. But did you know that all you have to do to lose twice as much weight as you normally would is to grab a buddy?

As you'll read in WeddingShape Diet and Fitness Guide for Brides, studies have found that those folks who have a successful partner in weight loss dropped twice as many pounds after one year versus those folks who dieted solo.

Another buddy bonus? The support doesn’t have to be face-to-face. You can find someone online, across your neighborhood or in an entirely different state as a weight loss buddy.

But, if you're lucky enough to have a pal who lives close-by ask them to not only be your partner in watching your weight, but to also join you in the gym.

At PEAK Strength & Conditioning CLUB, we have lots of one-on-one clients who work solo with their training. But we also have clients who are brides-to-be just like you have bring a bridesmaid, their mom or their fiance along as a training partner. (They want to look good in those happily-ever-after photos, too!)

I'm a big believer that you've got to be committed to your fitness and nutrition program. What's more commitment-inducing than having to answer to a friend or family member when you feel like bailing on a workout? By joining forces, you'll be less likely to skip out on your buddy and your gym time.

So, make it a bridesmaid duty, ask your mom or tell your future hubby you want them to look great too. Together, you'll be all set for some serious fat-busting and muscle-toning success.

Yours in health,

Joe

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