The Key to Looking Good at Your Wedding

Tux on, belly off. Engaged men are more motivated to drop pounds if they're planning formal weddings, finds new research in the journal Appetite.

In a study at Cornell University, grooms-to-be who were more involved in prep also put greater emphasis on their ideal wedding weight than passive planners. The average difference between a guy's weight at the time of the study and his wedding goal: 9.61 pounds.

So why does a fancy affair get men moving more than a casual celebration? Researchers say since the cultural standard of weddings is generally classy, anticipating a formal party may make you focus more on your wedding weight and appearance. (Especially when 200 friends and family members are staring at you all day long.) But men planning something low-key "may feel more comfortable going off-script," and therefore don't have as much pressure to hit a certain wedding weight, says lead study author Lori Klos, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Getting hitched soon? No matter the size of your wedding, we've got a workout that'll help you look the part of the dashing groom on the big day—and the honeymoon. This 8-week plan from strength and conditioning coach John Alvino is designed to broaden your shoulders and melt your middle so that you'll not only look great walking down the aisle, but chilling on a beach in Costa Rica, too. Click here to try The Wedding Workout.

If you liked this story, you'll love these:

• 5 Manly Ways to Plan Your Wedding
• How to Survive Wedding Season
• 3 Signs You're Not Ready to Get Married

1. Prev:3 Smart Snacks for Building Muscle and Losing Fat
2. Next:Go to Gym, Get Paid, Repeat