Welcome to the official one-year countdown until my wedding (you know I wouldn’t miss the chance to make it about me!). I’m getting married in August 2026, and I want these next 12 months to be incredibly intentional. Not just about picking florals or obsessing over RSVP spreadsheets, but about preparing to show up as the version of myself I know I’ll look back on and feel proud of.
Let’s first state the obvious: Somewhere along the way, preparing for your wedding became synonymous with cutting carbs, overtraining, and shelling out thousands of dollars for facials. I’m not here to judge anyone who finds empowerment in changing their body, but when I close my eyes and picture my wedding, I’m not thinking about how toned my arms are or if my jawline is snatched in photos. I’m laughing with my husband, I’m crying through my vows, I’m dancing until my feet hurt. I’m present. And I know that if I spend the next year micromanaging every inch of how my body looks, I’ll carry that habit with me into the moment I most want to be fully in.
“This isn’t about my wedding being the best day of my life—it’s about using this milestone as a reason to become the woman I want to be for the rest of it.”
There’s a big difference between prioritizing your health for you and doing it because you’ve internalized a belief that you have to be smaller, more sculpted, or perfect to be worthy of being a bride. So this is not about how you look; it’s about how present, energized, clear, and well you can be so you can feel as amazing as possible on this day and (more importantly) in your life.
I know that “preparing” a year out may sound excessive, but this isn’t about some crash transformation in the final weeks. I don’t want to punish myself into glow-up mode. I want this year to feel spacious and to treat my body in ways that feel good—not because I’m chasing a goal weight, but because I want to feel energized, grounded, and clear. This isn’t about my wedding being the best day of my life—it’s about using this milestone as a reason to become the woman I want to be for the rest of it. So whether you’re also in your bridal era or you’re just ready to step into your best self, here is my wellness routine, one year before my wedding.
Source: Josie Santi
Exercise
These are the routines that have helped me feel more energized and connected to my body, which is exactly the version of me I want to be on my wedding day.
Walking As The Main Priority
I get it—walking doesn’t sound groundbreaking. But if you could bottle the benefits of walking into a supplement, it would be the top-selling wellness product of all time. Walking is gentle on your nervous system, it does not spike your cortisol like more intense workouts (in fact, it can help lower cortisol levels); it helps your body detoxify through lymphatic drainage; you’re getting cardiovascular benefits and muscle benefits; it is the most powerful form of exercise I have seen for fat loss; it strengthens your bone health; and walking after eating helps with stabilizing glucose levels and digestion. When you’re walking outside, you’re getting vitamin D exposure from the sun and balancing your circadian rhythm for better energy and sleep. It is truly a miracle exercise, and it’s completely free and enjoyable. Many days I am now walking as the workout, opting for a 45-minute walk instead of a 45-minute gym session, knowing it will often serve me more.
Megaformer Classes 2-3x a Week
I’ve been doing Lagree or Megaformer classes two to three times a week because I’ve found that it’s the most effective strengthening for me. Lagree is a low-impact, high-intensity workout method designed to target slow-twitch muscle fibers through slow, controlled movements that keep your muscles under constant tension. The Megaformer is the machine Lagree is typically done on (it looks similar to a Pilates reformer), designed with moving platforms, springs, and resistance cables to intensify each movement and challenge balance, endurance, and strength all at once.
I do one full-body class, one class focused on upper body & abs, and one class focused on glutes & abs. That split allows me to target specific muscle groups and actually let them recover, which can be more effective for strengthening than full-body workouts every day. I’m also focusing more on the upper body than usual because upper-body strength supports posture (more on that later). While I go to studio classes near me, you can also get a Lagree-style workout at home by using sliders (or socks/towels on hardwood floors) for lunges, planks, and pikes to mimic Megaformer movements, and go really slow; the key to Lagree is tempo (e.g., four seconds up, four seconds down) to build time under tension and burn out the muscles.
Dance Class 1-2x a Week
I go to a dance class once or twice a week, and the main reason for this is joy (even though dancing is also a killer workout). The most effective form of movement is the one that feels like home to your body. For me, that’s dance. It’s not about burning calories or sculpting muscle; it’s about expression, aliveness, and joy. My body responds to it in a way that feels almost instinctive, and that, I think, is the point of exercise to begin with. When movement is rooted in pleasure instead of punishment, it becomes sustainable. I have always intuitively believed the body responds to the form of movement that feels most natural and enjoyable to you. I love going to small dance classes locally (it’s such a fun thing to do in community #thirdplace), but there are so many good ones for free online.
Adjusting For My Cycle
While the above is my general weekly plan, I always adjust my movement around my reproductive cycle. In the days leading up to and during my period, I tend to pause exercise completely. It’s a conscious rest for my body, not a fallback. Later in my luteal phase, I gravitate toward hot yoga, letting the heat and slow stretching help me release tension (and definitely do not look at it like an intense workout I need to push through). During my follicular and ovulatory phases (about the two weeks after my period ends), I’ll typically crave more intensity (because estrogen and testosterone peak, boosting energy, strength, and motivation for higher-impact movement), so I’ll add in an extra dance class or add in some jogging to my walks for more cardio. I look at cycle syncing as less about following rules and more about listening to my body, honoring the ebbs and flows instead of trying to override them to stay in routine. That—I know without a doubt—serves my body so much more than “structure.”
Posture Focus
I have become obsessed with posture work. Good posture might be the most underrated glow-up tool. Aligning your body properly (see: the opposite of slouching over screens) does more than ease aches and pains: it literally shifts the way you feel, think, and show up in the world. When your spine, shoulders, and neck are aligned, it supports everything from mood to energy. It naturally elongates your frame, engages core and back muscles, and improves circulation and breath, which supports skin glow and energy, all while signaling confidence and calm. To improve my posture, I’m strengthening my back during workouts, doing a series of body weight exercises daily, and being more mindful as much as possible about training my muscles to maintain proper alignment (which means aligning your head, shoulders, and hips so your spine stays neutral, core is gently engaged, and weight is evenly distributed, whether you’re standing or sitting).
Source: Josie Santi
Nutrition
FYI, my diet is the same as it always is because my body deserves the same fuel and love, whether I’m going to be a bride or not. But here are the nutrition principles that work best for me:
Protein & Fiber
My general focus is getting in more protein and fiber with every meal (not because any macronutrient is more important than others, but because fats and other carbohydrates come easily to me). Protein is beneficial for hormonal health, metabolism, and building and sustaining muscle, while fiber is crucial for assisting with the body’s detoxification and gut health. So think lots of fruits and vegetables (especially getting a wide variety for gut health) and a clean whole-food protein source at every meal (meat, fish, tofu, tempeh, beans, etc.). Click here for more protein hacks if you’re plant-based, and click here for protein bars I have on hand when I’m on the go.
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory foods help lower chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to issues like bloating, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, and even skin flare-ups. These foods are typically rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats (especially omega 3 fatty acids)—think: leafy greens, berries, turmeric, olive oil, and flaxseeds. They work by calming the immune response and supporting gut and cellular health. Incorporating more of them can help you feel clearer and more energized from the inside out.
My Anti-Inflammatory MVPs:
- Turmeric: I love a turmeric latte with black pepper and cinnamon, or I sprinkle turmeric on roasted sweet potatoes. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is one of the most researched anti-inflammatory agents available.
- Wild blueberries: I buy these tiny blueberries frozen, and they’re packed with antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and support brain health.
- Fatty fish (like salmon or sardines): are rich in omega-3s, which actively help lower inflammation markers in the body. You can also get omega-3s from chia or flax seeds or walnuts.
- Ginger: I drink ginger tea or grate it fresh into stir fries and dressings. It’s anti-inflammatory, great for digestion, and helps calm bloating.
- Green tea: A powerhouse source of EGCG, a compound known to reduce inflammation and support liver detox. Plus, it gives a gentler caffeine boost than coffee.
Supporting detoxification systems of the body
Your body is designed to detox on its own—no juice cleanse or expensive supplements required. But certain foods can support and enhance your natural detox systems by supporting the health of your liver, kidneys, gut, and lymphatic system. Cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, beets, lemon, and herbs like cilantro and dandelion are especially helpful for boosting liver enzymes and promoting toxin elimination. Including these regularly can support clearer skin, better digestion, balanced hormones, and a lighter, more energized feeling overall.
My Detox MVPs:
- Cruciferous veggies: like broccoli, cauliflower, arugula, and Brussels sprouts are rich in sulforaphane, a compound that boosts your liver’s Phase II detox enzymes. Basically, these help your body neutralize and eliminate toxins more efficiently.
- Beets: Rich in betalains, which support liver function and increase the production of glutathione, the master antioxidant your body needs for detox.
- Lemon: The vitamin C helps your liver produce bile, which is key for breaking down fats and eliminating waste. I add lemon to warm water in the morning, salad dressings, or roasted veggies.
- Cilantro and parsley: Help bind to heavy metals and support detox pathways, especially when eaten raw.
- Fiber in general (yes, her again): Helps sweep out waste through your digestive system. Without enough fiber, toxins your liver processes can get reabsorbed. Think: chia seeds, oats, lentils, berries, avocado.
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage has become one of the cornerstones of my glow-up routine. Not just for the aesthetic perks like reduced puffiness and brighter skin, but also because the lymphatic system is essential to how we detox, digest, and feel overall. Unlike the cardiovascular system, which has the heart to keep things moving, the lymphatic system has no built-in pump. It relies entirely on movement: breath, muscle contraction, and manual stimulation. When it’s sluggish or stagnant, it can show up as bloating, brain fog, fatigue, dull skin, and inflammation. But when your lymph flows properly, you feel lighter, clearer, and more energized. I dry brush before showers (starting by gently opening the lymph nodes), practice legs up the wall nightly, massage my abdomen in the shower to support digestion, walk daily, sweat regularly, and prioritize deep, diaphragmatic breathing. Click here for everything you need to do lymphatic drainage at home.
Sleep
Sleep will always be a top priority, but right now it’s especially a non-negotiable. In a world wired for stress, stimulation, and constant blue light exposure, we have to be intentional about how we wind down. And this is essential for health because sleep is when the body works to repair itself: the brain removes toxins, the immune system fights inflammation and bacteria, the skin rejuvenates skin cells, and the growth hormone is released to stimulate muscle growth. The general recommendation is at least seven hours (but women often need more). It’s the ultimate beauty and wellness treatment, and yet it’s often the first thing we sacrifice. And while “just get more sleep” sounds simple, quality sleep takes strategy. As someone who’s never been a naturally good sleeper, I’ve spent years testing every tip, supplement, and ritual. Click here for my nighttime checklist that’s completely transformed my sleep.
My Relationship
I know this is the part of my wellness routine you were not expecting. But we put so much energy, time, and thought into preparing the wedding, and somehow don’t think to prepare for the marriage. And trust me, I’m not pretending to be chill about my wedding, but I also want to give just as much intention to building the foundation beneath it: What kind of marriage do we want? How do we want to communicate, love, grow, and show up for each other in 30 years from now? So we’ve been prioritizing couples therapy, weekly check-ins, and deepened communication—like strength training for our relationship. Because doesn’t your relationship deserve at least as much glow-up energy as your skincare? No matter how devoted you are to your well-being, the way you feel on your wedding day—your joy, your presence, your energy—will ultimately reflect the strength of your relationship. That’s the real glow-up—everything else is just a bonus.
Josie Santi, Senior Wellness Editor, Holistic Health Coach, & Podcast Host
Josie has been an editor and writer for The Everygirl since 2017 and became a certified Holistic Health Coach in 2020. As the Senior Wellness Editor, she oversees, writes, and edits wellness content, as well as reports on wellness trends and interviews the industry’s leading experts. Listen to Josie on The Everygirl Podcast.
Feature graphic images credited to: @josie.santi, Isa Sahim | Dupe, Aino Luo | Dupe, Caroline Taborda | Dupe, Mish Falero | Dupe, Fiona Calwell | Dupe, Ella McMeans | Dupe, Kristyna | Dupe
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Source: Cosmo Politian
