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Annapolis Trainer Specializes In Helping Brides Get Fit

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- In her luxurious suite at the Le Blanc Resort and Spa in Cancun, Mexico, Priscilla shimmied into her sleek, form-fitting satin gown.

The silhouette was perfect, from the strapless top that curved over her bust to the whoosh of the trumpet skirt. A jewel-studded belt encircled her slender waist.

Then, the future Mrs. John Rosso headed downstairs. But not outside to her destination wedding. She made a detour into the hotel gym with her photographer.

The bride was still in work mode.

Rosso is a full-time personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise and an American Aerobic Association International sports nutrition consultant. The 28-year-old Broadneck resident works with clients in their own homes as well as at Rockwell Fitness in Severna Park and Unique Physique in Annapolis.

She is also a group exercise instructor for Anne Arundel Medical Center staff and a faculty member at Anne Arundel Community College's Center on Aging.

As she playfully lifted some dumbbells in the Canc·n gym that day, Rosso epitomized the promise of the new business she was developing.

Call it the beat-the-waistline deadline.

Fit 2 Be Wed is a program designed for brides-to-be and their entourage.

One of Rosso's clients, Alex Long, who works for a real estate development firm, attends sessions for strength-building and toning.

"And building confidence," she says.

Carolyn Dunsten, who was married in October 2013, began the program six months before her big day to tone up. She continues to train with Rosso.

"I was on medications that cause weight gain," says Dunsten, a speech pathologist. "I lost the weight -- and that's why I'm still here."

Capital Style asked Rosso for her experience with and tips on bridal fitness.

-- Have you ever had a client come to you because of a dress she intentionally got a size or more smaller?

Yes! I put them through my training program, which includes regular training and high-intensity interval training, plus a healthy diet. I've never missed a "waistline deadline."

-- How far in advance does a bride need to start training if she has a weight-loss or sculpting goal?

The more time we have, the better. People should consistently live a healthy lifestyle, but once they set the date, they should come to me.

-- What exactly is your "Bridal Blast Bootcamp?" That sounds different.

The Bridal Blast Bootcamp meets evenings in Severna Park at Rockwell Fitness (formerly SportFit), 551 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Suite E, Park Plaza Shopping Center; and in Annapolis at Unique Physique, 130 Lubrano Drive, located in the basement level. Go through the main lobby and take the elevator down one floor. It's behind the Italian Market.

The class is a combination of core, strength and metabolic training that increases one's metabolism and gets you in a fat-burning mode. We do pushups, squats and burpees -- a combination of jump-ups, jump-downs to the floor, pushups, jump-outs and back to a standing position. It is typically an eight-week session, but I also do one-on-ones.

-- Have you had many people request the group packages?

A fair amount do. A lot also like the one-on-one packages for the personal attention and ability to work on specific goals.

-- Are there any common fitness or diet mistakes people make before a wedding you can advise against?

People will say, "I'm running and not losing weight." Strength training is key to a toned body.

I also advise them to eat foods high in proteins, plus vegetables and fruits -- things from the earth. Nothing out of a box or with ingredients you can't pronounce. Drink lots of water.

-- What are the most common things brides want to "fix"?

Everyone wants nicely toned arms to show off in their wedding dresses -- and a nicely toned core.

-- What are some exercises you recommend?

We do burpees.

Squats are great, too. Stand with your feet apart, wider than your shoulder width, and toes pointed forward or slightly to the side. Bend at the knees, like you are sitting down on a chair. Drive your weight through your heels and stand back up. Do three sets of 10 repetitions each.

Also, do a lot of planks. It's a full-body exercise. Start off with 15-second planks and work up to 30 seconds. Add five seconds each week.

Pushups from the toes or knees are great. You can also do a "Spider-Man" pushup with one knee in a forward position. It's a lot of fun.

If you are new to pushups, start off doing them from your knees. Do three sets of 10 repetitions each. Then, when you are ready, try doing it from your toes.

Hip lifts help tone up your tush.

-- What is the best and worst thing about training brides?

Let's start with the best. The brides are very dedicated. They have a wedding date and want to meet their goals. They work very hard.

The worst: I miss them when they're gone. We develop friendships. Some keep coming after the wedding, though. They tell me, "You gotta look good on the honeymoon -- and throughout the marriage.

(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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