Preparing for Your Wedding Ceremony in Colorado: A Couple’s Guide

Summary

Planning your wedding ceremony in Colorado starts with choosing the right wedding officiant in Denver to guide your special day. From breathtaking mountain backdrops to elegant city venues, this guide offers expert tips for planning a memorable, stress-free celebration. Learn how a professional wedding officiant in Colorado personalizes your ceremony.

Key Topics

• Wedding officiant Denver

• Colorado wedding officiant

• Colorado wedding ceremony guide

• Denver wedding ceremony

• Colorado marriage license requirements

• How to plan a wedding in Colorado

• Colorado wedding laws

• Hire a wedding officiant in Colorado

• Denver elopement officiant

• Colorado elopement ceremony

• Rocky Mountain wedding ceremony

• Estes Park wedding ceremony

• Denver wedding venues ceremony

• mountain wedding Colorado tips

• How to prepare for your Colorado wedding ceremony

• Steps to plan a wedding ceremony in Denver

• Choosing a wedding officiant in Denver CO

• Filing a Colorado marriage license after ceremony

• Intimate elopement in Colorado with an officiant

Wedding Officiant Denver / Photo:Pavel Danilyuk

Preparing for Your Wedding Ceremony in Colorado: A Couple’s Guide

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life—but it can also feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Colorado offers some of the most stunning backdrops for weddings, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to vibrant urban venues in Denver. Whether you envision an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, thoughtful preparation ensures that your ceremony feels both meaningful and stress-free.

As an experienced wedding officiant in Denver, I’ve guided countless couples through this journey. Below are the essential steps to prepare for your Colorado wedding ceremony.

1. Choose the Right Location

Colorado offers unparalleled variety. Mountain vistas in Estes Park, rustic ranches in Sedalia, or elegant city venues in Denver each create a unique atmosphere. When selecting your spot, consider accessibility for guests, seasonal weather patterns, and whether the location aligns with your vision as a couple.

2. Secure a Licensed Wedding Officiant in Colorado

Selecting the right officiant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A professional wedding officiant in Colorado not only ensures your marriage is legally recognized but also personalizes your ceremony to reflect your story. Look for someone who takes the time to understand your values, your journey together, and the tone you want to set for your big day—whether it’s traditional, spiritual, or modern.

3. Understand Colorado Marriage Laws

Colorado has some of the most flexible marriage laws in the U.S. Couples can even self-solemnize, meaning no officiant is required to make the union legal. However, many couples still prefer to have a skilled wedding officiant in Denver guide the ceremony, ensuring it feels polished, heartfelt, and memorable. Remember to:

• Apply for your marriage license at a Colorado county clerk’s office.

• Bring valid identification.

• File the license after the ceremony (usually returned by your officiant).

4. Personalize Your Ceremony

Your wedding day should reflect your personalities and relationship. Work with your officiant to weave in personal vows, meaningful readings, or traditions that matter to you. A great officiant will strike the right balance between structure and spontaneity, creating a flow that feels natural.

5. Plan for the Unexpected

Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable. A sunny day in Denver can quickly shift to afternoon showers in the mountains. Always have a backup plan—whether it’s a tented space, an indoor option, or a flexible timeline.

6. Relax and Be Present

On the day of your ceremony, let go of the logistics and trust the professionals you’ve chosen. A dedicated wedding officiant in Colorado helps set the tone of calm and celebration, allowing you and your guests to fully embrace the moment.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for your wedding ceremony in Colorado should be as joyful as the day itself. With breathtaking scenery, flexible marriage laws, and the right guidance, couples can create a meaningful experience that reflects their love story. If you’re searching for an experienced wedding officiant in Denver, I’d be honored to help bring your vision to life.

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About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

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Wedding Planning Tips

Bridal Boot Camp: Sculpted Arms Exercise Program

Summary

Get wedding-ready arms with this Bridal Boot Camp—a 30–40 minute sculpted arms circuit designed by a Denver personal trainer. Follow step-by-step bridal arm exercises (biceps curls, triceps skullcrushers, stability-ball planks, rope pulldowns, hammer curls) to train to failure and see definition fast. This wedding arm workout includes precise rep ranges, cable and dumbbell moves, and a bonus finisher with explosive push-ups and assisted pull-ups. Save this arm workout for brides to power your pre-wedding routine and show off truly sculpted arms on the big day.

Key Topics

• bridal boot camp

• sculpted arms workout

• arm workout for brides

• wedding arm workout

• bridal arm exercises

• Denver personal trainer

• triceps and biceps circuit

• 30–40 minute arm workout

• gym circuit for toned arms

• cable curls and rope pulldowns

• incline bench hammer curls

• explosive push-ups and assisted pull-ups

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Introduction

Looking to show off your sculpted arms on your wedding day? Of course, you are, you saucy warrior! Your flex will be the gravy on the turkey. Actually, I have no idea what that means, but this program will get you ready for the holiday photoshoot. Simple and straightforward… and pushing to failure is the theme of this no-nonsense traditional program. Perform the exercises in this order. Note the descriptions next to each exercise (e.g., hinging hips, etc.) and perform 12-15 reps for every exercise. Don’t forget to answer the questions in the “Assessment Section” after your workout. Even when working with a Denver personal trainer, reflecting on your fitness sessions is always essential.

CIRCUIT 1: 8-10 REPS

1st: Bicep barbell curls standing on a Bosu
2nd: Tricep skullcrushers on the bench while floating your feet
3rd: Straight arm plank on a stability ball (hold the ball with your hands for 45 seconds, keep your hips up)
4th: Bicep barbell curls, standing on a Bosu
5th: Tricep skullcrushers on the bench while floating your feet

Time to get wedding fit for my Denver personal training clients. / Photo: Tara Winstead

CIRCUIT 3: 10-12 reps

11th: Bicep single-handle cable curls
12th: Tricep rope pulldowns
13th: Straight arm cable choppers
14th: Bicep single-handle cable curls
15th: Tricep rope pulldowns

CIRCUIT 4: 12-15 reps

16th: Bicep dumbbell hammer curls sitting on an incline bench
17th: Tricep dumbbell kickbacks on a flat bench
18th: Straight arm cable choppers
19th: Bicep dumbbell hammer curls sitting on an incline bench
20th: Tricep dumbbell kickbacks on a flat bench

Bonus Circuit: Failure (Perform until you Drop)

21st: Explosive pushups
22nd: Assisted pullups

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Assessment Section

No fitness or personal training program is perfect. Let’s reflect and adapt! Answer the following questions:

• How would you adapt this training program?

• Which exercises would you swap out?

• How could you make this fitness program more challenging?

• How would you change the order of the exercises?

• Would you include more breaks in between the sets?

• Would you include a different ratio of exercises instead?

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About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

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Wedding Planning Tips

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Prep: 4–8 Week Plan | Denver Wedding Officiant

Summary

Get ready for your Colorado wedding ceremony with a structured 4–8 week plan. A Denver wedding officiant and trainer covers posture, injury-prevention, mindfulness, and goals. Build habits and fitness for a stress-free day. Start planning your ceremony in Denver with expert premarital guidance.

Keywords

Denver wedding officiant; Colorado wedding ceremony; ceremony planning Denver; premarital guidance; Colorado elopement planning; wedding fitness plan; posture neutral spine; injury-prevention exercises; corrective exercise; mindfulness for couples; habit building; goal setting; personal trainer Denver; wedding day readiness; stress-free wedding Colorado

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Introduction

Time to get ready for your wedding ceremony in Colorado! Here's the adaptable game plan for the next four-eight weeks and beyond (a lifetime of habits doesn’t change in a month, after all). Please note that many of the phases will overlap. Although I recommend checking off each line item before proceeding to the next, feel free to jump around as desired (but know that it was designed and ordered strategically :)).

Whole Food Diet / Photo: Ella Olsson

PHASE 1: Learn about Posture, Proper Form, and the Neutral Spine

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Part 1: Learn about Posture, Proper Form, and the Neutral Spine

Posture and movement: Review the posture and movement emails from your new favorite Denver personal trainer :)

Injury prevention for the lower back and posture: Review this article to learn about lower back injury prevention and proper posture.

• Article: How I've Prevented More Lower Back Pain in the Last 12 Years (After 2 Bulging Disks)

Proper sitting: Review this article about proper form while sitting and change the way you sit.

• Article: Why Your Office Desk Is Destroying Your Posture (And What You Need To Do)

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Part 2: Integrate Exercises for Injury Prevention

Continuum of corrective exercise to limit pain and discomfort:

• Article: A Guide to NASM’s Corrective Exercise Continuum

Daily Rotator cuff/anterior shoulders and lower back/hips Exercises: Watch these videos and incorporate these warm-up range of motion exercises into your routine.

• Video: Shoulder External Rotation in Neutral Position

• Video: Shoulder External Rotation at 90 Degrees

• Video: Alligators

• Video: Hip Stretches

• Video: Glute Bridges

• Restorative Yoga Videos: https://youtu.be/c56tAJ9KjRg or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtVrPUylxp8

Core stabilization exercises: Incorporate this proper form for your plank.

• Plank on the Elbows

Lumbar spine exercises to alleviate lower back discomfort:

• Exercises for lower back pain

• Video: Alligators

• Video: Glute Bridges (standard two-foot bridge only without the bands)

Thoracic spine mobility exercises to alleviate shoulder and neck discomfort:

• Corrective Exercises for Optimizing Thoracic Spine Mobility

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Part 3: Foster Awareness

• Book: Read Introduction in the book Redefine Yourself by Michael Moody

• Book: Read Chapter 1: You Are Not Alone in the book Redefine Yourself by Michael Moody

• Book: Read Chapter 2: Practice Mindfulness in the book Redefine Yourself by Michael Moody

• Book: Read Chapter 3: Listen to Your Inner Voice in the book Redefine Yourself by Michael Moody

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Part 4: Review Additional Resources

• Book: Real Movement: Perspective on Integrated Motion & Motor Control by Gary Gray

• Book: Athletic Body in Balance by Gray Cook

• Book: Becoming A Supple Leopard 2nd Edition (The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury, and Optimizing Athletic Performance) by Kelly Starrett

Finding a new awareness with your pup at your side. / Photo: Cottonbro

PHASE 2: Examine the Mental, Emotional, and Environmental Obstacles to Your Success and Adapt

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Part 1: Examine the Environment's Influences on Your Success

• Book: Read Chapter 12: Change Your Environment in the book Redefine Yourself by Michael Moody and make a list of external influences on your behaviors and choices.

• Podcast: Listen to the podcast episode #24-Exploring the Psychology of our At-Home Environment with Dr. Preston

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Part 2: Examine the Underlying Influences on your Behavior

Learn how to manage your stress and anxiety:

• Article: What Being a Parent Taught Me About Managing Stress

• Article: How to Overcome Your Anxiety at Work

• Podcast: Listen to episode #16 - The Examination of Personal and Collective Trauma with Dr. Bakalar

Learn how insecurity and fears influence your behavior:

• Book: Read Chapter 4: Face Your Fears in the book Redefine Yourself by Michael Moody to examine how fear influences your behavior.

• Book: Read Chapter 5, "Extinguish Your Insecurities," in Redefine Yourself by Michael Moody to examine how insecurities influence your behavior and how to change your perspective.

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Part 3: Examine your Decision-Making Process and Problem-Solving Approach

• Book: Read Chapter 10: Change the Way You Decide in the book Redefine Yourself by Michael Moody to examine your decision-making process and how it influences your behavior.

• Book: Read Chapter 13: Approach New Problems with Confidence in the book Redefine Yourself by Michael Moody to examine your problem-solving approach and how it influences your behavior.

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Part 4: Find Inspiration

Find motivation through the wisdom of others by reviewing these articles and posting one quote on your closet wall to be seen daily:

• Article: 4 Quotes That Steer My Approach to Life Right Now

• Article: 12 Inspirational Quotes that Have Shaped My Life Over the Last Year

• Article: My 10 Favorite Life-Guiding Quotes from the Stoic, Marcus Aurelius

• Article: My Favorite James Clear Quotes and Thoughts (Set 1)

Reexamine the perspective on your daily life and approach:

• Article: The 1 Article that Will Make You Rethink Your Day-to-Day Approach

Rethink your professional (and personal) approach:

• Article: 6 Principles That Will Transform Your Professional Approach

Design a new mindset:

• Podcast: Listen to episode #26 - Designing the Mind in a New Year | Author Ryan A. Bush

No longer limit yourself and literally travel outside of your boundaries:

• Article: The Detailed Itinerary You Need for a Journey to Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid and the Best Restaurants in Each

• Article: The Detailed Itinerary You Need for a Long Weekend in London and a List of 141 of their Best Restaurants

• Article: The Detailed Itinerary You Need for an Adventure in Australia (You’ll Need to Save This)

Setting new goals and creating new habits are often a chess match. / Photo: Pixabay

PHASE 3: Set New Goals and Create a Supporting Structure of New Habits

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Part 1: Purpose and Goals

• Book: Read Chapter 18: Define Your Purpose in the book Redefine Yourself by Michael Moody to guide your reflection on your life’s intent.

Learn how to set sustainable goals:

• Article: How to Set Sustainable Goals

• Read Chapter 19: Create Goals to Maintain Your Positive Focus in the book Redefine Yourself by Michael Moody to examine how to create goals and support a life of positivity and satisfaction.

Examples of goals to steer your short and long-term focus:

• Article: My List of New Year’s Resolutions (and How I’ll Achieve Each)

• Article: My List of Intents for 2020 (and How I’ll Achieve Each)

• Article: A List of My Intents for 2021 (Perhaps a Template for Yours)

• Article: A List of My Intents for 2022 (Perhaps a Template for You, Too)

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Part 2: Specifically Structure and Design Your Fitness, Diet, and Professional Paths

Build a business plan for optimal health :

• Article: Your Business Plan to Lose Weight (or Achieve Optimal Health)

Develop a specific fitness plan:

• Article: The Best All-In (Life Changing) Fitness Plan

• Article: How to Create a Weekly Fitness Plan

Being your diet game plan:

• Article: WEIGHT LOSS DIET INTRODUCTION: The Game Plan / Immersive Experience

Rethink your professional plan:

• Podcast: Listen to episode #35 - Designing Your New Work Life | Dave Evans

Create more time for your personal training sessions and other fitness efforts:

• Article: How to Create More Time Each Week (And It’s Easier Than You Think)

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Part 3: Creating Habits to Support Your Goals

Examine your current habits and create new habits to support your health and fitness goals:

• Article: 5 Morning Habits That Have Made Me More Successful (and Less Stressed)

• Book: Read Atomic Habits by James Clear.

Find new ways to create time for yourself and fitness:

• Article: How to Create More Time Each Week (And It’s Easier Than You Think)

Time to test new programs in LoHi and beyond! / Photo: LiSun

PHASE 4: Test New Fitness Programs and Activities

Part 1: Find new ways to amplify your current workouts

• 5 Easy Ways to Amp Up Your Workouts

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Part 2: Test new workouts

• Test Exercise Program: Lower/Upper/Core (30-40 Minutes)

• Test Exercise Program: Legs/Upper Body/Core (30-40 Minutes)

• Test Exercise Program: Legs/Shoulders/Core (30-40 Minutes)

• Test Exercise Program: Back/Triceps/Core (30-40 Minutes)

• Test Exercise Program: Chest Presses/Back Rows/Chest Flyes

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Part 3: Test new hikes (or something else active outside of the gym)

• Colorado Hikes near Denver: Nymph Lake, Lake Haiyaha Loop via Fire Trail (RMNP)

• Colorado Hikes near Denver: North Table Mountain West Loop (Golden)

• Colorado Hikes near Denver: Elk Falls Lookout and Elk Falls Pond (Staunton State Park)

• Colorado Hikes near Denver: Green Mountain Loop via Chautauqua Trail

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About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver as well as other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, Golden, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

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Wedding Planning Tips

Wedding Fitness Plans for Colorado Couples | Denver Wedding Officiant

Summary

Plan your Colorado wedding and wellness together. A Denver wedding officiant & trainer shares adaptable 3-, 4-, and 5-day wedding fitness plans covering cardio, strength, muscular endurance, and ROM. Personalize for injuries, goals, and lifestyle. Start premarital wellness for true wedding day readiness.

Key Topics

Denver wedding officiant; Colorado wedding officiant; wedding fitness plan; premarital wellness; ceremony-ready workout; cardio strength muscular endurance; ROM exercises; personal trainer Denver; adaptable weekly fitness structure; wedding day readiness; mindful marriage preparation

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Introduction

I wish I could say that there are only three fitness plans that every personal training client can integrate for optimal physical success. Unfortunately, unknowns and various personal and professional demands enhance our lives as much as they create obstacles. Our strengths, limitations, and preferences also expand the endless structure variations. No program will completely optimize your physical self nor meet all of your wants and needs at once. The structure will most likely be adapted from time to time and may look completely different depending on your life at a given point. Nevertheless, we must start somewhere; the options below will guide your experience.

Once you decide on an approach, you'll quickly recognize that it, like all others, will have its specific benefits and drawbacks. How will you improve your range of motion, cardio, and muscular endurance if you choose a strength approach with a five-day isolated muscle approach? If you integrate a total body aerobic session three days per week, will you break down your muscles enough to gain the tone and sculpt you're looking for? Should you include pilates, yoga, hiking, swimming, other fitness disciplines, and/or related activities? Oi vai! What to do!!!

Considering your present physical state, preexisting conditions/injuries, and strengths and limitations will also heighten the challenge when selecting a structure. For example, a personal training client with osteoporosis may need to focus more on strength to protect their bones and minimize high-impact activity. A person with great strength but asthmatic may want to incorporate a progressive cardio endurance plan with strength workouts.

To guide your appropriate fitness path, I did my best to boil down the endless options to several fitness structures as you mull through the thoughts above. You can choose the one you're most interested in, and we'll adapt it to your goals, gym history, injuries, and more. I purposely didn't include specifics for each day (e.g., reps, intervals, etc.). First, we start with the big picture, create a personalized structure, and then fill in the specific details. Good luck!

How does running and other cardio activities fit into your fitness plan? / Photo: Jacoby Clarke

OUR GOAL TODAY

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Establish an adaptable weekly fitness structure (with or without Denver personal training sessions included). First, choose a section based on the number of days you’ll dedicate to formalized exercise (3, 4, or 5 days) and then review the options under each. Once you determine the structure that best aligns with your lifestyle, needs, and wants, we’ll discuss how to adapt and personalize it. Please note: Our bodies are intended to move daily. We may still see some benefits from exercising only 1-2 sessions per week, but we may not achieve the significant gains we desire (hence the focus on three or more days below).

Key Terms:

• Cardio Endurance: The benefits of this focus are: lowering risk of heart disease, higher blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke; prevention of chronic disease; better pulmonary function and improved VO2 function; better sleep; reducing fatigue; greater ease walking greater distances, walking up stairs, and performing daily non-strenuous activities; and better mood. Activities: climbing stairs or using the Stairmaster, sports-related activities, running, rowing, swimming, plyometric exercises, and walking.

• Muscular Endurance: The benefits of this focus are: increasing aerobic capacity of muscles; performing daily activities under demand for more extended periods; better sleep; increasing athletic performance in endurance-based sports; prevention of chronic disease; reducing general and muscle fatigue; general toning; reducing injuries resulting from repetition and overuse; and maintaining posture alignment—activities: circuit training, functional training, bodyweight training, and plyometric training.

• Strength: The benefits of this focus include strengthening bones; performing daily strenuous activities for short periods; increasing athletic performance in strength- and endurance-based sports; reducing fatigue; reducing injuries resulting from heavy lifts; improving mood; sculpting muscles; and maintaining proper posture alignment. Activities: strength training.

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"I’M CONVINCED, BUT MY LIFE IS BUSY" FITNESS PLANS (3 DAYS PER WEEK)

Option 1 (Cardio Endurance Focused ):

Time per Session: 20-30 minutes

Benefits: Cardio endurance

What’s Missing?: Strength and sculpt optimization; limited time for muscular endurance-focused exercise (although the rowing and Stairmaster machines help)

Workouts:

• Day 1: Stairmaster interval session / 8-10 minutes of ROM activity or yoga

• Day 2: Rowing machine or swimming interval session / 8-10 minutes of ROM activity or yoga

• Day 3: Run or hike interval session / 8-10 minutes of ROM activity or yoga

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Option 2 (Muscular Endurance Focused and Cardio Enhanced):

Time per Session: 40-60 minutes

Benefits: Muscular endurance and limited cardio endurance

What’s Missing?: Strength and a sculpt optimization; limited time for range of motion (ROM) exercises and poses

Workouts:

• Day 1: Circuit of upper body and core exercises/ 8-10 minutes of interval cardio

• Day 2: Circuit of lower body and core exercises / 8-10 minutes of interval cardio

• Day 3: Circuit of explosive total body exercises / 8-10 minutes of interval cardio

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Option 3 (Strength Focused and ROM Enhanced):

Time per Session: 40-60 minutes

Benefits: Strength, range of motion (ROM)

What’s Missing?: Cardio and muscular endurance optimization; limited time for stabilization exercises (although they can be built into core exercises)

Workouts:

• Day 1: Traditional sets of chest, tris, and core exercise (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 2: Traditional sets of back, bis, and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 3: Traditional sets of legs, shoulders, and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

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Option 4 (Sports Cardio Endurance Focused):

Time per Session: 45-60 minutes

Benefits: Cardio endurance and limited muscular endurance for recreational sports

What’s Missing?: Strength and sculpt optimization; limited time for muscle endurance-focused exercise

Workouts:

• Day 1: Tennis match or soccer game

• Day 2: Circuit of high-intensity, explosive total body exercises with bands and bodyweight / 6-8 minutes of ROM exercises and poses

• Day 3: Tennis match or soccer game

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Option 5 (Cardio and Muscular Endurance Focused):

Time per Session: 40-60 minutes

Benefits: Cardio and muscular endurance

What’s Missing?: Strength and sculpt optimization; limited time for range of motion (ROM) exercises and poses

Workouts:

• Day 1: Circuit of total body and core exercises/ 8-10 minutes of interval cardio

• Day 2: 40-45 minutes of interval or endurance cardio

• Day 3: Circuit of total body and core exercises / 8-10 minutes of interval cardio

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Option 6 (Cardio Endurance Focused and Muscular Endurance Enhanced):

Time per Session: 45-60 minutes

Benefits: Cardio endurance and some muscular endurance for recreational sports

What’s Missing?: Strength and sculpt optimization; limited time for muscle endurance-focused exercise

Workouts:

• Day 1: 40-45 minutes of interval or endurance cardio

• Day 2: Circuit of total body and core exercises / 6-8 minutes of ROM exercises and poses

• Day 3: 40-45 minutes of interval or endurance cardio

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Signing up with a Denver Personal Trainer is a commitment inside and outside of the gym. / Photo: Ketut Subiyanto

"COMMITTED TO 4…..LET’S DO THIS" FITNESS PLANS (4 DAYS PER WEEK)

Option 1 (Cardio Endurance, Strength, and Muscular Endurance Focused):

Time per Session: 45-60 minutes

Benefits: Strength, muscular endurance, and cardio endurance

What’s Missing?: You’ll achieve significant gains in each area, but may not optimize one over the other.

Workouts:

• Day 1: Circuit of upper body and core exercises with dumbbells and machines / 4 minutes of ROM exercises and poses / 8 minutes of interval cardio

• Day 2: Circuit of strength-endurance exercises for legs and core / 8-10 minutes of ROM exercises and poses / 8 minutes of interval cardio

• Day 3: Circuit of high-intensity, explosive total body exercises with bands and bodyweight / 8-10 minutes of ROM exercises and poses / 8 minutes of interval cardio

• Day 4: 30-45 minutes of yoga or pilates / 8 minutes of interval cardio

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Option 2 (Cardio Endurance Focused and Strength and Muscular Endurance Enhanced):

Time per Session: 45-60 minutes

Benefits: Cardio endurance is the main goal, but muscular endurance and strength are very important.

What’s Missing?: You’ll see more gain in cardio endurance, but may not optimize the other areas.

Workouts:

• Day 1: Circuit of upper body and core exercises with dumbbells and machines / 6-8 minutes of ROM exercises and poses / 8 minutes of high-intensity interval cardio

• Day 2: Circuit of strength exercises for legs and core / 20 minutes of interval cardio

• Day 3: Circuit of high-intensity, explosive total body exercises with bands and bodyweight / 6-8 minutes of ROM exercises and poses / 8 minutes of high-intensity interval cardio

• Day 4: 40-45 minutes of interval or endurance cardio

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Option 3 (Cardio and Muscular Endurance Focused and ROM Enhanced):

Time per Session: 45-60 minutes

Benefits: Cardio and muscular endurance, limited range of motion (ROM)

What’s Missing?: You’ll see more gain in cardio and muscular endurance, but may not optimize strength or sculpt.

Workouts:

• Day 1: Circuit of upper body and core exercises / 6-8 minutes of ROM exercises and poses

• Day 2: Circuit of stabilization and core exercises / 30 minutes of high-intensity interval cardio

• Day 3: Circuit of lower body and core exercises / 6-8 minutes of ROM exercises and poses

• Day 4: 40-45 minutes of interval or endurance cardio

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Option 4 (Strength Focused and ROM Enhanced):

Time per Session: 40-60 minutes

Benefits: Strength, limited range of motion (ROM)

What’s Missing?: Cardio and muscular endurance optimization; limited time for stabilization exercises (although they can be built into core exercises)

Workouts:

• Day 1: Traditional sets of chest and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 2: Traditional sets of back and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 3: Traditional sets of legs and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 4: Traditional sets of arms, shoulders, and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

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Option 5 (Strength and ROM Focused):

Time per Session: 40-60 minutes

Benefits: Strength and range of motion (ROM)

What’s Missing?: Cardio and muscular endurance optimization; limited time for stabilization exercises (although they can be built into core exercises)

Workouts:

• Day 1: Traditional sets of chest, triceps, and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 2: Traditional sets of back, biceps, and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 3: Traditional sets of legs, shoulders, and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 4: 30-45 minutes of yoga or pilates

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Option 6 (Cardio and Muscular Endurance Focused and ROM Enhanced):

Time per Session: 40-60 minutes

Benefits: Cardio and muscular endurance, limited range of motion (ROM)

What’s Missing?: Strength and sculpt optimization

Workouts:

• Day 1: Circuit of total body and core exercises/ 8-10 minutes of range of motion (ROM) exercises

• Day 2: 40-45 minutes of interval or endurance cardio

• Day 3: Circuit of total body and core exercises / 8-10 minutes of range of motion (ROM) exercises

• Day 4: 30-40 minutes of interval or endurance cardio

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Personal Training in Denver is part of the bigger fitness picture. / Photo: Andrea Piacquadio

"ALL IN” FITNESS PLANS (5 DAYS PER WEEK)

Option 1 (Cardio Endurance, Strength, and Muscular Endurance Focused):

Time per Session: 45-60 minutes

Benefits: Strength, muscular endurance, and cardio endurance

What’s Missing?: You’ll achieve significant gains in each area but may not optimize one over the other.

Workouts:

• Day 1: Circuit of upper body and core exercises with dumbbells and machines / 4 minutes of ROM exercises and poses / 8 minutes of interval cardio

• Day 2: Circuit of strength-endurance exercises for legs and core / 8-10 minutes of ROM exercises and poses / 8 minutes of interval cardio

• Day 3: 30-45 minutes of restorative yoga

• Day 4: 40-45 minutes of interval or endurance cardio

• Day 5: Circuit of high-intensity, explosive total body exercises with bands and bodyweight / 8-10 minutes of ROM exercises and poses

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Option 2 (Cardio Endurance Focused as well as Strength, ROM, and Muscular Endurance Enhanced):

Time per Session: 45-60 minutes

Benefits: Cardio endurance is the main goal, but muscular endurance, strength, and range of motion (ROM) are very important.

What’s Missing?: You’ll see more gain in cardio endurance but may not optimize the other areas.

Workouts:

• Day 1: Circuit of upper body and core exercises with dumbbells and machines / 6-8 minutes of ROM exercises and poses / 8 minutes of high-intensity interval cardio

• Day 2: Circuit of strength exercises for legs and core / 20 minutes of interval cardio

• Day 3: 30-45 minutes of restorative yoga

• Day 4: Circuit of high-intensity, explosive total body exercises with bands and bodyweight / 6-8 minutes of ROM exercises and poses / 8 minutes of high-intensity interval cardio

• Day 5: 40-45 minutes of interval or endurance cardio

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Option 3 (Sports Cardio and Muscular Endurance Focused and ROM Enhanced):

Time per Session: 45-60 minutes

Benefits: Cardio and muscular endurance for recreational sports, limited range of motion (ROM)

What’s Missing?: Strength and sculpt optimization; more range of motion (ROM) may be needed because of the demand placed on the body.

Workouts:

• Day 1: Tennis match or soccer game

• Day 2: Circuit of upper body and core exercises with dumbbells and machines / 6-8 minutes of ROM exercises and poses

• Day 3: Tennis match or soccer game

• Day 4: Circuit of high-intensity, explosive total body exercises with bands and bodyweight / 6-8 minutes of ROM exercises and poses

• Day 5: Tennis match or soccer game

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Option 4 (Cardio Endurance, Muscular Endurance, and ROM Focused):

Time per Session: 40-60 minutes

Benefits: Cardio and muscular endurance, range of motion (ROM)

What’s Missing?: Strength and sculpt optimization

Workouts:

• Day 1: 40-45 minutes of interval or endurance cardio / 8-10 minutes of range of motion (ROM) exercises

• Day 2: Circuit of total body and core exercises

• Day 3: 30-45 minutes of yoga

• Day 4: 40-45 minutes of interval or endurance cardio

• Day 5: Circuit of total body and core exercises / 8-10 minutes of range of motion (ROM) exercises

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Option 5 (Strength and ROM Focused):

Time per Session: 40-60 minutes

Benefits: Strength and range of motion (ROM)

What’s Missing?: Cardio and muscular endurance optimization; limited time for stabilization exercises (although they can be built into core exercises)

Workouts:

• Day 1: Traditional sets of chest and core exercise (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 2: Traditional sets of back and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 3: Traditional sets of legs (part 1) and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 4: Traditional sets of arms, shoulders, and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

• Day 5: Traditional sets of legs (part 2) and core exercises (more exercises per muscle and more rest in between sets) / 8-10 minutes ROM exercises and poses

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About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver as well as other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, Golden, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

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Wedding Planning Tips

Colorado Elopement Wedding Hikes: Nymph Lake, Lake Haiyaha Loop via Fire Trail (RMNP)

Introduction

Living in Denver offers many perks, including beautiful hiking trails for a Colorado elopement wedding nearby. On the other hand, hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park are about 2 hours away and require advance planning (e.g., a day or annual pass and a timed-entry reservation). The drive and extra efforts are certainly worth it, though! The hikes give you access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Colorado. Here’s the first of a series of Rocky Mountain National Park hikes that I’ve recently recommended to my wedding couples in Colorado as options for a wedding ceremony elopement. I’ve included a review from a past visit and my notes.

Sometimes the most secluded, off-the-beaten path, locations provide the most ideal scenery for an elopement wedding in Colorado.

Colorado Elopement Wedding Hikes:

Nymph Lake, Lake Haiyaha Loop via Fire Trail (RMNP)

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Time of Year: Late June.

Weather: 55 degrees and sunny at 9:48 am, cloud cover for most of the hike until 1:15.

Cover: 75% covered.

Time: 9:48 am - 1:15 pm.

Distance: 5.5 Miles total (Loop: Nymph Lake Trail to Haiyaha Cutoff Trail (out and back to Lake Haiyaha) to Fire Trail to Glaciar Gorge Trail to the Bear Lake parking lot.

Traffic: High until we reached Lake Haiyaha (low).

Parking: Tons of parking....but no spots (except 1 lucky spot that opened). The shuttle halfway may be the only option (there were lines by 9:15).

Equipment: Hiking boots.

Terrain: Well-marked trail with plenty of rocks to step on and plenty of beautiful views until Lake Haiyaha. We didn't take the turnoff to Dream Lake. Big boulders to climb around Lake Haiyaha. Mostly a covered decline from there via Fire Trail.

Difficulty: Moderate (decent cardio baseline for the initial incline to 10k).

Colorado Wedding Officiant Notes: Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) offers many scenic backdrops for a Colorado Wedding Elopement. Many of the most beautiful trails begin in the Bear Lake parking lot and lead you to incredible lakes, including Dream Lake. While these trails tend to be very popular during the summer, they can also lead you to quiet spots like Lake Haiyaha. My photos of the varying landscapes at 10,000 feet and above took place on a wet and foggy day. Nevertheless, the weather provided a mystic serenity often lost in a bright landscape. For clear views and sun, hikes in RMNP before 11 am is most ideal during the summer. Typically, clouds and rain permeate the sky daily from 11 am until 3/4 pm. In the fall, the incredible colors of the trees might provide the painted landscape you’re looking for, but remember that Trail Ridge Road (the road through RMNP) may be closed because of winter conditions at higher elevations. Assume that you won’t have access to the road from late fall until mid to late spring.

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Rocky Mountain National Park offers endless options for elopement ceremonies. Timing of the year is important and a pass and reservation is required, though.

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Lake Haiyaha offers an incredible setting on a sunny and foggy day for a wedding ceremony.

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Once you climb above 10,000 feet in RMNP, your Colorado elopement wedding ceremony will have a scenic backdrop unmatched.

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About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant

Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver as well as other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.

Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, Golden, and more.

If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

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Wedding Planning Tips