The 29-year-old singer plans to get wedding-ready by doing a mix of doga, Pilates, brisk walking and HIIT training
SHE got engaged on a surprise whirlwind romantic break with her boyfriend Josh Ginnelly two days after the Strictly final.
And Alexandra Burke, 29, has revealed the bizarre way she plans to get fit for her big day – by doing doga (that’s yoga with a dog) with her three pooches, Alfie, Prince and Teddy.
The animal-approved exercise was invented by yoga teacher Mahny Djahanguiri in 2012. Fitness fans are encouraged to bring their pooch to the gym where they are let off the lead and used as weights or encouraged to mimic the poses.
The Bad Boys hitmaker, who is supporting SlimFast’s new Wellbeing Walkies campaign, plans to get wedding-ready by doing a mix of doga, Pilates, brisk walking and HIIT training.
Alexandra, who lost two stone in 2016 thanks to SlimFast 3.2.1., told The Sun Online: “My dogs absolutely love it, which is a huge motivation to keep going. Seeing my dogs happy makes me happy, so it’s a win, win for all of us.”
Alexandra and her dance pro partner Gorka Marquez, 27, narrowly missed out on the Glitter Ball trophy, but she’s had lots to celebrate since.
Josh got down on one knee during a trip to Paris in December, and the former X Factor champion announced the happy news – alongside a photo of her huge diamond ring - on Instagram in January.
She said: “I haven’t even thought about the wedding yet! I’ll keep up with my exercise regime because I’ve got a lot of work to do this year.”
Alexandra is hitting the road later in 2018 with her The Truth Is tour, and is currently waltzing around the country with the Strictly crew.
During her time on the hit BBC1 reality show, Alexandra was the target of cruel online trolls who claimed she was “faking” her tearful outbursts.
“It can be quite heartbreaking to read people’s comments,” she said. “It’s easier said than done to ignore it but you have to. You can’t allow things like that to get you down.
“It’s easy to type something but not say it to someone’s face. I think maybe they [trolls] don’t realise they’re hurting someone.”
Alexandra has a thicker skin now than when she won The X Factor in 2008.
“Twitter had only really started when I won X Factor so I was new to it all,” she said.
“Reading things online was hard but I’ve definitely found it easier to digest it and ignore it now I’m older.
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. You know who you are so it’s best to be around people you love and who love you back.”
Josh stood by Alexandra’s side during her time on Strictly and has supported her following the death of her mum Melissa Bell in August.
Alexandra says exercise has helped her deal with the grief. “I think just staying active full stop makes me feel better,” she said. “I do suffer with anxiety quite badly. It’s got better over the past couple of years but sometimes it takes its toll and gets worse.
“Definitely working out, for me personally, is a big help mentally. If I don’t work out I don’t feel like it will be a great day. I always start my day with a workout, no matter where I am.”
Alexandra hits the gym six times a week and is on the SlimFast plan, but doesn’t deny herself the odd treat.
“I never worry I’ll put the weight back on but if I did I wouldn’t be angry at myself. It happens,” she said.
“I don’t think people should put a major pressure on themselves. They should make sure they’re feeling their best within themselves.
“I work towards a cheat day. My cheat day is Sunday and that for me is how I keep good in the week. I’ll have a big roast and whatever I fancy to eat.”
Alexandra Burke is the ambassador for the SlimFast UK Wellbeing Walkies campaign, in partnership with Power Paws Fitness. Alexandra lost 2 stone on the SlimFast 3.2.1. Plan. Visit to find out more.
