In some parts of the world, including here in the New York / New Jersey area, just getting motivated to go out and do some exercise can be quite the challenge in the winter. Getting up early and doing a run in the spring or summer is one thing, but it’s a whole different ballgame in the colder months.
When you combine that with the fact that the holidays have just passed, leaving a whole bunch of us feeling a little—or maybe a lot—heavier and perhaps a bit more lethargic than usual, it may seem all but impossible to whip yourself back into shape this time of year.
But if you’ve got a wedding coming up, then wait your workout cannot, even if just for the sake of feeling your best. Because take it from us as NY / NJ wedding photographers and videographers, feeling your best is the most important part of looking your best on your wedding day, and in the photos & videos you get of it.
Set goals, no matter what they are.
Some grooms and brides-to-be are simply looking to shed a few pounds or lean up a bit before their big day, while others are determined to make more drastic changes to their appearance before it arrives.
But no matter what, exactly, you’re looking to accomplish nor the size and scope of those ambitions, you need to set some clear goals for yourself, and those goals need to be realistic and attainable.
It’s not just about actually achieving the objectives you set out to achieve, either. Having firm goals set in place functions as about as strong a motivator as any, especially during the post-holiday season when all often seems lost.
Think about it, even if you’ve fallen a little behind, at least you’ll know where you’re headed. That way, you can start thinking about how to make up for lost time and kickstart your previous plan rather than having to come up with a brand new one on the fly.
Make fitness a part of your daily routine.
Saying you’re going to do the workout of your life as you lie awake in bed at night is one thing, but actually going out the next day and doing it is another, and when it comes to exercising, actions truly do speak louder than words.
That’s why it’s so important to determine and plan out when you’re going to exercise, and if you want to take it a step further and plan out the specific kind of workout you’re going to be doing, that’s even better.
You can set your routine in place weeks ahead of time or just take a few minutes at the start of each day to figure out which are the best times to work out and which kinds of exercises you should aim to do.
The point is that we’ve been to a lot of weddings in our time in New York / New Jersey wedding photography and videography, and you cannot underestimate just how much simply planning out a workout routine & schedule can help you to stay motivated.
Motivate with music.
It’s no secret that most people find it very helpful to throw on their favorite jams when they’re working out. Just look around the cardio section at any gym and you’ll see a whole lot of headphones hanging around.
That’s because music is one of the best motivators around. You like a song because it makes you feel something, and that feeling can then be harnessed and channeled into energy to fuel your workout.
So, why not take it a step further by taking the time to think carefully about which tunes, specifically, you choose to listen to? Don’t just pick your favorite albums, especially if there are a lot of slow, somber songs in your collection.
Instead, put together some deliberately energetic playlists to keep you pumped up. You may even want to add some songs with highly inspirational meanings or lyrics, or maybe even a few from your wedding day playlist.
Whichever route you decide to take, the bottom line is that there are few things that can motivate like music. So, give your choice of playlist some serious thought, because it might just be the thing that leads to some serious workouts.
Surround yourself with motivational people.
Setting firm goals for yourself, planning out a routine & schedule, and putting together an especially inspirational playlist are all great ways of keeping yourself motivated, but you may also want to consider enlisting some help.
After all, there’s a reason people have “gym buddies,” and it’s not just to have someone to talk to while lifting weights or running on the treadmill. It’s also about having someone to serve as a reminder and source of encouragement.
You’ll be less tempted to take a day off or take it a little easy at the gym one day if you’ve got someone right along with you. And if you pick the right buddy, then you may even find that he or she pushes you to work harder.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be a buddy either. You can also sign up for some personal training time or classes at your gym. However you do it, though, the point is that enlisting the help of another can go a long way when it comes to getting, and staying, motivated.
Just remember that if you do decide to sign up for some training sessions or classes, then you should try to do so as early as possible because you’ll be more inclined to actually follow through with them if you do.
Do whatever it takes.
Like mentioned at the top, whether you actually reach your fitness goals leading up to your wedding or not, you’ll never stand any chance of looking your best on your big day if you don’t feel your best, and that’s where focusing on your health becomes so important.
That’s why you need to do everything in your power to get, and stay, inspired, even if that means simply going out and picking up some new exercise clothes or gear, which can be very motivating. The bottom line is, whatever it takes, feeling your best on your wedding day will be worth it.
About Us: Live Picture Studios is composed of a team of experienced NY / NJ wedding photographers, videographers, and editors who’ve been making memories magical in the NY, NJ, PA, and CT area for years with dazzling wedding photos and videos. Check out our photo gallery and video gallery for some examples.