In a quest to get in shape for the big day, our bride-to-be puts four different sorts of exercise to the test
Words: Lucy Britner
OLD SCHOOL: TAP DANCING
From the moment you enter the room to the time you pull off those metal-bottomed shoes, you’ll think of nothing else – the rhythm takes control. The first few sessions of rhythm tap can feel a bit like school, but once you’ve nailed some basics, you can quickly get faster and more impressive. There’s lots of time on the toes and bent-knee action so, once you pick up some speed, it can be good for toning legs. Beginners tap is not the most strenuous exercise you’re going to get but when you’re organising a wedding, 45 minutes of not being able to think about table plans is a real blessing. This exercises the mind as much as it does the body. The classes at Morley attract a wide cross section of ages and there are sessions for all abilities. Who knows, you may pick up enough skills to bust out some moves on the big day.
Where: Morley College, SE1
How much: £29 for six weeks (45-minute sessions)
More info: morleycollege.ac.uk
QUIRKY: AERIAL CIRCUS
Have you ever tried to get on a trapeze? The advanced members of the class will make it look a cinch, but don’t be fooled: hanging onto a bar with the backs of your knees and then hauling most of your bodyweight upwards is a killer. It’s also an immense workout for your core, arms and legs. At beginners’ classes, the trapeze tends to be lower to the ground, with a friendly crash mat for safety. Start with the static, rather than the flying trapeze, to get your upper body strength. Next, try silks: tricky to climb, but once you have mastered wrapping the material around your foot in the correct way, you can begin ascending, using your upper arm, core and thigh muscles. Warming up and stretching out is taken very seriously and the beginning of the class is similar to yoga. The best thing about aerial circus is that you can explore your creative side. Just don’t run away and join the circus before the wedding.
Where: Aircraft Circus, SE18
How much: Start with a Sunday taster session from £30
More info: aircraftcircus.com
RISQUÉ: POLE DANCING
There’s a reason why pole dancers have smokin’ hot bodies: it’s really hard work. It’s also really fun. At first, twisting yourself around a piece of metal seems alien, but master a basic pole spin and it’ll become addictive. Using your own bodyweight and multiple muscle groups is a great way to get your heart racing and smash calories. You’ll also increase body strength and, providing you’re eating well (see right), become leaner and more toned. Don’t expect to turn pro on your first week, though, and make sure you stretch properly afterwards. You may also come away with a few bruises and friction burns from where your legs or arms have clinging to the pole. So best to hang up the hotpants a few weeks before getting into that special dress.
Where: Pole Dancing School, four
venues across London
How much: £150 for a six-week course
More info: poledancingschool.com
HARDCORE: BOOTCAMP WITH WEIGHTS
Bulging biceps probably aren’t what you want sticking out of your wedding dress. The thought put me off lifting weights in the past. The truth, though, is that adding strength training to your workout improves muscle tone, incinerates fat and protects your body from injury. Hardcore, bootcamp-style workouts involve all kinds of intense, high-impact activities: from press ups to kettlebell swinging. No one likes burpees, but they can burn about 10 calories a minute and they work just about everything. Most places vary every session to ensure maximum impact and minimum boredom. The major benefit to an hour at bootcamp is that it gets you infront of someone who won’t let you slack – there’s nowhere to hide. You don’t always have to be outside either – there are plenty of places to get sweaty indoors.
Where: Barry’s Bootcamp, NW1 and soon to be in East London too
How much: 10 classes for £170
More info: barrysbootcamp.com
Food for taut
Eat yourself slim with this lot
Add protein-rich almonds to a post-workout smoothie to help muscles recover. They also help control blood sugar, so you can avoid those pesky cravings.
Chia seeds are getting lots of press at the moment. They contain antioxidants, more fibre than flax seeds and lots of protein – sprinkle them on your breakfast or put a small spoonful in your smoothie.
The humble egg is also a good source of protein and it contains vitamin B12, which boosts the metabolism and helps burn fat. They’re high in cholesterol, though, so easy does it.
The digestive system loves ginger. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, so if you’ve overdone it at the gym, ginger’s your friend.
If you struggle with mid-morning hunger, eat oatmeal for brekkie. The Whole Grains Council says it helps increase appetite-controlling hormones, so you stay sane till lunchtime.
Salmon is an excellent source of protein as well as omega 3 fatty acids, which helps keep the joints supple – handy with all this extra exercise you’re doing.
Ok, so it’s not a food but the health benefits of water are endless. From glowing skin and hair to flushing out your system and helping prevent constipation – water is a bit of a wonder.
This article was first published in Square Meal Weddings, 2015