You've set the date - congratulations!

Right now you'll be thinking about all the things that need to be planned for your dream wedding: venue, invitations, photographers, flowers, car, catering, honeymoon and, of course, what you're going to wear. With all this to plan, upping your physical activity is probably the last thing on your mind at this early stage. Read on though, as I hope you'll see why it should become one of the first boxes to tick on your wedding to-do list...

If you've planned to lose weight for the big day...

...wedding dresses and formal wear may well be ordered up to a year before the wedding and, depending on the style, you might have to factor in any anticipated weight loss so that you get as close to a perfect size for your fitting day. In this case, you really need to think about beginning your exercise journey as soon as possible, so that you are not left trying to shed pounds with just weeks to go. A last minute approach will not only put you under more pressure, but rapid pre-wedding weight loss is likely to be followed by rapid post-honeymoon weight gain. Starting sooner rather than later also allows you to build your fitness levels gradually, and at a pace that you are comfortable with. This takes away the pressure of trying to make up for lost time in the 11th hour. But weight loss should not be the only reason why you start your exercise programme now...

Radiate health and vitality on your happiest day...

Exercise will certainly help you look great, but more importantly, it will help you feel great too. You'll know what I mean when you encounter people that exercise regularly; they seem to radiate a glow of vitality from the shine in their eyes and the brightness in their faces. What could be more important on the happiest day than a radiant smile and energy that will lift you and your guests while being captured in those special photographs.

And of course, aside from looking and feeling great, your programme will give you some valuable 'me-time'; and with all the planning and organising, this will probably be most welcome.

Bespoke programmes for brides and grooms...

We have some great packages that can be tailored to meet your exacting needs and timescales. You can choose from 10-week to 12-month programmes with varying levels of one-to-one and group training. Programmes include exercise, nutrition and lifestyle advice and are designed to encourage long term participation in physical activity. On the longer programmes, early months of training can be performed in small groups of 3 to 4; these save you money and are designed to establish a good base level of fitness with a maintainable rate of weight loss. As you get closer to the day, the training becomes more focused on your individual goals. And whatever your aims, by this stage you'll have the fitness and skills for your trainer to push you that little bit harder, safely and effectively; which is far better than diving in with a month to spare.

So why not make a start now, and use this one-time opportunity to begin something special; not just for your wedding, but for your new life together.