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Before you walk down the aisle, should you start running on a treadmill? What’s the best way to get in shape before your big day? We asked Nathan Aronson of Dogg Pound Fitness in Metairie for some tips for brides and grooms who want to look their best on their wedding day and/or while on their honeymoons. Here’s what Nathan had to say.
Weddings in New Orleans: Nathan, what do you tell brides and grooms who come to you to get in shape for their weddings?
Nathan: I tell them to focus on strength, training and protein. I encourage them to lift weights 2 to 3 times a week, as heavy as they can, and eat at least 1 g of protein per pound of ideal body weight.
Weddings in New Orleans: Have you helped many people get in shape before they say I do?
Nathan: Yes, weddings, vacations and reunions are some of the top reasons people want to get in shape. A lot of people want new bodies after divorces, too, but I guess we don’t want to get into that here. In my opinion, you should do it for your wedding but, more importantly, do it for you, your future, and your future life and family.
Weddings in New Orleans: When should you start a pre-wedding exercise routine?
Nathan: The sooner you start, the better. Don’t wait until the last minute and make sure that you set reasonable expectations. You can’t expect to lose 100 pounds in 6 months.
Weddings in New Orleans: If you start six months before your wedding, how much weight or how many dress sizes can you expect to go down?
Nathan: 1-2 lbs per week is a reasonable expectation. Dress size will depend on strength training as well. We want to reshape the body composition, not shrink it.
Weddings in New Orleans: Should you do it alone or together? For instance, do you do classes with a bride and all her bridesmaids or sessions with a future bride and groom?
Nathan: Sure! Doing it together is always fun and you benefit from a support system. Still, you need to find what works for you and makes you stick with it. This is about your goals.
Weddings in New Orleans: In your experience, do grooms care as much about how they look on their wedding day as brides do?
Nathan: Absolutely! Fortunately for men, suits and tuxedos really cover up a lot, but some broad shoulders doesn’t hurt.
Wedding in New Orleans: So guys care, too, huh?
Nathan: Oh, yeah. I’ve had guy clients who want to look their best for Fantasy Football draft with their buddies.
Weddings in New Orleans: Hah! So why is getting in shape with a personal trainer better than attempting it on your own?
Nathan: It’s an accountability holder and someone that will and should push you harder each session. Workouts should be logged with a focus on progressive overload. (Adding more weight each session.)
Weddings in New Orleans: How much should you expect to pay for a personal trainer in the New Orleans area?
Nathan: You can expect to pay $50-100 per hour, depending on location of session and trainer.
To start your pre-wedding fitness plan, contact Nathan at Dogg Pound Fitness at 504.450.4542 or send him an email at naronson78@mac.com. Follow him on Instagram @naronson78.
Go To: Are You a Tux Guy or A Suit Guy?