If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “Don’t measure me yet—I still have time to lose weight before the wedding,” this episode of Martini Mondays is for you.
As part of our Health & Beauty Month series, I sat down with my friend, trainer, and founder of Build It Athletics, Brent Locey, to talk about one of the biggest stressors brides face during wedding planning: feeling confident in their own skin. What I loved most about our conversation was that it wasn’t about crash dieting or chasing a number on the scale. It was about building healthy habits, feeling strong, and creating a sustainable approach to wellness that lasts far beyond the wedding day.
The Biggest Bridal Fitness Myth? The Scale Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
One of the first topics Brent and I tackled was the obsession many brides have with a specific number on the scale. As a bridal stylist, I hear it all the time.
“Don’t measure me yet. I’m going to lose weight.”
Brent challenged that mindset by explaining that body composition matters far more than a number. Through strength training and proper nutrition, many women actually gain lean muscle while losing body fat. The result? They look and feel stronger, healthier, and more confident—even if the scale doesn’t move the way they expected.
His advice was simple: focus on how you feel, not just what the scale says.
Wedding Prep Shouldn’t Mean Crash Diets
If you’re getting married in a few months and considering an extreme diet, Brent wants you to stop right there.
According to him, sustainable results come from consistency—not deprivation. Rather than starving yourself or spending hours doing cardio every day, he recommends a realistic approach that allows you to enjoy your engagement season while still working toward your goals.
His ideal timeline?
Start about three months before the wedding if your goal is to make noticeable changes. This allows enough time to create healthy habits, build strength, and lose weight at a sustainable pace without adding unnecessary stress to an already busy season.
Strength Training Is the Secret Weapon
Confession: Before working with Brent, I thought endless cardio was the answer.
I was wrong.
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was the importance of strength training. Brent explained that if brides want toned arms, stronger posture, and that sculpted look in photos, strength training needs to be part of the plan.
The best part?
You don’t need to spend hours in the gym.
Brent’s bridal programs typically include:
- Strength training three days per week
- Workouts lasting only 30–45 minutes
- Flexible at-home or gym-based options
- Cardio that’s sustainable and enjoyable rather than exhausting
As someone who has personally followed his programming, I can tell you firsthand that the results are worth it.
Your Mental Health Matters, Too
One of my favorite parts of the conversation was discussing how fitness impacts mental health.
Wedding planning can be stressful. Between guest lists, budgets, family dynamics, showers, fittings, and timelines, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Brent emphasized that exercise isn’t just about changing your body—it’s about managing stress, boosting confidence, improving mood, and creating healthy coping mechanisms.
I couldn’t agree more.
The days I work out consistently are the days I feel more energized, focused, and prepared to tackle everything on my to-do list.
Nutrition Doesn’t Have to Be Miserable
Another myth Brent loves to bust?
Healthy eating does not mean chicken, broccoli, and sadness.
Instead, he follows the 80/20 rule:
- 80% of the time, eat according to your goals.
- 20% of the time, enjoy life.
Pizza night? Have it.
Date night? Enjoy it.
A dirty martini with your fiancé? Cheers.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s consistency.
Brent also stressed the importance of protein, especially for women who are strength training. Proper nutrition helps fuel workouts, support muscle growth, and keep energy levels high throughout wedding planning.
Couples That Sweat Together…
One topic that made me laugh was discussing couples workouts.
Many of you know that before our wedding, Jaysen and I practically lived at SoulCycle. Looking back, those early morning workouts became one of our favorite ways to spend time together before getting married.
Brent believes fitness can be a fantastic way for couples to connect, build healthy habits, and support one another throughout engagement and marriage. (Just maybe don’t critique each other’s form during the workout.)
Fitness Should Fit Your Life
One thing I truly appreciate about Brent’s approach is that he meets people where they are.
Whether you’re:
- A busy bride
- A mother of the bride
- A working professional
- A parent juggling a million responsibilities
Fitness shouldn’t feel impossible.
Through Build It Athletics’ virtual coaching platform, Brent provides customized workouts, nutrition guidance, accountability, and support—all designed to fit into real life.
Because let’s be honest: wedding planning is already a full-time job.
My Biggest Takeaway
If there’s one lesson I hope brides take from this conversation, it’s this:
You do not need to become a different person to walk down the aisle.
You don’t need a crash diet.
You don’t need to spend hours on a treadmill.
You don’t need to obsess over a number on the scale.
You simply deserve to feel healthy, strong, confident, and like the best version of yourself.
And that confidence? That’s what everyone will notice on your wedding day.
Connect with Brent Locey & Build It Athletics
Want to learn more about Brent’s coaching programs, virtual training, or bridal fitness plans?
Follow Brent Locey and Build It Athletics on social media for fitness tips, nutrition guidance, and personalized coaching support.
And if you haven’t listened to the full episode yet, be sure to catch it on Martini Mondays—available on YouTube, Spotify, and right here on the A.C.E Styling website. 🍸✨
