Barre Burn is a total body workout that slims your hips, tightens your thighs, lifts your seat, sculpts your arms and mobilizes your metabolism. If you did ballet as a kid, this workout may be for you as you’re preparing for your wedding.
“Using ballet movements, intelligent isometrics, changes in rhythm, range of motion and progressive core training, your body heals, tightens and strengthens so you look, feel and move better,” says athlete Eva Redpath, top group fitness instructor at Equinox and Nike.
Q&A with fitness trainer Eva Redpath
1. Why do so many brides want to get in shape before their wedding?
The bride is typically the focus of the wedding day. Besides the groom of course, she is usually the focus of attention of her family, friends, and photographers. I mean, it’s like her ‘Oscar’ event for her life! She’s going to be in the spotlight – with photos taken to last a lifetime, every bride wants to look (and feel) her absolute best. Getting married is a great motivator for women to develop long term healthy lifestyle habits – which include making healthy eating choices and a consistent fitness plan. Making these lifestyle changes will not only make her feel great and manage stress on the day of, but also will give her the tools to maintain healthy changes long after the honeymoon.
2. How far in advance should brides start a workout routine? How often should brides’ workout? How long should a typical workout last to get results?
It all depends on their goals. In the very least 6-8 weeks prior to the big day would be ideal. A quality program that includes cardio with strength conditioning and flexibility such as yoga is a good choice. Engaging in a quality activity or program 4-5x week for 40-60 minutes can be sufficient. It is also ideal to mix up the workout routine so it is fun! For best results, a healthy balanced lifestyle leading up to the big day will have her feeling her best.
3. What are some of the best workout options to whip brides into shape the fastest and most effectively? What makes them so effective?
Variety is key! High intensity, fast bouts of cardio such as intervals are really great. Body conditioning, small targeted exercises that really work, using low resistance weights, but lots of reps and grounding relaxation, gives you a chance to calm your nerves and relax your mind before you say those important vows. Some of the best examples from Equinox Fitness to create variety are noted below:
Barre Burn: A total body workout that slims your hips, tightens your thighs, lifts your seat & mobilizes your metabolism. Utilizing ballet movements, intelligent isometrics, changes in rhythm, range of motion & progressive core training, your body heals, tightens, strengthens so you look, feel and move better.
Stacked: With sandbells as your medium, it transforms your body with six targeted movement complexes executed for 30 seconds each. It combines two Stacks with an active mobility warm up and a recovery stretch and your workout is done. It hits the body with a healthy dose of high density training.
Yin Yoga: A great way to restore the body for everyone from new Yogis to elite athletes as long, slow and deep holds are emphasized in this unique, internal approach to yoga.
4. How can you incorporate good eating into a workout routine? Are there certain things brides should eat or avoid eating?
I’m a huge fan of real, wholesome eating. If your grandmother didn’t eat it, chances are you shouldn’t either. Avoid processed, packaged foods. Real whole foods don’t have to be boring; they can include pure, dark, pure chocolate! When crunched for time, nuts are great for snacking (in moderation) and a smoothie in the morning that includes a combination of greens, protein powder and whole fruit is a great option. Avocados and coconut oil are also amazing sources of healthy fat – which is good for skin and hair too.
5. Do you have any tips about how to find the right gym or workout for you?
There are so many options, but I’d say seek out the gym that offers the classes and services you want and will enjoy most. Your time at the gym should be enjoyable, so don’t hesitate to make an investment if it means you get killer classes and great facilities that fit your lifestyle. Equinox gets my vote for really understanding this and giving their members the very best, including having a lounge where members can customize shakes and other nutritional options; developing a diverse offering of classes that cater to every fitness level; providing access to fitness experts on site and creating an unparalleled experience that engages members in not only fitness, but also wellbeing in its spa, which is also open to non-members. In this day and age where brides place a premium on time, Equinox also has the Q Blog available 24-7, which has everything from videos and step by step workouts to nutritional information, recipes and playlists. Whether in person or online, Equinox delivers transformative results that can assist in setting the stage for the perfect day, and everyday…. after all, it’s not just fitness, its life!
Here she shows Today’s Bride a few moves to get us in shape.
