Bayside Bride-To-Be Gets Buff

Its not unusual to see Colleen Barnes traveling around Bayside with her very own entourage: her maid-of-honor, various family members, and lets not forget a cameraman or two.
Barnes, 28, is currently being filmed for the Discovery Health Channel reality television series "Buff Brides," which chronicles the trials and triumphs of 20 blushing brides-to-be who are gearing up to drop a few pounds and get fit before their wedding day.
"Ive always been a little heavy," admitted Barnes. In spite of having a fondness for sportsshe was a cheerleader at St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows the 56" Barnes has constantly battled with her weight. At one point, she weighed over 200 pounds. A fluke accident while skiing tore out her knee and it was at that point, while doing physical therapy, that Barnes realized she needed to have a structured gym routine.
"Friends told me about Buff Brides," she said. "The audition was great. They kept me on camera for two hours. I didnt tell anyone. Not even Chris, my fianc." Over 1,500 brides turned out for the cattle call. Producers quizzed the women on their reasons for wanting to participate in the show.
Chris McGowan, 30, who Barnes met at a Bayside "Lonely Hearts Valentines Day" party four years agohe was the only male in attendancealong with Barnes family members, were extremely supportive of her being featured on the show. They didnt mind the roving cameras at all, said Barnes.
The series premieres in October, and is based on Sue Flemings best-selling book of the same name.
"To just get skinny and lose weight to walk down the aislewell, thats not the goal," said Fleming, who is training Barnes. The goal is to participate in a do-able exercise programand Colleen is probably one of the most dedicated clients Ive had, Buff Bride or not."
So far, Barnes has dropped 10 pounds and is determined to lose 8 more. She works out three days a week at the New York Sports Club and does yoga and Pilates at A WomanSpace in Bayside. As for food, shes participating in Weight Watchers. "Ive never ate so much," she said. "Im constantly fueling my body."
Barnes episode will air sometime in December. "Im loving it," she said. "Its so much fun to have all of this added excitement going along with the wedding." But dont count on Barnes displaying any diva-like antics in front of the cameras any time soon!