The Healthy Bride

A directory for Fitness Focused Brides and Bridal Fitness Providers

Seattle – March 4, 2010 – The Healthy Bride today announced the launch of the wedding industry’s first Bridal Fitness Directory, www.healthy-bride.com.

The directory was started by Christi Masi, an award-winning fitness trainer and founder of  The Healthy Bride, a Seattle-based personal training and nutrition consultancy helping brides feel and look great on their wedding day.  Designed for the bride and bridal fitness providers, the new site has information, workouts and information to suit all brides from the D-I-Y Bride, to the bride looking for support and encouragement from a Bridal Bootcamp or a personal trainer.

“I wanted to provide a place where a bride can get solid, helpful information on bridal fitness and wedding weight loss from experts in her area,” said Masi.  “With the site, anyone can find a personal trainer or bridal bootcamp program in her area within one click of the home page”

The site is also designed for the bridal fitness provider to find information, support and products to help them with their business.  In addition to the directory, Masi offers assistance to those wanting to start their own bridal fitness business in an E Book “How to start your own Bridal Fitness Business”. When she started The Healthy Bride in 2004, bridal weight loss and fitness was an emerging industry; but is now in a period of rapid growth.  As the Wedding Report states the market value for bridal diet, weight loss, and gyms was $271 million for 2009.

“I love the bridal fitness business, and want to help others get into the business.  Brides-to-be are very fun to work with – they are happy, healthy and motivated!  I want to help other fitness professionals achieve success in this rewarding industry by sharing what I have learned.” Masi co-authored the book with Monica Sansaver, a recent bride and Seattle University MBA graduate.  “Monica really helped put my 7 years of experience into an operations manual that will jump start anyone wanting to get into the bridal fitness niche”

The Healthy Bride Directory will offer 3 levels of vendor listings: Free, Gold ($15 per month) and Platinum ($30 per month).  The site will allow vendors to link their listings to their Facebook and Twitter pages and also upload photos and videos.

Brides-to-be can also keep up with fitness and nutritional tips at The Healthy Bride blog at www.healthy-bride.com/blog.

The Healthy Bride®: A Leader in Bridal Fitness

The Healthy Bride (www.healthy-bride.com) was founded by Christi Masi to help prepare brides-to-be (and a groom or two!) for their big day through individualized fitness and nutritional regimes developed exclusively for their particular goals.  Based in Seattle, The Healthy Bride offers bootcamp-style classes and nutritional counseling for brides in the area, as well as a online and localized resources for brides-to-be nationwide, including free workout podcasts, a fitness blog, workout accessories, and Christi Masi’s “Healthy Bride Bootcamp DVD” and her book, “The Healthy Bride Guide,” also available on Amazon.com.

About Christi Masi
Founder of The Healthy Bride, Masi’s focus is on training women to successfully meet life challenges. An avid, international mountain climber, her professional background includes 11 years of sales and marketing at Starbucks Coffee. Christi’s outstanding leadership ability and natural enthusiasm has motivated women to complete triathlons, half marathons, and summit climbs of Mt. Rainier. Not to mention health and fitness goals for pivotal life moments like weddings!

Christi’s credentials include ACSM- HFI®and NSCA -CPT® certifications and a BA in psychology from the University of Washington.  Modern Bride Magazine awarded Christi designation as a “Top Trendsetter of 2006” and Seattle Bride Magazine has awarded The Healthy Bride Best Bridal Fitness Program 2007, 2008 & 2009.

The Healthy Bride® is a registered trademark of Cloud Nine Women, Inc.

Media Contact:

Christi Masi

christi@healthy-bride.com

206-755-9683

OMG!  I led The Healthy Bride Bridal Bootcamp last night and holy moly the brides blew me away!

Here are some of the results the group has logged in 7 weeks – unbelievable -

• 14+ pounds lost by our 2011 bride
• 10+ pounds lost by another bride and friend of 2011 bride
• 35 mile bike ride with 3000 feet elevation gain completed with ease – and she said ” I really have not ridden my bike much, I think it’s the class”
• 5+ pounds lost by a May bride

They are having fun, talking about rings, venues, dresses and looking forward to our outdoor classes coming in Mid-March and April.

Way to go you guys!!

Katie Bedford sent me the following video, which I love and think is hilarious! Check out smartbrideboutique for wedding goodies and a really cool contest!

She’s obsessed. Like, seriously OBSESSED with her dress!

And we’re not talking about wearing it around the house on the occasional Saturday. After spending thousands of dollars and months agonizing over her dress, Julia is determined to get her money’s worth. Watch as Julia puts her dress back on and ventures out into the city.

By Alexis Hoverter A Healthy Bride Alum

If you’re new to the workout scene, finding the right clothes to wear to the gym, bridal bootcamp or on a run can be a little daunting. Oftentimes workout gear isn’t cheap and (ironically) can be rather unflattering. So, here are some tips to get you started on an affordable and comfortable workout wardrobe.

Tops:
Old Navy carries ribbed tank tops in a huge variety of vibrant colors for $8.50 a piece ($7.50 each if you buy two or more). They’re cut to be fitted, yet nice and long. Read: no riding up and flashing your tummy mid workout (one of my personal pet peeves about other fitness tops).

A good quality, moisture-wicking sports bra is worth a bit of an investment. I typically opt for either black, dark grey or bright pinks and blues – they look better layered under a tank and don’t become dingy like white sports bras.  Check out Athleta (Gap’s online-only fitness line) for bras in a variety of different styles including separate cuts and fabrics for low versus high impact sports and cups sizes. They’ve also got a decent color selection.

It’s good to have a go-to jacket or hoodie that you can throw on with your gym gear. You’ll quickly get a chill if you head outside after spending an hour sweating inside a warm gym.  Old Navy has some cute, colorful cover-ups in reasonable prices.

Bottoms:
I personally feel like my movement is restricted when I wear shorts to workout. I’m always feeling like I’m flashing the gym while doing bicycle situps or stretching – so I opt for fitted capris or pants. I prefer material that’s got some give (usually a synthetic blend of some sort) but it still fitted for ease of movement.  I frequently have good luck at Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Athleta (good for the long-legged gal, they offer different lengths). Be prepared to try on a lot of different styles until you find the one that fits well and looks good.

Some brides have a hard time getting started on their bridal fitness and weight loss programs.  There is really no better time in life to start down a path to fitness and health than now.  It’s a happy time, you are in transition, and you’re deciding who you will be as a married woman and couple.  Health is a gift, one both you and your fiance can decide to give each other – from this day forward.

Below are 12 steps to move you toward building a healthy lifestyle for the long term.

Step 1 – Admit you are powerless over your resistance to exercise – that your life is badly in need of a fitness make-over.

Step 2 – Come to believe that a power greater than your own “willpower” can restore you to activity.

Step 3 – Made a decision to turn your “willpower” over to the care of a well organized, balanced, realistic workout schedule.

Step 4 – Make a searching and fearless inventory of your obstacles, objections and resistances to exercise.

Step 5 – You are entirely ready to rely on the plan you have outlined that addresses and overcomes the issues you listed in step number 4.

Step 6 - Admit to yourself and to another human being that healthy eating and exercise is your path to a healthier future.

Step 7 – You have humbly resolved to start slow and build on your successes and you vow to believe that some activity is always better than none.

Step 8 – Make a list of all the diets and workout programs that have not worked for you over the long term, and vow not to go back to them.

Step 9 – Make a direct admission that diets do not work, and you will therefore embark upon a program of eating that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean meats and you will eat in amounts that support your best health.

Step 10 – Continue to take personal inventory of your activity and eating programs and promptly correct what you find out of balance with your health goals.

Step 11 – Seek through planning, scheduling, support and forgiveness to improve your health through knowledge, awareness and the power to carry out your plan.

Step 12 – Having a healthy awakening as the result of these steps, you will carry this message to others offering your support and encouragement for their success.

If you need help organizing your 12 steps to bridal fitness bliss, give us a call, or send us an email. We are happy to help out!  It’s not too late to join our bridal bootcamp classes or our free 2010 Healthy Bride challenge.

We will kick off the 2010 season this Monday at 7pm with our first bridal bootcamp class of the year!  Classes are on Monday and Thursday at Anytime Fitness in Fremont 3601 Fremont Ave N.  Our Saturday morning class begins on January 30.

There is no motivator like a weddding date to get you into the best shape of your life!  We will help you stay that way long after the wedding day.  Our Bridal Fitness program has been voted Best Bridal Fitness Program by Seattle Bride readers 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Listen to those who know:

We will also be kicking off our Healthy Bride Challenge next week. Don’t miss out on meeting your goals AND winning big prizes!

Hope to see you at the Seattle Wedding Show this weekend – look for us in booth #1222

Brides!  Join us for a great workout on Monday January 4th at 7pm for a complimentary workout. We want you to meet our instructors, get a taste for our classes and meet other brides.  If you have a favorite workout buddy, by all means, bring her along – everyone is welcome!

The evening is meant to be fun, help you learn more about us and kick off your workout success for 2010 – no hard sales push, we promise. There will be a couple of brides from last year’s class on hand to answer any questions you might have (and want to ask someone who really knows).

Details:

Time: 7:00pm – 8:15pm (we will spend about 15 minutes on introductions)

Place: Anytime Fitness  - 3601 Fremont Ave North

What to bring: water and wear workout clothes for an indoor workout.  There are changing rooms available at the gym.

What else? – parking is on the street and is free after 6pm.

Wait, there is more! We will be revealing details about our exciting 2010 Healthy Bride Challenge.  You will have the opportunity to win a Wedding Photography Package from Sacha Blue Photography, 6 months of Healthy Bride workout classes, Lululemon wear and more!

Questions? email us, or give us a call 206-755-9683.

Hope to see you on the 4th!

I have had several brides contact me this past week asking about classes this fall and winter.  I do have all this posted on The Healthy Bride website, but for some reason, it’s not being found.  Sorry about that!!  I will be changing the site soon and hopefully this will eliminate some of the finding problems.

Until then, here are details of what is happening now, and what is to come in 2010.

Right now, we have a circuit training class (bridal bootcamp indoors) on Thursday evenings from 6:15pm to 7:15pm.  It will run until mid-December.  You can sign up any time, just email or call me(206-755-9683).

This class is made up of brides from the class of 2009, 2008, 2006 and 2010.  All are welcome.  We work hard and have fun in a really cool Capoeira studio in the Old Rainier Brewery. 3150 Airport Way South.

As for you who are looking beyond 2009 and into 2010, we have classes starting in January.  The schedule is as follows:

The next session of Healthy Bride bootcamp classes in Seattle begin Tuesday January 12, 2010.

We will be holding free classes in each location the week of January 4th, 2010.  Please email us to hold your place.

Tuesday 7pm – 8pm
Location: Fitness Lab Stone Way No

Wednesday 6:15pm – 7:15pm
Location: The Old Rainier Brewery Airport Way So

Thursday 7pm – 8pm
Location:  Fitness Lab Stone Way No

Saturday 10:00am – 11:00am
Location: Fitness Lab Stone Way No

All sessions will run 8 weeks. Maximum class size 12 people, minimum 6 people.

1 class per week for 8 weeks -    $175.00
2 classes per week for 8 weeks – $295.00
3 classes per week for 8 weeks – $385.00
4 classes per week for 8 weeks – $450.00

Sign up for 2 sessions (16 weeks) and receive 10% off
Sign up for 3 sessions (24 weeks) and receive 15% off
Sign up for 4 sessions (32 weeks) and receive 20% off

Sign up before January 1, 2009 and recive a Healthy Bride T-shirt!

Start Dates for 2010:
January 12, 13, 14, 16
March 9, 10, 11, 13 – (we move outside mid-session)
May 4, 5, 6, 8
June 29, 20, July 1, 3
August 24, 25, 26 and 28 (final session of the season)

If you would like more details about the class, visit The Healthy Bride Bootcamp page.

This is a subject that comes up again and again in our Bridal Bootcamps.  Every bride wants every inch of her body feeling great as she walks up the aisle, and brides who are planning to wear a strapless dress are particularly sensitive to how they see their backs.

Nature, as it turns out, decides when, where, and how much fat we carry on each of our bodies. Gender also plays a large role. Males tend to store their fat in their midsections; while females carry their around their hips and thighs, but some women also get pockets of upper back fat.

Too much food and too little physical exercise are what usually leads to those unsightly pounds, but where those pounds are added is largely a case of genetics.

Back fat is not popular with women, especially brides. Even women who are okay with bits of fat in strategic places intensely dislike the back fat that forms ridges around their bras and would like to get rid it. I have heard this described as “boob fat” and “back fat” and every bride I have met so far wants it to go away before the wedding photos begin.

You may have heard in the popular press (or from ads on TV) that you can concentrate on reducing flab from
any specific part of your body.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is just not true.  Spot reducing is a well supported Myth.  Everyone has areas of the body which favor fat formation more than others and exercising muscles underlying those particular areas of fat will not make the fat go away.

The only way to lose fat from any part of your body is to shed pounds from your entire body – exercise combined with a permanent eating regimen that focuses on eating healthier foods in smaller quantities.

Are there any exercises that can target back fat?  The good news here is yes, but it might not be what you expect.  What you need to focus on to lose that back fat is an aerobic workout that burns calories.  You need to be burning more calories than you are eating.  It’s that simple.

Choose activities that you enjoy, are easily accessible, within your budget, and effective in shedding pounds. Weight-resistance training is good, but be sure to get some aerobic exercise, too. You want to be working hard enough that you are sweating and huffing and puffing.  Think about the level of intensity you are working on a scale from 0-10.  0= laying on the couch watching TV with the remote.  10 = absolute maximum, pass-out stage.  When you are warming up, shoot for a 5-6 level.  Hold this for about 10 minutes.  Next, move into your aerobic zone of your workout (where you really burn the calories) and move into the 6-9 level.  Go with how you feel that day, and be sure to vary your workout. If you have been doing the same workout for awhile or if you have reached a plateau, consider adding interval training.

Interval training is basically exercise which consists of activity at high intensityfor a period of time, followed by low intensity exercise for a period of time. These ’sets’ are repeated. Interval traning can really have an enormous impact on your fitness level, your metabolism and can spice up a workout routine that has gone stale.

If you want to tone and firm up the upper back muscles for better appearance; or for that strapless dress, then resistance training is a great idea.  Working your back also lowers your chance of back injury, improves your posture, and provides stronger support for your entire body. Check out our strapless dress podcast workout!