In Top Form: Trendy Ways to Get into Shape on Long Island, for the Big Day

With dress fittings ahead, now is the perfect time to get in shape. But working out doesn’t have to mean logging hours on the treadmill. Freelance writer Krista Bennett DeMaio researched these Long Island workouts, which are anything but boring — plus they’re fun ways to get your groom in on the action.

Dance revolution

Chances are you’ve heard of Zumba, the Latin dance class shaking up gyms across the country. Zumba means move fast and have fun—and that you will. “It’s like a night out, minus the cocktails and the calories,” says Ken Brown, co-owner of Fitness Incentive in Babylon. It combines simple moves with upbeat music and can burn 500-plus calories in one hour. “You don’t feel like you’re working out–you’re too busy having fun,” says Brown.  Make it a date: Learn moves for the wedding day, while getting in shape with private dance lessons. “Ballroom dancing is not only cardiovascular work, but also tones muscles from head to toe,” says John Mazzei, owner of Ballroom Dance Long Island (various locations).

New strength training tool

The Russian kettlebell is a cool tool that is making a comeback.  Kettlebell training, offered at Equinox Long Island, is one-stop shopping: resistance, cardio, flexibility, balance, and coordination.  Using natural momentum, you swing the cast-iron ball with a U-shaped handle away from the body, working several muscle groups at once. Expect significant sculpting results after just two weekly sessions for six weeks. Make it a date: Take him to group kettlebell classes lead by a certified kettlebell instructor.  Best of all, he doesn’t have to know to how to grapevine or sashay.

Bridal boot camp

Many gyms have programs just for busy brides. “Most brides are stressed out during wedding planning,” says Bob Mittleman, owner of Fitness Together in Woodbury. “They turn to exercise to get in shape or just to get away from it all.” Mittleman’s Bridal Boot Camp offers brides six weeks of personal training sessions that tackle those bridal gown trouble spots: arms, back, waist, etc.  A boot camp is meant to kick-start an exercise program, says Mittleman. “If you want fast results, it’s the way to go.”  Make it a date: Try boot camp for two. When Amy Llinas and TJ Lynch, two trainers at Fitness Incentive in Babylon, got engaged, they decided to create a three-month program called Ultra Fit for Couples.  Here, couples train together by trainers who are also a couple – double the fun.

Hot yoga trend

Turn up the mind/body benefits of yoga up a notch with hot, or bikram yoga. The room is heated to a toasty 109 degrees. “When you inhale, your lungs fill with warm air,” says Jamie Scher, owner of Namaste, The Yoga Spa in Plainview.   By warming your body from the inside out, you decrease the risk of injury and increase the benefits: getting long, lean, and de-stressed. “Hot yoga is also like the best facial out there,” Scher adds. “You sweat out toxins.”  Make it a date: Strengthen your connection with each other with Partner Yoga. Can’t find a class? Consider a DVD such as Yoga Two-gether (at Amazon.com).