Photo by MK Loeffler Photography

If you’re trying to get in shape for your wedding, it’s a good idea to enlist a buddy to get you off the couch (yes, we know Top Chef  is on), and get moving! And who better to motivate you than your spouse to be? Instead of the standard dinner-and-a-movie, make your date nights more activity-focused and we promise, you’ll reap the benefits. Here are some of our favorite ideas for creative (and romantic!) dates.

Take a Walk Make a stroll around your neighborhood a nightly ritual. Instead of lounging in front of the TV, take some time each evening to walk hand-in-hand and recount the day’s events. It’s a nice way to unwind and reconnect after a busy day. Motivate each other to walk as much as possible – whether it means forgoing the car for your morning commute or even taking hikes together on the weekends.

Get Cooking We know – your favorite Chinese place delivers in seven minutes or less. But the health benefits of preparing your own meals are innumerable. Spend some time each weekend planning out the week’s menu and head to your local farmer’s market to pick out the freshest produce (another romantic outing idea!).

Clean Up Doing housework together is a productive way to get moving. Spend some time each week cleaning your home from top to bottom, as well as handling any repairs. From sweeping the floors to changing lightbulbs, performing household tasks can get your heart pumping.

Wind Down If wedding planning plus the rest of your busy lives has the two of you majorly stressed, take some time to unwind together. We think yoga is a great option – focusing on your breath and working on your strength and stamina can take your mind off all the drama.

Go Dancing Prepare for your moment in the spotlight by taking dance lessons. Instead of standing and swaying side-to-side during your first dance, you’ll develop some smooth moves that will absolutely wow your guests – and help you get toned in the process.

How are you and your fiance getting in shape together? Let us know in the comments!

Gown by Ines Di Santo, photo by Dan Lecca

As you set out on your mission to find that stunning gown, those sparkling earrings and perfect shoes, don’t forget about the most coveted bridal accessory: sleek, sculpted arms. If you’ve been slacking in that department, don’t fret. The upper body is the quickest to respond to exercise and, with a little discipline and a solid plan, can be surprisingly easy to tone. These simple tips and targeted moves will put you on the fast track to lean, firm arms you’ll be proud to flaunt down the aisle. The simple exercises below are designed to strengthen the major muscles in your arms – but make sure you warm up for five minutes before starting and stretch afterward!

Photo: The Nichols

All eyes will be on you as you walk down the aisle on your wedding day. That’s why many brides are serious about getting in shape and striking a balance between eating healthy and exercising beforehand. Don’t let working out become an added stress on top of all the wedding planning though. Take into consideration your height, weight (don’t let the scale scare you) and level of activity before you set your goals. Be realistic. It doesn’t mean you should purchase your wedding gown four sizes smaller in hopes of losing all that weight. What if you don’t? Getting in shape before your wedding means you will need to make effective not dramatic changes to your lifestyle, and remember, it’s okay to reward yourself. Of course, with non-food treats like a manicure, pedicure or massage. The best side effect of getting in shape, you may ask? All the energy you will have to dance the night away at your reception.

Which exercise did you find the most rewarding? Let us know in the poll below!

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Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, no matter which one-of-a-kind, custom-fit dress she bought, but in order to look her best, she needs to feel her best too.  Starting a regime of eating better and exercising months or weeks before your wedding will help you and your future hubby look healthy and feel refreshed the day of. Here are our top picks (and skips) to eat before and after saying, “I do.”

1. Oatmeal 

For breakfast, enjoy a bowl of oatmeal sprinkled with chia seeds. The oatmeal keeps your blood-sugars steady and absorbes glucose while the chia seeds, which are the highest source of omega-3′s, keep your skin glowing from head to toe.

Photo: Shape

Photo by MK Loeffler Photography

Even if your wedding is still many months away, it’s important to start a beauty and fitness regime right now so your hair, skin, and body will be in peak condition for your wedding day. Here are some ideas on how to get started.

Wash Your Face Sounds simple, but when you’re busy, tired, and stressed, your skin care regimen may be the first to go out the window. Be diligent about not only washing your face, but also moisturizing, wearing sunscreen (every day!), and even getting facials or using face masks.

Start Growing Out Your Hair Whether you want a full updo or long, loose, luxurious locks on your wedding day, it’s a good idea to start growing your hair out now. While you certainly can use extensions on your wedding day for a fuller look, it’s often easiest and less expensive if you go au naturel. While you’re growing out your hair, be sure to get trims every so often as well as deep conditioning treatments to keep your locks healthy and shiny.

Get a Workout Buddy Whether it’s a fellow newly engaged friend, your significant other, even your mom, it’s a good idea to have a friend to exercise with and motivate you when you’d rather lounge on the couch watching Here Comes Honey Boo Boo than run laps. Even if you’re not trying to lose weight for your wedding day, it’s important to start an exercise routine to build stamina for the long night of dancing you have ahead of you.

Stay Healthy It’s important to take a multivitamin on a regular basis and stay hydrated by drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day. By staying away from junk food, you’ll have more energy and your body will certainly thank you.

Maintain Your Hands and Feet Well-manicured hands will allow your gorgeous new ring to shine even more. Exfoliate and moisturize your hands (and feet!) regularly and indulge in manicures and pedicures when you can.

How are you getting your skin, hair, and body ready for your wedding day? Let us know in the comments.