Justine after becoming a Buff Bride
Justine before becoming a Buff Bride
Buff Brides: The Experience
So, what did Justine
really think about the
Buff Brides experience? We asked her! Find out what she liked and disliked about the program and check out how much weight she lost.
Justine's Final Stats
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 133 lbs. (from 155 lbs.)
Suit size: Jacket 2 to 4; Pants 6 to 8 (from Jacket 6 to 8; Pants 10-12)
Total Pounds Lost: 22 lbs.
During
Buff Brides I met with my trainer three times a week for a combination of strength training, cardio and endurance training. Our sessions were early in the morning, before work. Everyone thought I was nuts to roll out of bed and head to the gym while it was still dark out — but I knew that I would be the most motivated in the mornings. After being at work all day, the last thing I'd want to do would be head to the gym — going before work meant starting my day out in a really productive, healthy way. It gave me a good psychological push. I'd also do cardio on my own about twice a week.
As for diet, I wasn't too strict with myself. I cut down on junk-food snacks, but I didn't make many other major changes. I love healthy foods, anyway — I also love chips and ice cream. So, the healthy stuff stayed and the junk went bye-bye. Right before the wedding, though, I got a bit stricter with myself regarding carbs: I didn't eat any after 5 p.m., at the suggestion of my trainer.
Q: What was your favorite part of the experience?
A: I loved going to my training sessions. There were times when I wasn't in the mood, or I didn't feel energetic — but I went anyway. And I always had a good time. I had fun venting to my trainer about wedding planning and my job. I felt that every minute of exercise was an investment in my future health; working out was a great way to de-stress.
Q: What was your least favorite part of the experience?
A: Knowing that this was all going to air on TV. I participated in
Buff Brides despite the fact that it would be on TV, not
because of it. I'm really happy that I got the personal training out of it, but I don't love the idea of everything being shared with the world of TV-watchers. But that's the price I had to pay and it was worth it.
Q: Who was your biggest cheerleader?
A: I really felt supported by everyone: Tom, my family, my friends. They all were so excited about my opportunity to work with a trainer, and they gave me words of support (and hugs!) during the process that really encouraged me.
Q: Do you think you'd have been as happy on your wedding day if you hadn't lost the weight?
A: I'd like to think that I would have been as happy on my wedding day, no matter what I looked like. But I know I wouldn't have felt as
comfortable on my wedding day without
Buff Brides — since I'd gotten in shape, I didn't have to worry about how I'd look in pictures. I didn't feel like I needed to cover my arms, etc.
Q: What would you have done differently in regard to the wedding?
A: Our only regret is that we didn't hire a professional videographer. We were trying to watch our budget, but we wish now that we had splurged a bit on that.
