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Beauty is Pain: Six Excellent Pre-Wedding Workouts

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Photo via Equinox
Photo via Equinox

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We get why women work out like crazy before their weddings. Not only are you the center of attention at a party attended by all of your family and closest friends, but you've got to take hundreds of photos that will live on long after the ceremony is over. This being LA, image capital of the United States, there are plenty of gyms and studios to help you build muscle, lose inches and get arms worth showing off in a strapless dress. After the jump, six excellent places to tone up and drop pounds.

If you don't want to be coddled, try: Barry's Bootcamp
The workout: Intervals of 30 minutes on a treadmill then 30 minutes of strength training.
The cost: A 50 class package is $750
Celebrity endorsee: Kim Kardashian, a Barry's devotee who upped her classes before her ill-fated wedding to Kris Humphries.
Link: Barry's Bootcamp

If you prefer something a bit gentler, try: Pure Barre
The workout: 55 minutes of tiny, targeted, ballet-inspired movements to burn fat and tone up your arms, legs and core.
The cost: Their bridal package, which costs $375, offers unlimited access to the facilities for three months.
Celebrity endorsee: Zooey Deschanel, who reportedly did back-to-back classes to prepare for her marriage to her now ex-husband, Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard.
Link: Pure Barre

If you like sweating to upbeat pop songs, try: SoulCycle
The workout: The focus here is spinning, but it's a full-body workout. There are crunches, push ups and weight training—all done to high-octane music while you're pedaling. SoulCyle master instructor MB Regan recommends three to five classes a week for someone who's looking to slim down fast.
The cost: $25 per class
Celebrity endorsee: Chelsea Clinton, who reportedly lost 30 pounds with visits to SoulCycle's downtown Manhattan studio before her wedding to Marc Mezvinsky.
Link: SoulCycle

If you really want your butt kicked, try: Equinox's new Equinox Training Camp
The workout: 45 to 60 minutes of circuit training, including drills, sprints and calisthenics like pull-ups, push-ups, lunges and resistance and core training.
The cost: The program begins this September at Equinox Sports Club West; call 310-473-1447 for more information or to be added to the list.
Celebrity endorsee: The boot camp is new, but everyone from Lindsay Lohan to Ashley Tisdale to Russell Brand to Bradley Cooper frequents the chain in LA.
Link: Equinox

If you're looking to get long and lean, try: Pop Physique
The workout: A combo of ballet, Pilates and light weights work, the focus here is on small movements to build muscles without adding bulk.
The cost: Sign up for their "'Til Death Do I Become More Sculpted" bridal program, which offers three unlimited months for $420.
Celebrity endorsee: Katie Holmes has been spotted ducking into the Silver Lake studio.
Link: Pop Physique

If you're not intimidated by lots of muscle-bound men, try: BRICK
The workout: This is a cross-fit gym. For toning up and dropping weight, they recommend their SpeedX class which is 60 minutes of cardio and weight training.
The cost: After your free intro week, pay $175 a month for unlimited classes.
Celebrity endorsee: Biggest Loser coach Bob Harper, who says that now he's in the "best shape" he's ever been because of his BRICK sessions.
Link: BRICK