Operation G.I. Jane

Looking to shape up for your wedding? Learn a local bride’s journey to a jaw-dropping look, plus a few ways you can get one yourself.

Talk to any bride-to-be, and it isn’t the fear of walking down the aisle that makes her knees knock—it’s standing in front of a church full of guests in a strapless white gown. “My fiancé proposed to me in September [2008], and I joined the Meyer Center in October,” says Alison Roffers, who was just married last August.

Although not exclusive to the newly engaged, Springfield’s fitness boot camps appeal to tomorrow’s brides, and even some grooms, who are looking for intense workouts and quick results. The small group setting usually has no more than 12 in a class and offers a wide variety of routines.

Meyer Center Boot Camp Cost: Free for members Times: 60 minutes; Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 a.m. Location: Meyer Center, 3545 S. National Ave., Springfield, 417-269-3282 CrossFit Through 7 trainers, the CrossFit program offers classes 6 days a week combining routine of combat, survival, a variety of sports and activities of daily life for any individual committed to lifelong fitness regardless of experience. 1900 W. Sunset, Building A, Suite 112 Springfield, MO 65807 417.881.7855 »Website CrossFit Springfield Boot Camp Cost: $400 for 2 months Times: 60 minutes; Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 6 p.m. Location: CrossFit Springfield, 1900 W. Sunset St., Bldg. A, Suite 116, Springfield, 417-881-7855, crossfit-springfield.com Bikini Boot Camp Cost: $20 for members, $50 for non-members Times: Monday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Location: Pat Jones YMCA, 1901 E. Republic Rd., Springfield, 417-881-1599, or ymca.org

According to Gina Stidham, who instructs a twice-a-week “high-impact, high-intensity” boot camp at the Meyer Center, a typical hour-long program starts off with stretching, and then “some kind of run that is at least a mile.” Stidham sometimes incorporates a military run, in which the group lines up in a row and the person in the back sprints to the front. Push-ups, squats and jumping rope are also incorporated. Stidham recommends that brides-to-be attend the boot camp twice weekly along with a group strength class and get to the gym at least four times a week.

Jessi Grove, co-owner of CrossFit Springfield, runs a boot camp that meets three times a week for two months. “It doesn’t matter if you have fallen off the wagon or never even been on the wagon, a good group of people will make you feel comfortable and keep you focused on your goal,” she says.

Boot camp can help brides in stress reduction. “It is absolutely stressful planning for a wedding, and exercise can be a great stress reducer to get you through it,” says Grove.

After boot camp, Roffers lost 10 pounds and toned up. “Boot camp simply challenges me way more than it would be if I were working out on my own,” Roffers says.