I'm a person who despises the gym. I mean truly hate...with a passion. As a former dancer, I just find running on a tredmill or elyptical extremely boring. I cannot stand staying in one place doing the same motion over and over in hops of toning and losing a bit of weight. So, going to the gym was not working for me. I did not have luck staying motivated, and I did not work hard when I was there, so I was not successful on the trips to the gym I did take.
I started taking yoga in February. I mainly take Vinyasa and Hatha courses at a studio in NJ. Since starting, I have gained strength, toned, and lost a full pant size. Now, if I'm being honest, I did not have a ton of weight to lose, so it was not a goal of mine. I was just hoping to tone before the wedding. However, I still managed to lose 10 pounds, and am now gaining muscle. I take 3-7 classes a week depending on how many other wedding obligations I have. I have found that it keeps me focused while there and is challenging. I have toned from my calves to my shoulders. My core is much slimmer and stronger. I have back problems, and the pain I used to feel has decreased significantly since starting which is another great benefit. Even the meditation aspect, which I was very sceptical about when I began, is something I look forward to when attending a class and has helped me to destress, and everyone knows how crazy stress can get while planning a wedding!!
So, for the few posts I saw asking for suggestions/recommendations, even if yoga doesn't work for you, find something that you enjoy--swimming, zumba, jazzercize. Finding something you enjoy doing will motivate you to go and to work hard at it. The other great plus of finding something you enjoy is that it will help you to work on staying in shape even after your wedding day. Yoga is something I will continue long after the wedding. It is something I have found that adds something to my life, and I love that it helps me to feel better about myself as well. Good luck, ladies!!