image source, photography by Jessica Maida
Getting in shape usually features pretty high up on bride-to-be’s ‘to do’ list though it’s often one of the tasks they’re least looking forward to. The very thought of pounding away on the treadmill, or worse still, running outside in public for all to see, is enough to bring some ladies out in a sweat.
But (praise the Lord) there are options beyond the gym and running around your local park. Fitness classes have grown far beyond aqua aerobics and offer imaginative ways of slimming down and toning up that are actually fun – that’s right we used the ‘f word’ in an exercise post.
The most effective way of working out, and to gain the quickest results, is to continuously challenge your body which can be hard if you’ve got into a mundane routine – treadmill, cross trainer, bike, repeat.
However most instructors like mix their classes up from week to week to keep things interesting as well as worthwhile and they also help to put the pressure on, meaning you’re less likely to slack off.
So it would appear signing up to a couple of new classes in the run up to the big day could make the shaping up task much more bearable, and possibly even enjoyable.
For brides whose main goal is to tone up we suggest taking to the barre – but unfortunately not the type where you can order a glass of pinot, for we’re talking about a ballet barre. Ballet fit is one of the newer classes to come out of the fitness industry and gives ladies the opportunity to relive an element of their youth.
Open to all ages and abilities (no previous dance experience is required) the fat-burning workout uses form and techniques from classical ballet, yoga and Pilates to work muscle groups you never even knew you had, sculpting and strengthening the body.
The class is often an hour in length starting with a cardio warm up before ladies limber up at the barre to increase their flexibility while toning core and leg muscles. Then it’s time to take to the floor for some proper ballet steps – we’re talking frappés, developes and pose turns darling!
While effective, the classes aren’t at all regimented like traditional ballet classes and in most cases the classical music goes out the window as ladies pirouette to chart topping hits instead.
But it’s not all tutus and ribbon, the moves are done repetitively to tone and strengthen muscles so brides should prepare to feel the burn! In return have-a-go Darcy Bussells should see the results in the form of weight loss, lean muscles and improved posture as well as increased stamina and flexibility.
The classes are said to be addictive so you could well find yourself getting the ballet bug. They’re also extremely good for tightening up abs, buttocks and pins and while you might not be showing off these areas so much on your big day, you can hit the beach on your honeymoon feeling toned and confident.
So why not dust off your ballet pumps and give it a go – you never know you might be doing the splits on the dancefloor come your wedding reception!
No excuses! Here are some locations ladies can currently get on their balletfit: Sheffield; Morpeth; Skipton; Sunderland; Newcastle; Harrogate; Hull; Fife; Edinburgh.
