I know it's lame, but I can't help it: I want to look good on my wedding day. I'll see friends I haven't hung out with since 3am at the Robo Pound table in college (FYI, that's a drinking game—I played a lot of it), and I'd like to think I've cleaned up a little since then. Looking to slim down for the big day, I tried a few of the wedding workout packages offered around town—everything from Pilates to personal training. Here's how they stacked up:
Hard-core training
Brides and grooms who are superserious about the whole shape-up thing should sign up for Wedding Bootcamp at Equinox ($1,200). Over one month, you'll get 12 personal-training sessions and four spa treatments, plus you�ll complete food and cardio logs. It's intense and tiring (and pricey), but it sure does work: I lost a few pounds and was visibly toned. Honeymoon plans are also discussed—programs differ if you'll be, say, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro versus sunning on a beach in Mexico (like me). Grade: A+ I haven't looked this good since high school. Available at all Chicago Equinox locations (www.equinoxfitness.com).
Graceful toning
I found a less extreme, gentle approach with the Bridal Bodies package at Body Endeavors ($525): ten group mat classes, ten private Pilates sessions and one massage. I felt leaner and taller after each personal session. Grade: B Results are subtle—think improved posture and body awareness, not sculpted arms and flat abs. Plus, it takes newbies a few sessions to get the hang of Pilates and see results. 1528 N Halsted St ( 312-202-0028 , www.bodyendeavorspilates.com).
All-out group effort
Spending hundreds on one-on-one training is awfully extravagant, but I found an inexpensive option with Wedding Boot Camp by Unicus Fitness (12 50-minute classes, $125). Peppy, talented instructors lead up to 30 students through exhausting cardio and strength drills. Grade: B+ There aren't perks like locker rooms and cardio machines, but hey, it's cheap. Various locations (www.weddingbootcamp.com, 312-81...).
Living room tune-up
To save money and reacquaint myself with the snooze button, I ordered the new Healthy Bride DVD ($20, www.healthy-bride.com). Workouts are catered to specific dress styles (wearing a strapless gown? You'll do a lot of push-ups). Grade: C+ Folks who can be diligent about home workouts will get results. I didn't.
