How Meghan Markle is getting in shape for the wedding

Workout regimens and fad diets abound to help brides get in shape for their wedding. Deciding which one to choose is arguably harder than actually losing weight and toning up. Of course, not everyone stresses about getting in shape for their big day. Meghan Markle probably isn't too worried about fitting into her royal wedding gown. Nonetheless, it would be hard to imagine her giving up her fitness routine now.


Instead, Markle will likely stick to her tried and true methods, which is exactly what personal trainer Lynn Bode recommends. Speaking with Fitness Magazine, Bode explained the importance of picking the "perfect workout plan" for you — one that maximizes your energy and fun. After all, if exercise isn't fun, it will be that much harder to stick with. So, just what are Markle's go-to exercises? Here are some of her go-tos that will undoubtedly keep her in tip-top shape for the big day.


"You've got to burn it to earn it!"

Sometimes walking or running on a treadmill can make you feel a bit like a hamster on a wheel. But, that's all the more reason to stay motivated, right? How does Markle channel enough treadmill motivation to keep on keepin' on? She channels Clair Huxtable. Well, sort of.

In an interview with Us Weekly, Markle referenced a hilarious episode of The Cosby Show in which Debbie Allen guest-starred as Clair Huxtable's trainer. Ironically, Huxtable is working out more in order to fit into a dress. Allen's character uses the mantra, "You've got to burn it to earn it. You've got to sweat it to get it!" Markle explained to the magazine, "It's the cheesiest thing in the world, I know, but if I'm on the treadmill thinking I don't want to be there, I just go, 'Think of Clair Huxtable — you've got to burn it to earn it!'" Hey, whatever works!

Running laps around Kensington Gardens

Before Markle met Harry, she ran a site called The Tig — a blog of sorts, where she routinely shared style, lifestyle, and health tips. Markle's wellness has always been a priority, and that hasn't changed just because she relocated to London. In an interview with The Chalkboard, Markle named her very favorite workout: "a six-mile run with my friend Heather." Although she probably can't get together with her gal-pal much these days, running is still a big part of Markle's exercise routine.

Royal expert Katie Nicholl told Entertainment Tonight how Markle is upping her fitness game as the wedding approaches. "She loves to run laps around Kensington gardens, which is just outside Kensington Palace," Nicholl confirmed. If a change in scenery wasn't enough to steer her away from running, the lack of a running partner surely won't be enough to make Markle quit, either. Of course, running outside can be limited by weather, and it's no secret that rain is common in London. Good thing running isn't the only form of exercise she loves.

A true yogi

Markle loves her yoga. She described her ideal day to Best Health saying, "I would wake up late, take my dogs for a walk, do some yoga and have a great sashimi lunch." When Markle lived in Toronto, she regularly worked out with yoga instructor Duncan Parviainen. He told Best Health about aiding Markle into inversions — yoga poses like headstands and handstands — despite her being timid about them. He added, "Her ability to trust, feel fear and then move beyond it speaks volumes about her as a person."

Marle told Women's Health that her love for the ancient Hindu practice is in her blood because her mother was a yoga instructor. If yoga doesn't run through your veins, but you still want to take a stab at it, Markle's favorite kind is vinyasa — an athletic style of yoga from the '80s. She explained it's "even better if it's blasting hip-hop and done in a dark room with candlelight." Imagine if Markle got her royal in-laws on board with hip-hop yoga? We can dream.


Even Markle relies on workout DVDs from time to time

Ah, exercise DVDs. We've all been there — working out in our yoga pants in front of our televisions with the likes of Jillian Michaels, Billy Blanks Jr., or maybe even Richard Simmons. Apparently, even Markle uses this technology, and credits it for helping her get fit. In an interview with Shape, Markle confessed to breaking a sweat with Tracy Anderson workout DVDs for at least five or six years. "I just find the results are great," she explained.

As a busy actress, she found them helpful for fitting in exercise whenever she had a few minutes to spare. Although Markle has since given up acting, she's no doubt kept busy with royal obligations. Markle hasn't commented whether her Tracy Anderson DVDs came with her to London, but if they worked for her in the past, there's no reason they wouldn't work for her now — royal or not.

Being kind to yourself is a big part of staying in shape

Markle believes balance is key to remaining in good health and even in good shape. "Feeling confident, being as healthy as you can and, I guess, just owning whatever it is that you have," are just some of what being fit means to her, as she explained in an interview with Shape. She also emphasized the importance of being at peace with gaining or losing a little weight, and with whatever size you currently are. "Being kind to yourself — that's part of being in shape, too," she added. That's right, treat yo' self. Her body-positivity is definitely admirable and will make her an excellent royal role model.

Naturally, Markle does more than just accept her body as-is, as she regularly exercises. Nevertheless, she certainly follows the wise 'ole internet adage: Work out because you love your body, not because you hate it! In fact, in her interview with Shape, she ended with this advice: "Love yourself!"

Read More