Whether it's losing a few pounds or just general toning to wow on your wedding day we've rounded up the best and latest ways to help you.

Insanity workout

Who for: The name suggests otherwise, but anyone can do it.

Best for: calorie smashing.

The verdict: It may sound completely bonkers but in the eyes of fitness professionals this workout guarantees results.

Shifting the rolls for your big day is essential, and these sessions could burn almost half of your daily recommended calories during an intense 50-minute fitness frenzy.

The American extreme fitness import, Insanity, landed in Southampton last summer.

It was originally a workout DVD but it has been turned into sessions by personal trainers both in England and in the US.

According to fitness pros, it burns around 1,000 calories per session and is the best way of getting fit if the “no pain, no gain” policy is something you buy into.

Within almost an hour of intense exercise, your entire body is put through its paces.

Personal trainer Gemma Paddington, who runs a class at Southampton Common at 9am every Saturday, said: “The results are excellent.

“It is a very intense workout but the gains will be unbelievable.

“Whether you're looking to get a beach body or prepare for an event, this is the perfect exercise.

“It's brilliant. Fifty minutes of work, you'll make friends and you'll see an improvement.

“It is certainly the best upcoming exercise out there, so come and give it a try.”

To find out more, visit Gemma's website: http://WWW.pt365.co.uk

Where: Southampton Common on Saturdays (9.15am) or Oasis Academy Mayfield (8pm) on Wednesdays. Julie's Dance Studio if weather's bad.

How much: £5

Daily Echo: Insanity workout


FIT Climb

Who for: someone looking for something a bit different.

Best for: cardiovascular, balance, strength and flexibility.

The verdict: Weddings are a true test of your endurance and balance.

It's the biggest day of your life but, it's one of the most tiring too.

On top of that, nobody wants to live the nightmare of tripping over as you walk down the aisle.
So this cardio and climbing hybrid workout could well be the key to getting through the day without getting weary or tripping over.

Michelle Baker, head of FIT Climb, runs weekly sessions at St Mary's Sports Centre in Southampton.

She uses the centre's climbing wall as an introduction to the ins and outs of the sport and, at the same time, you'll be put through a workout that includes different fitness aspects.

“I've combined cardio aerobics with conditioning and climbing,” Michelle says.

“It's a nice introduction into climbing or just a really different workout.

“It's about cardio exercise and movement on the wall.

“I've then integrated parts of yoga and pilates, so there's balance training while doing cardio as well.”

During the one hour session, Michelle can help you hone your workout to your needs.

Whether you're looking to concentrate on strength and endurance on the climbing wall or focus on improving flexibility or balance, FIT Climb will cater for your needs.

Visit http://www.fitclimb.co.uk for more details.

Where: Southampton's St Mary's Sports Centre on Wednesdays 10.30-11.30.

How much: £6 per session or £30 for six

 

Daily Echo: FIT Climb

Hula hooping

Who for: fun lovers.

Best for: stress relief, toning and fat busting.

The verdict: They were a must-have toy of the late 1950s.

Now hula hoops are back in fashion again and it could solve many pre-wedding woes.

If you're fed-up with all the stress of organising your big day, hooping is considered an effective way of beating the fat and having a laugh at the same time.

Marie Stephens, from Romsey, ditched her office job to become a hoop instructor and manufacturer.

The single mum subsequently set-up Chillihoops and now runs her own sessions.

“It's great fun,” she says. “Nobody can pick up a hula hoop without laughing because they are getting it wrong or smiling because they are getting it right.

“Five minutes in a hoop is a great stress-buster.

“Hoops offer great all round exercise,” adds Marie, who lost one-and-half stone in weight and is now keen to promote the health and fitness benefits of the hoop.

Marie hosts sessions in Romsey and Totton.

For more details, visit http://www.chillihoop.com

Where: Romsey Community Centre on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Totton & Eling Community Centre.

How much: £7 per session or £38 for six consecutive lessons.

Daily Echo: Hula hooping

Archery

Who for: anyone.

Best for: upper body strength and focus.

The verdict: You'll be striking your bride or groom with Cupid's arrow on your wedding day, but the last thing you want to do is miss the target and horrifically wound an in-law.

So, naturally, what better way to ensure there is no accidental maiming of guests or family by taking up archery?

Of course, there won't literally be any firing of arrows at your spouse on your big day but this is a sure way to impress.

The technique of archery is perfect for building upper body strength and a great way of focusing your mind for those nerve-shredding speeches.

“Archery is great for your health,” says AC Delco coach Dermot McKeone. “It helps your upper body strength, aids your focus and concentration.

“I went for an operation in 2010 and within three weeks I was back shooting again.

“There is also a great sense of achievement when you shoot a good round or do well in a competition.

“It is a sociable sport - we're all good friends.”

Delco, who are based at Highbridge Farm and Thornden School near Eastleigh, hold regular 'have-a-go' sessions, which cost about £3.50 to attend.

For more details visit: http://www.acdelcobowmen.hants.org.uk

Where: AC Delco at Highbridge Farm or Thornden School near Eastleigh.

How much: £3.50 for a 'have-a-go' session.

Daily Echo: Archery