Getting in shape for the big day needn’t mean hours of tedious gym slavery. We’ve found three party workouts that put the fun into fitness
Words: Abha Shah
MORNING GLORYVILLE
It’s the early morning breakfast party that’s helped thousands from London to LA ‘rave their way into the day’. Morning Gloryville is an immersive dance event that mixes high-energy music, free massages and superstar DJs.
The party runs from 6.30am to 10.30am and it’s a strictly sober affair – exercise-induced endorphins only. It challenges typical morning routines with organic coffee and smoothie bars, biodegradable glitter showers and hugs from Wake-up Angels.
Whether you work up a sweat from hitting the dance floor or stretching in the yoga zone, this makes a great alternative for gym-averse brides. The team can create experiences for bridal parties as part of a larger event or design a bespoke event just for you and your crew.
Where Venues in east, west and south London
How much Advance tickets from £12.95
VOGA
What do you get when you combine voguing – the 80s dance craze made popular by Madonna – with the downward dog? Voga, of course. This unusual take on the yoga class replaces ambient soundtracks with a pumping playlist for a deliciously retro workout.
The focus is on feeling strong, empowered and aligned – and ready to tackle your ‘to do’ list – with different tracks signalling the start of a new flow. Moves such as warrior poses and voguing arms work the entire body, helping tone arms, legs and glutes especially.
A typical class will see a live DJ spinning catchy 80s tracks that’ll take you from Madge for the dynamic parts of the session through to dreamy disco for the wind-down. Leotards and legwarmers at the ready!
Where Various locations in east London
How much From £8
MIND IT
It’s not just your body that needs looking after, of course: wedding planning can get pretty stressful. Try practising mindfulness, a meditation technique that helps you appreciate the here and now. The Mindfulness Project runs both short courses and eight-week sessions.
londonmindful.com
BOOM CYCLE
When thinking about seating plans gets too much, escape to Boom Cycle for a high-octane workout that’ll get you ready to shimmy down the aisle. This ‘party on a bike’ will push you harder than you ever thought you could go.
Each 45-minute class takes place in a low-lit basement studio (which will be appreciated by self-conscious brides) to a soundtrack of high-energy music that’ll help you sculpt the bridal booty you always dreamed of.
The nightclub-quality sound system is an integral part of each session. Instructors create weekly rides themed around artists and genres, with everything from Beyoncé to Groove Armada to help you get in the zone.
Where Shoreditch, Holborn
How much Introductory offer: £25 for three rides over 14 days. One-off class: £16
SET THE JUICE LOOSE
A pound-shedding juice diet can be the final push you need to get into that special dress and help you look and feel
healthier. Here are three rejuvenating recipes for the run-up to the big day
Recipes: The Supercharged Green Juice & Smoothie Diet, by Christine Bailey (£10.99, Nourish Books)
Green Purity
(121 calories)
1cm piece of root ginger
2 celery sticks
1 Asian pear or regular pear
1 green apple
1 handful of kale
1 lemon, peeled
1 small handful of parsley
1/2 cucumber
1/4 tsp MSM powder
1/8 tsp chlorella powder
Method Put all the ingredients, except the MSM and chlorella, through an electric juicer. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
Watercress Wonder
(138 calories)
1/4 small pineapple, skin cut off
1 large handful of watercress
4 celery sticks
1 green apple
1/2 cucumber
1/2 tsp glutamine powder, optional
Method Put all the ingredients, except the glutamine, through a juicer. Stir in the glutamine, if using.
Deep Green
(124 calories)
4 mint sprigs
1/4 pineapple, skin cut off
1 lemon, peeled
1/2 cucumber
2 large handfuls kale leaves
1/4 tsp spirulina powder
Method Put all the ingredients, except the spirulina, through a juicer. Stir in the spirulina.
This article was first published in Squaremeal Weddings 2016