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One of the most photographed days in your life is your wedding day. All photos will have an eternal existence. It is only natural that a relatively good number of Sri Lankan brides and grooms strive to be at their best before the big day.
However, you do not have to lose 15 kilos or go on some crazy diet after watching a YouTube video. All you require is a realistic, simple plan that fits your hectic schedule, your local food and your real lifestyle.
This 3-month guide is designed for Sri Lankan couples. Not to a man in London or New York. For you.
Why 3 Months?
The magic time is three months. It is too long to see actual results. It is not too long to get discouraged. When a person begins working earlier than 3 months, he is likely to burn out. Later means that your body does not have sufficient time to change.
Do not panic, in case your wedding is within the next 3 months. Start now. A visible difference in both the way you feel and the fit of your clothes will be achieved even after 6 weeks of consistent effort.
Month 1 – Build Your Base
The initial month is not that of going hard. It is a matter of developing a habit.
The biggest mistake that most people commit is to engage in high-intensity workouts on the first day. By the second week, they are sore, tired and give up. Do not do this.
During the first month, exercise three times a week. Limit sessions to 45 minutes. Pay attention to simple exercises – brisk walking, squats using your own body weight, lunges and planks. This will already be a challenge for you if you have never worked out. That is fine. That is progress.
Simple things to begin with the diet. Cut sugary drinks. Limit consumption of fried food to less than twice per week. Include one boiled egg in your breakfast. Increase the intake of dhal and vegetables in your meals. You do not have to count calories, but. Simply eat a little healthier than previously.
Month 1 Goal: Be present. Three days per week. That is it.
Month 2 – Tone and Strengthen
At this point, your body is adjusted. You sleep better. You are more energetic. It is at this point that you apply some more force.
Add 4 days of workouts per week. Add resistance training. Provided that you have access to a gym, begin using dumbbells. When you are exercising at home, use resistance bands; they are inexpensive and can be found at the majority of sports stores in Colombo.
HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) once a week. This involves strenuous bouts of exertion and relaxation. e.g. 30 seconds of jumping jacks, 30 seconds break, etc., 15 minutes. It is fat-burning and consumes very minimal time.
This is the month that brides with sleeveless blouse concerns can incorporate tricep dips and push-ups. Shoulder presses and rows should be added to grooms who prefer wearing a broader suit.
Incorporate yoga or stretching twice a week. This enhances the sitting position. Correct posture will make you appear taller and thinner in the snapshots.
In the case of diet, begin to be conscious of portions. Use a smaller plate. Consume more fish, chicken and plant proteins such as kadala and soya. Drink at least 2 litres of water every day.
Month 2 Goal: Develop visible tone and better posture.
Month 3 – The Finish Line
This is the last road. Now you ought to feel stronger and more confident.
Train 5 days a week in the third month. Alternate strength and cardio each time. Limit exercises to 50-60 minutes. Training should not be excessive; you need to rest to achieve results.
Concentrate on whole body exercises instead of targeting a specific muscle group. The compound exercises, such as squats, deadlifts and rows, are more calorie-burning and they create a more balanced physique.
During the last two weeks before the marriage, slow down on hardcore cardio. Pay more attention to yoga, stretching and light walking. This will make you appear fit without appearing too tired.
On diet, eat clean. It does not imply getting to eat dull food. It is the eating of rice instead of string hoppers at night, grilled fish instead of fried fish, and of a fruit instead of a biscuit. Stay hydrated. Cut down on salt to prevent bloating.
Month 3 Goal: Be the best you can be and feel great when you walk down the aisle.
Etiquette unique to Sri Lankan Weddings
To brides: What you wear is important. Discuss with your trainer your neckline. Deep-back sari or blouse requires certain back exercises. A sleeveless appearance requires some arm work. Be specific.
To grooms: The Sri Lankan grooms are mostly dressed in a complete suit or national dress. You can see both shoulders, and they are in a good position. Concentrate on being tall and increasing the strength of the upper body.
In both cases, do not implement a new diet or supplement during the last 2 weeks before the wedding. Your skin and stomach need time to adjust to changes. On the actual day, the last thing you want is to have a reaction or to bloat.
Locate a gym that has a flexible schedule. The process of planning a wedding is hectic and uncertain. Find a gym in Nugegoda, Rajagiriya or around your house that provides early morning or late-night classes.
The Most Significant Notice.
It is not about being married that you are fit. It is also about being strong, confident and healthy on one of the most significant days of your life.
Start today. Be consistent. And keep in mind, your partner did not select you to be any different.
Your wedding day celebrates love, not perfection. Start moving today, stay consistent for three months, and walk down that aisle feeling strong, confident, and completely yourself.
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