In the Media

2005-07-20, The Edmonton Examiner

Fitness coordinator Alex Senkow calls for eight more push-ups in a tone reminiscent of a drill sergeant.

She encourages a group of her recruits to push their limits and work harder to achieve their goals.

For Jackie Taber, it’s looking fabulous in her wedding dress.

This is the second time she’s enrolled in Bridal Boot Camp offered by Defining Eve.

“I feel stronger, I don’t think I would have survived without this,” she says, after an arduous one-hour workout.

The bride-to-be is getting married on July 30 before 250 guests. Coupled with the wedding, she’s selling a condo and building a new house.

To say she’s stressed is an understatement.

But, Bridal Boot Camp is an oasis away from the madness, she says.

“This has been the perfect stress relief,” she says.

Taber even convinced her sister, who is a bridesmaid, to join boot camp.

While part of the motivation is looking fabulous in her strapless gown, Taber says boot camp has spawned a lifelong fitness goal.

“I used to be really active and as I get older, I want to start a family so I want to be fit and healthier,” says the 34 year old.

She’s also working with a Defining Eve personal trainer to achieve her fitness goals.

The once-a-week boot camp class incorporates a cardiovascular workout and strength training in a fun-filled, upbeat atmosphere.

In fact, that’s what Brianne Wheeler, 22, loves about it.

A maid of honor in her sister’s wedding, Wheeler says the class helps her stray on track.

Participants are given homework assignments each week, to complete two additional workouts on their own time.

“I like how it keeps you motivated for the rest of the week,” she says.

Wheeler is extra motivated to look great in her bridesmaid dress that “hides nothing”.

And after only two classes, Wheeler is starting to see some great results.

While she’s not certain she’s lost any weight, she does feel more energetic and excited about exercising.

Senkow says those are the objectives of Bridal Boot Camp.

All participants will leave with better confidence, posture and energy, she says.

To see other results like muscle tone and weight loss, she encourages brides to enroll in classes six month to a year before their wedding.

Since Bridal Boot Camp started in the spring, Senkow says there have been more than 120 participants.

“I won’t say I’m surprised because there is no group of people more motivated than brides,” she says, with a laugh. “They’re very driven.”

Because of the program’s success, it will be offered year-round, Senkow adds.

And while fitness and well-being are results of the program, many of the participants walk away with much more, she says.

“You’ll notice they’re very chatty because they all have that something in common.” She says of their weddings. “There’s lots of camaraderie.”

Bridal Boot Camp is offered on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

A six week session is $99.

For more information, contact Defining Eve at 482 - 7030.