One of your many to-do’s when wedding planning might be to get in shape for your big day. Lucky for you, there are so many fun ways to do it! And you know what they say, endorphins from workouts can put you in a good mood and also make you feel more relaxed, which are other added benefits to bridal workouts. Whether you need to jumpstart your current workout routine or create something from scratch, there are plenty of options to make you the buff bride you’ve always envisioned being.
We’ve checked out some local options we think you should know about and investigate for yourself. You’ll see, learning how to get in shape for your wedding only takes a little research and motivation with some of these fun options.
YOGAFIT STUDIOS
There are 4 locations of YogaFit Studios in Minnesota, with one more coming soon. One of the great aspects of YogaFit Studios is that it isn’t just yoga, but really, so much more. From interval training to a variety of yoga and barre classes, there is something for everyone here that is looking to strengthen the body and the mind. The YogaFit Studios tagline is “making yoga more accessible” and as owner Ashok Dhariwal told us, the studio can provide classes in a variety of formats. “Many brides want a private Burn class which we can easily offer. We also offer, Flow 1, Flow 2, Restore, Barre, and HIIT as well so we can provide any format the bride/groom would like and in a private setting.”
And if private classes aren’t for you, consider grabbing some bridal party members to join in the workout fun, “We believe that it is a fun way to get the wedding party together and share in an activity that is important to the bride and/or groom – in this case, health and wellness.”
YogaFit
Dhariwal notes that many brides and/or grooms start coming in as soon as they get engaged but really it’s up to you. To get the most out of your workouts, he encourages coming daily if possible, “but three times a week is also wonderful.” He says the ideal workout space is one that makes you feel welcome, whether alone, with a friend, or with your fiancé. And if COVID restrictions are an issue, YogaFit has you covered, with about 60 virtual classes offered each week. “We are also offering about 100 in-studio classes across our four YogaFit locations in the metro area. All in-studio classes have significant social distancing, safety procedures, and cleaning protocols,” says Dhariwal.
Basecamp Fitness
A class built upon one-minute interval training, this is a great way to bring cardio and strength training into your regimen. Good for beginners and experts alike, the classes at Basecamp Fitness use bikes for cardio, and then a variety of tools (weights, medicine balls, kettlebells, etc) for strength training, which are meant to tone, define and give you more muscle, all goals of many brides and grooms looking to get buff. The third aspect of the class is called a “cool down” but it includes stretching and core work, which isn’t always easy, but gets results. As the Basecamp Fitness website says, “Ripped abs aren’t gifted, they’re earned.”
Basecamp Fitness
With one studio in Minneapolis and one in Edina, you can choose your location online and then check out the schedules for days, times, and instructors for classes. One participant calls this “the perfect mix of weight training and cardio” which is most likely what a bride or groom needs, depending on their goals.
Cyclebar Uptown
If you’re looking for a cycling class to get in shape for your wedding and beyond, consider CycleBar® Uptown MPLS. Designed for all fitness levels, their website says “we promise to empower, inspire, and elevate you throughout every day.” There are many types of classes here, including some specially tailored to groups looking to give back to those in need (just perfect for that bachelorette or shower event!)
CYCLEBAR
For couples looking to work out together, the owner of Uptown MPLS & Ridgedale locations, Zach Pettus, says the best class for brides and grooms is, “whichever one they dance to together! Any of our rides will make them exert themselves with high-intensity intervals that will be the most effective cardio workout to burn and tone. Jumping into the many different options we have; 30 min XPRESS, Classic 45min, Connect or our Empower classes which focus more on gear will add variety to their experience.”
“Because we have so much variety, our members can change up their goals during their journey! Our connect class focuses more about the music and less about the stats/numbers. All of our instructors offer their different styles and coaching skills from their music playlist taste to inspirational instructing.”
Depending on how many rides you’d like to do per month, there are various memberships and packages you can purchase. Pettus advises, “Ideally taking spin classes 3-4 times a week is going to help create a pattern and create results. Make it fun and embrace the energy. Our music and vibe is infectious. You can get a calorie burn anywhere, but you will only stick with a place that empowers you!”
For more info on pricing, the Uptown Minneapolis location has info on their website.
ALTR
If interval training in a highly intensive group setting is the kind of workout you’re looking for, consider ALTR. Led by a personal trainer, each class is an intense 50 minutes that pushes you physically and mentally, which just might be the thing you need to kick start a workout program leading up to your wedding. Or, if you’ve already been on an exercise regimen but are looking for something that also gives you a mental push, this might be the workout for you. Using the science of HIIT, ALTR is designed so that you’ll burn calories up to 48 hours beyond when you’ve worked out because in these classes you wind up boosting your resting metabolism. Get your body burning calories even when the workouts are done? Yes, please!
There are various series you can purchase, both online and in-person, so check out their site for all the details. With locations in the North Loop and Edina, you can check out their schedule and book your in-person session in advance.
Alchemy 365
If you want a mix of cardio, yoga, and strength training, perhaps you should consider Alchemy 365. Their group classes (in one of four Minnesota locations) provide the motivation of others, and if you’re not ready to invest in dumbbells they have bodyweight classes that force you to use your own weight resistance for a great workout. If you’d be more comfortable working out in the comfort of your own home, there’s Alchemy Anywhere.
For those ready for more than your standard body resistance class, you can buy Torpedos at their online shop which includes a 30-day subscription to Alchemy Anywhere classes. Pricing varies depending on the length of membership, how often you want to work out, and class packs are also available. All memberships include a 30-day cancellation policy, are valid at all locations, and include free access to their virtual classes.
Excolo Athletics
Getting in shape for your wedding is a task that almost every bride and groom hope to achieve before their big day. But meeting your health and wellness goals is not a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why Nate Trelstad, owner of Excolo Athletics, began his business by creating custom plans based on his client’s body composition goals. Nate describes his approach as “A client-centric approach understanding that there is not just one way to get the results you want. You just have to find a way that works best for each individual person. It’s a partnership, not a dictatorship.”
BNT Photography
Nate advises booking his services 3 or more months before the wedding day if you want to see meaningful change.
