It may be the most wonderful time of the year, just maybe not for hitting the gym and sticking to a well-rounded diet. For brides trying to stay in tip-top shape for their wedding day, this time of year traditionally poses a whole new set of stressers and challenges: shorter days tend to mean less exercise time and more post-work couch time. But local trainer Todd Bauer says his Wedding Reset is the perfect balance of a nutritional and exercise regimen.
A Baltimore native, Bauer originally became interested in physical fitness because as a young teenager, Bauer struggled with his own weight and unhealthy nutritional lifestyle. Bauer says he, “loved food but also wanted to look good.” High school was the turning point for him, at which time he put more effort into his exercise routine and kept a closer eye on what was on his dinner plate. After many combinations and permutations of both activity and diet–because as Bauer puts it you, “can’t outwork your fork,” he was able to strike a balance that was both manageable and realistic for his long-term success.
Since graduating from Salisbury University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science, Bauer has worked in the personal training field in Baltimore for over 11 years, including the Merritt Athletic Club on Fort Avenue, managing the gym at Silo Point and The Sanctuary Bodyworks in Fells Point, and working one-on-one with A-list celebrity clients visiting Baltimore for various long-term projects. Additionally, Bauer has specialty certifications in nutrition, pre/post natal exercise programming, corrective exercise and golf conditioning. Bauer and his newlywed Liz Dennis (the couple tied the knot in their backyard in October and yes, Bauer trained Dennis by the Wedding Reset method) have taken their Life Reset business out of the city and set up shop at their home, The Farmette at 4424, where Bauer has built a brand-new gym amidst a serene bucolic setting in Baltimore County.
But why brides? Bauer credits his many years as a top trainer at the Merritt Athletic Club on Fort Avenue, where many of his twenty-something clients started asking him for advice about how to get in shape for the big day. Bauer instantly realized the need for an organized program targeting women who were working with a condensed timeline to reach their goals. Bauer, who says his world consists less of the cross-fit or power lifting mantras instead focuses more on workout routines that deliver “sleek toned bodies.” Bauer’s program received overwhelmingly positive responses and he quickly accumulated a strong client following. To help manage the every increasing number of referrals, Bauer decided to officially brand his programs so he could cast a wider net by making his guidelines more accessible. It was about two years ago when the Todd Bauer Life Reset was set into motion with its sister program Wedding Reset following a year later.
The Wedding Reset differentiates from the Life Reset in that the 30-day program is entirely choreographed with a wedding date in mind. For example, after an initial in-person meeting, Todd tailors the generalities of the Wedding Reset to be unique to the needs of his client depending on where they are on day one and where they want to be on wedding day. From there, Bauer formulates a 30-day plan that outlines exactly what to eat (and what to not) in order to cut down on bloat, encourage a glowing complexion, and help those newly toned muscle groups shine and thrive – i.e. put down the bread and pick up the sweet potato. Clients are able to tailor the program to fit their needs both financially and logistically. While some clients opt for the full Reset monty, which includes nutritional guidance, customized exercise programming, four personal training sessions, meal planning, grocery lists and recipe guidance, cooking and food preparation instruction, and pre/post measurements; others prefer a more DIY approach and only wish to check in with Bauer on a question by question basis. For example, you’re in the grocery aisle and wondering if you can buy certain produce, just shoot Bauer a text. For all of his clients, Bauer promises, “I’m at your fingertips at any point of the day.”
There is no shortage of fitness options for Bauer’s clients. Depending on what package the client purchases, Bauer will partner his brides up with different trainers around town based on her individual needs and goals. On off-training days, brides can still get their sweat on at a variety of sponsor clubs around town where Bauer has discounted offers available to all clients. Offers include a 30 day membership at REV Cycle Studio; a free month of yoga at any Charm City Yogalocation; 15% off beauty services during your 30 day Wedding Reset at Studio 921; free tune ups and 20% off all merchandise at Race Pace Bicycles; four free classes at Sanctuary Body Works; and a free customized shoe fitting at Charm City Run. A girl has options! Bauer wants encourage a well-rounded workout routine that excites and motivates and doesn’t only rely on personal training sessions for fitness. Bauer says he is committed to lining up whatever the client is interested in with the hope that the clients forms a strong connection to the exercise and becomes “something that inspires them to keep moving.”
Although Bauer describes his Wedding Reset as the “push across the finish line,” he feels the knowledge his clients gain during the 30 days are sustainable habits that will help keep his brides healthy long after the final dance song.
