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So I heard something on the radio the other day about how your Zodiac sign can predict how likely you are to be an avid gym-goer. Apparently being a Virgo (which I am) puts you at the bottom of the list lol. It is true that I find it hard to go to the gym and spend a good hour or more doing circuits or lifting weights BUT that’s only because I get bored so easily with things like that! So, over the last couple of months I have gotten into an awesome routine that I actually enjoy and don’t have trouble maintaining! I thought I would share it with you brides (or bridal party members) out there that are wanting to get in shape but aren’t really intrigued by the thought of the typical gym routine (like me!).

A few months ago I discovered a gem in Cambridge. Tease Fitness Studio is located on Pinebush (near the Wal-Mart plaza) and is a studio designed specifically for women! Not only does it offer an awesome variety of classes and fitness challenges to women of all fitness levels, but it is also the prettiest gym you’ll ever see! It smells AMAZING (I have to find out where they get their candles) and has awesome décor that makes it look the exact opposite of what you would envision a gym looking like!

I started doing a weekly Ballerina Barre Fit class. Once a week a fabulous instructor (Emma) guided me through an hour of ballet-inspired exercises. Even though it was one of the toughest work outs I’ve ever done, the fact that I got to wear a pink tutu while working out made it all worth it. Unfortunately, Tease no longer offers this class, but they now have a Black Swan class that is very similar. I haven’t gotten a chance to try this class out yet, but it’s definitely on my list!

Once the Ballerina Barre stopped I was faced with the challenge of finding a new class that I enjoyed as much as it! That’s when I decided to try my hand at a spin class. I’ll admit, I’ve always been kind of hesitant about doing a spin class. I always envision these intense, in your face instructors that make you peddle so fast that you think you’re going to pass out as you swim in a pool of your own sweat in an overcrowded, overheated room. But not this one! Clubland Sway Spin is my new favourite class at Tease and I actually look forward to going every week! There are no more than 6 bikes in the room and it has low lighting, fans and club lights! Yes, you read that right, club lights! The awesome instructor (Lyndsay) takes you on an exhilarating hour-long bike ride that doesn’t involve over the top yelling or overexerting yourself to the point where you want to die. That’s why this class is great, because no matter what your fitness level is, you can do Clubland Sway Spin! Lyndsay makes sure that you know how to set up your bike and never tells you how much resistance to use, she simply says what level she wants you to work at and tells you to do what you feel that level is (1-10). She knows that what might be a difficult level 7 for some may not be difficult for others, and vice versa, so you never have to feel like you’re not good enough for the class. And don’t get me wrong, if you try your hardest, you will break a sweat! But it’s an “I feel so awesome” sweat, not an “I feel so disgusting and want to crawl onto the floor and cry” sweat lol.

So far, the ballet and spin classes have been my favourites at Tease, but that is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the variety of options available to you. And what makes this place even more awesome? You don’t have to buy a membership! They have different options that suit every budget, big or small. Pay per class, buy a “passport” of classes that you can use whenever you want (they never expire!), or pay a flat fee and go to as many classes as you want in a month! You can pay the flat fee one month and if you don’t want to the next, then simply buy a passport, or pay per class if your schedule is a bit hectic! Check out all of the pricing options here.

Now, I do do more than one spin class a week. I go to my gym 1-2 times a week and use my favourite machine there, the elliptical! I go hard for 30-60 minutes (depending on my schedule) while listening to my iPod, and it feels amazing! Again, you don’t have to overexert yourself with these machines! Go at a pace that feels comfortable for you but try to amp it up so that you feel the burn and break a good sweat.

Every day I try to do something, so when I am not planning on doing spin or going to the gym I also have an at-home routine that I started 2 weeks ago and really love. I started a “plank challenge” that I found on Pinterest and a squat video (here). I also throw in various crunches and quick Pilates videos (like this) to keep myself from becoming bored!

Keep in mind though that with a great workout there also has to be a great, balanced diet. I am far (and I mean FAR lol) from perfect when it comes to food (I have a serious candy addiction!), but as long as the majority of the food you consume is healthy, I don’t think there’s any harm in indulging every once in a while. Also, drink lots of water and try eating out as little as possible. And remember, while you want to work hard to look good on your wedding day, it’s important to keep that routine going after it too! Just because your wedding is over doesn’t mean you have to stop feeling good inside and out! You deserve to feel your very best before, during and long after your big day.

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Article written by Katie Dennison – Assistant Planner at The Little White Dress

© 2012 The Little White Dress, www.thelittlewhitedress.ca

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Wedding Planning expert Kate Vanderlugt publishes the “Inspired Bride” weekly e-zine. Get your FREE eReport: “How to Get the Most Bang for Your Wedding Budget” at www.thelittlewhitedress.ca/freeereport