Special Report: Bridal boot camp

Before they march down the aisle, brides are saying "I do" to bridal boot camp.

Gyms and wedding shops that offer bridal boot camps describe them as intense body sculpting sessions designed to help women trim and tone for their wedding day.

Donna Travers, Yolanda's Fitness Spa
"We have a class where we have to do this entire boot camp in high heels."

And don't forget about the veil!

Donna Travers, Yolanda's Fitness Spa
"The last workout that she's going to do with us she has to wear a veil."

Pam, from Mendon, tied the knot in May, and she says three months of bridal boot camp helped her look her best.

Pam Stoddard, did bridal boot camp
"The boot camp helped me stay focused. it was really to make me look like myself and just to feel beautiful."

The wedding workouts are often geared to a specific area the bride wants to work on.

Ron Merryman, Boston Athletic Club
"If you have a sleeveless dress we'll actually design the program using exercises to help firm and tone your arms, or if your dress is on the shorter side we'll use more legs."

Dawn, from Dorchester, wanted to be fit for her fittings.

Dawn Walters-Howard, did bridal boot camp
"The area I'm concentrating on is my shoulders, arms and upper back because my dress is strapless."

She says her eight week bridal boot camp gave her real results .

Dawn Walters-Howard, did bridal boot camp
"I thought I looked wonderful."

And the boot camp benefits go beyond the workout.

Dawn Walters-Howard, did bridal boot camp
"It was nice to meet other brides that are kind of going through the same stresses that I was."

Pam Stoddard, did bridal boot camp
"What I really gained was more confidence. It was feeling great that all my muscle tone and me was to a ‘t.' It was perfect."

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