Wedding Weight-Loss: Bridesmaid Boot Camp

Group fitness is a great way to have fun and still get an awesome workout. Exercising with your best friends and bridesmaids is even better!

bridesmaid bootcamp

Last weekend, my trainer and aunt, Bonne Marcus, held a Bridesmaid Boot camp for me and my bridesmaids. We went to a local school and set up on the basketball courts for what ended up being one hour of extremely intense training.

The six of my eight bridesmaids that attended this boot camp got a glimpse of what I do every week with Bonne. We started with 12 stations each with a different exercise we had to do for one minute before switching to the next station. The stations included:

1. Triceps extension AKA "skull crushers" with a 10 pound kettle bell
2. Plié squat with bicep curl using a bar
3. Mountain climbs on yoga blocks
4. An agility running drill
5. Chest presses with 12 pound dumbbells
6. Triceps slams
7. Kettle bell swings with a 15 pound kettle bell
8. Rowing with the band
9. Battle ropes
10. Step ups on the bench
11. Jumping jacks with a chest press using the medicine ball
12. Burpees

bridesmaid bootcamp exercisesbridesmaid bootcamp exercises

We went through this circuit twice in unbearable heat and it was definitely not easy. Then, we moved on to different toning exercises such as wall sits against the gate, walking lunges (aka the wedding march), tricep dips, sidekicks, and lots of crunches. By the time the hour was up it felt like we've been going for four hours and everyone was thankful to be done.

After the intense boot camp, we all went back to one of my girlfriend’s houses and spent the day laying out by the pool. I made healthy snacks to munch on because I didn't want to ruin all the good we just did. We ate vegetables with spinach dip, an arugula salad with watermelon, fat free feta cheese and olive oil, and slices of pineapple. I also made my new favorite appetizer from Skinytaste, roasted red pepper hummus. It was so easy to make and was a huge hit with the girls. The next time you are invited to a party, I recommend bringing this heathy treat. You will definitely score major points and it's great with pita chips and veggies on the side.

It was an AMAZING day and I can't wait to do it again soon. I'm so happy my girls got to see how truly awesome and inspiring Bonne is and what she has been teaching me. I'm a lucky bride to have Bonne and my beautiful bridesmaids.

I have four months until my wedding day and there’s no stopping me now!

— Jennifer Crow