Welcome to Wedding Wellness Part II, dedicated to getting that toned, dreamy bridal body. Let me start by saying that getting fit and toned for your wedding is not about losing a ton of weight and looking like a totally different person on your wedding day. To me, it’s about feeling like your healthiest and best self on your wedding day. For many brides, if you’re feeling fit and toned, you’ll feel good and radiate that good feeling throughout your big day.
I’ve put a lot of thought into what workouts are best to get that toned and slim bridal body. Of course eating right is a key player as well, but today we’ll focus on the fitness side of things.
One of the most popular bridal workouts is heading to the barre. These ballet-inspired classes are known to be full-body toning workouts, giving devotees the desirable long and lean look.
As a barre newbie, I talked with a pro, Shalisa Pouw, Senior Master Teacher at Pure Barre to get the inside scoop. Side note, Shalisa owns the Boulder, CO Pure Barre and says it has the most gorgeous views of the mountains, I need to visit!
From Shalisa, I learned that there is a loyal following of brides at Pure Barre because it does wonders for your upper body–arms and chest–two very visible parts of your body in most wedding gowns. While it’s a full body workout, those are key bridal focuses. As someone who has helped a few brides over the years get fit for their weddings, I can attest that toned arms are the number one request.
For Newcomers:
The first class may be intimidating, but don’t get scared away! Everyone feels a bit out of their element and it can take a couple of classes to get into the swing of things. Because many of the moves are super tiny, it can be hard the first time around to know what you should be doing, but thanks to great teachers and clear direction, you’ll catch on quickly.
While you might feel uncomfortable at first, the instructors and students are extremely welcoming. Expect the class to be hard, it’s not an easy hour, but within a few classes you’ll understand the burn better and will learn to embrace the shaking.
How Often
Whether you’re a bride-to-be or simply looking to see results, Shalisa recommends taking Pure Barre classes 3-5 times a week (5 is ideal if you can swing it). Most Pure Barre studios offer a special 3-month package for brides and that 3 month period is the ideal amount of time to devote yourself to becoming a Barre regular.
To get in a cardio, check out the new Platform class at Pure Barre. This one will get your heart rate up and will help you get your sweat on. If you’re taking 5 classes a week, aim for two of these to balance cardio and toning. A perfect week would be 3 Pure Barre standard classes and 2 Platform classes.
The workouts are definitely hitting all body parts, but if you have more specific goals in mind, Pure Barre blog wrote up the key moves to getting wedding day ready, based on your dress style, read the tips HERE.
Too Busy?
With wedding planning (and let’s face it, life in general), some weeks can get busy and getting to 5 classes might be a struggle. If that’s the case, check out Pure Barre DVDs or the at-home streaming service.
If you don’t have time for the at-home workout, throw in a couple of your favorite barre moves from the comfort of your home (planks anyone?).
Finding Your Faves
All Pure Barre instructors go through the same training and the classes all follow a similar format, but teaching styles differ. When you first get into Pure Barre, try all the teachers. Some you’ll connect with more than others, whether it’s their cueing, personality, tone, etc. Shop around and get a taste of the variety to find the instructor that resonates best with you.
After the Wedding
Like I said before, getting ready for your wedding is about feeling your best. Even after the wedding is over, why would you want to lose that amazing feeling? I asked Shalisa about post-wedding students, she said she has girls coming to class after the honeymoon and saying that during the honeymoon they missed Pure Barre! If that’s not an endorsement, I don’t know what is.
I can admit that your wedding is probably one of the best times to go totally all out with your workouts. While 5 classes a week might be unsustainable after the wedding, you’ll likely fall for the workout and will want to keep up with it a couple of times a week.
My Plan
I’ve only taken a handful of Pure Barre classes over the years and never went regularly enough to find my groove. I took a class this week and loved it. I know that leading into my wedding, Pure Barre is going to be a huge part of my get-toned plan. As the wedding approaches, if there is a Pure Barre close by (and I hope there is, there are SO many locations), I plan to sign up for the three month bridal package and become one of the devotees that I hear so much about.
Diversifying workouts is important so Pure Barre won’t be the only thing I depend on. I plan to also do cardio in the form of running and cycling, and may compliment the low weight / high rep barre style with heavier weights once a week.
Soon I’m trying out the Platform class and will give you all the deets. You will most certainly be hearing more about my fitness plans as the wedding approaches.
If you’re already married, what workouts did you do to prep for your wedding? And if you’re currently engaged, what’s your bridal fitness plan?
A huge thank you to Shalisa and Pure Barre for lending their expertise on this piece! All photos c/o Pure Barre.
Check out Wedding Wellness Part I: Getting Organized HERE.
