A six-month workout guide for the bride-to-be

With her wedding just months away, Lindsey Woodward, like many brides-to-be, set a few personal goals to hit before the big day.

She wanted to be stronger and leaner, and make better eating choices,so she could fit into her dress. Woodward saw a bridal boot camp program advertised at a bridal show, so she signed up.

“I knew I needed to do something to lose weight, and I hated going to the gym,” says the 28-year-old from Bowling Green, Ky.

Eight months—and a lot of hard work—later, Woodward had lost 20 pounds.

She toned up with squats, crunches and burpees, but the key to her success, she says, was finding a workout program she enjoyed. Sweating it out didn’t feel like a chore.

“The best part about boot camp is you don’t feel like you’re working out,” she says. “The instructor makes every class fun, and makes sure you’re working every part of your body.”

Allison Millet is the instructor who makes things fun for Woodward and other brides through her business, Bowling Green Backyard Boot Camp. She helped Woodward gear up for her wedding, and says having fun while exercising is the best way to feel the burn without getting burned out.

“It’s all about finding something you love to do, and moving every day,” Millet says.

Month 1: Easing into exercise

Brides-to-be who don’t have a fitness routine should talk to their doctor before starting an exercise program, Millet says. They can help you understand what your body can handle, and how to build endurance and strength.

Spend the first month finding exercises you enjoy, making them a regular part of your day. Try to incorporate them as much as you can.

“Focus on cardio activities, whether that is walking, jogging or swimming,” she says. “Pick something that you love, or at least something you don’t hate.”

Months 2-3: Building strength, even at home

Maybe you’re too busy to hit the gym, or you’re scrimping every penny for the big day. Use furniture and appliances around the house to build muscle and tone up. If you’ve turned into a cardio queen in the first two months, use the third month to incorporate more strength work.

Try using a kitchen chair or your couch to firm up your arms with triceps dips. Or tone up your lower body with step-ups onto a chair. Try standard pushups and pushups against the wall, too, Millet says.

Months 4-5: Use your brain and get creative

Once you’ve nailed down your cardio and strength routines, get your creative juices flowing online.

“There are some really cool workouts on Pinterest,” Millet says. “One has you write exercises on Popsicle sticks—jumping jacks, squat jumps, calf raises—then put them in a jar and draw 20 out of there. You’ve got to make it as mindless as possible, because brides already have so much on their minds.”

Month 6: Not flying solo anymore

Get a friend, personal trainer or your fiance to hold you accountable.

As planning responsibilities ramp up in the final months before the wedding, Millet says extra support makes a huge difference.

“Find an accountability partner, a boot camp, anything where you’re going to have somebody or something to get motivated,” she says.

If you’re struggling to reach your goals, don’t beat yourself up. Be realistic, and accomplish what you can, Woodward says.

A workout routine is just like planning your wedding. It won’t be !00% perfect, but you can still plan for success.

“You have to set goals, both short-term, and long-term goals,” Woodward says. “Create a plan and stick to it. You must hold yourself accountable.”