BRIDAL BOOT CAMP

If you’re saying sayonara to 2007 with the resolve to get back in shape for your big day in 2008, it may be time to head to boot camp! No, you don’t have to enlist in the armed forces to get the body benefits offered by a military-style workout. Several area fitness trainers offer outdoor boot camp classes that shape you up without shipping you out.

According to trainer Bryan Schuler of Wired Fitness, which offers a Bridal Fit Camp for brides-to-be, the classes are a great way to slim down, tone up and relieve the stress of planning a wedding.

"It’s a high-intensity, time-efficient workout, which is what brides need when they’re planning a wedding," he says. "They’re getting a well-rounded, affordable workout in 60 minutes and they’re accomplishing both their cardio and strength-training goals."

From conditioning drills and cardiovascular exercises to flexibility and strength training, Schuler’s classes offer something for brides with a wide range of fitness and weight-loss goals, budgets and timelines.

"Brides should look to start a program depending on what their goal size is and how much they have in their budget," he adds. "If they just have a dress size to lose, four to six weeks may be sufficient. Still, some people are slower to lose weight than others, so I recommend three months so they can reach their goals. I’ve even had a bride lose three dress sizes!"

Along with boot camp workouts, Schuler offers brides-to-be a free nutrition program to balance healthy eating and exercise. Brides-to-be are welcome at all Wired Fitness classes, held at various times throughout the county, from Carlsbad and Carmel Valley to Mission Bay and the Embarcadero. Special bridal packages are available at Mission Bay and Carmel Valley locations.

For more information, visit www.wiredfitness.com

    
 
 
   
   

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
AS HUSBAND AND WIFE

Dreaming of a white (sand) wedding this holiday season? If you’ve recently met your perfect match—or simply put off planning—and are looking to celebrate the holidays as new husband and wife, have no fear: There’s still time to say your vows at the beach. Thanks to the fast-wedding enablers at ElopeSanDiego.com, who realize that the holidays are stressful enough without planning a wedding on top of it all, your dream beach wedding is just a click away. The company offers a once-a-year Holiday Wedding Ceremony Special for all couples looking to say "I do" before the calendar reads 2008. Held on Coronado or Mission Beach, ElopeSanDiego.com’s weddings are conducted by co-owner Steve Haslet, while photography services are offered by his wife, Christine.

For more information, call 858-945-8341 or visit www.elopesandiego.com

    
     
   

FINISHING TOUCHES:
A BRIDE'S BEST FRIEND

If you’ve chosen not to invite children to your ceremony and reception, you may be at a loss as to who will serve as your ring bearer. Look no further than your furry friend Fido. With dogs appearing in more places than ever, from airplanes to purses, offices to hotel rooms, it’s no surprise that many couples are also including them in their outdoor wedding ceremonies. Luckily for animal lovers, wedding vendors have jumped on the trend, offering doggie-size tuxedos and ring pillows. Wedding site theknot.com offers a four-inch pillow with a satin collar and bowtie to pretty up your pooch for your big day, while local pet boutique Muttropolis sells a ring bearer tee—complete with white ribbon—for dogs of all sizes, ranging from XXS to XXL.

For more information, visit www.theknot.com or
www.muttropolis.com