Curves for Women

[~*HoneyBee*~]

I have read about many people here going to Curves for Women. Tell me, do you still go and do you like it? Why is it so different than a regular gym? Is it expensive?
Are you seeing results?

My Gold's Gym membership is getting ready to expire, and I am very much considering going to Curves, but they probably don't have a pool, huh? I love to swim, it makes my body feel so alive.

Well, any input would be great. I have already been to their website, but I really didn't gain anymore understanding about their whole system.

Thank you,
~M~

[Blondie41280]

I am also a member of Golds Gym and I will never leave haha. I went to Curves ONCE and didnt like it at all. But hey thats just me alot of women love curves. I just enjoy going to a regular gym where I can work out as long as I want and YA theres guys haha.

[sessa518]

i mom use to go but then when she got sick of it she had a hard time getting out cause they kept charging her credit card.

[Summers Tan]

My bf gave me the money to join Curves for my bd but I haven't managed to go sign up.My kids just went back to school today so I hope to have more time now.

[Val]

What exactly is curves? One is opening a block away from me.

[njchica]

my understanding is that it is a bunch of weight machines that you do in a circuit.... it takes like 30-45 minutes to go through the circuit. If one alternates upper and lower-body machines you can keep your heart rate elevated so it becomes almost a cardio session as well... The only Curves I've seen around here are in TINY strip-mall stores so I doubt that they have much cardio equipment, if any.

[boobrandt]

it's a 30 minute workout and the machines/equipment is laid out in a circle as chica said. you move from station to station and stay at each one for 2 minutes i believe. i've tanned at one here, and the ppl that run it say that it really works.

[njchica]

"Curves for Women"
Review


"Curves for Women" are small, franchised fitness centers with hydraulic resistance machines that are arrayed in a circuit where you move from machine to machine on a time interval. There are 8-12 pieces of equipment in the circuit that target specific body parts. There is a squat machine, an abdominal machine, a leg extension machine, a shoulder press machine, a back machine, a leg press machine, an abductor machine and a biceps machine. The circuit moves you from station to station and is directed by music and taped instruction. You are meant to go at a quick pace to keep your heart rate up. The goal for most women is to workout at 60% of their maximum heart rate, which is determined by taking your pulse regularly on the circuit.

Curves' hours of operation vary by location and are more restrictive than most health clubs. There is a $149 one-time service fee to join and it is $29/month for a year. Often there are specials and incentives that refund a portion of the fee. Many franchises require a one-year minimum. If the month to month option is available, the monthly cost is a bit more. You are supposed to be able to use any Curves for Women center location, but that is not always the case.

By all accounts, the equipment is pretty easy to use. It is designed to be pushed then pulled rather than lifting and lowering weights. If you are prone to injury, this seems like a safer way to workout. Curves is clearly designed for people new to gyms.

Curves for Women has no frills. Some franchises sell T-shirts, towels and energy drinks, others give them away as goal incentives. They also offer a line of nutritional products such as powdered shakes and vitamins. There is a changing area with private rooms, restrooms and a matted area for stretching.

Overcrowding at Curves is possible due to the restrictive size and design of the facilities, but that is uncommon. With only 8-12 machines in most facilities, busy times of the day can lead to an extension in your 30-minute workout, according to received reviews, but again that is uncommon.

Curves is for people who prefer very regimented workouts, health club beginners, older people and those with very limited time. If you're used to an average health club with free-weights, lifting machines, and cardio machines you will probably not like Curves for Women. Such workouts are mundane and hard to stick to in the long-term. Every time you workout, it's the same.

Curves for Women is definately a better option for weight loss than most scams out there. The program focuses on the right things: exercise and balanced nutrition, but falls into the common trap of commercial fitness and weight loss centers: in an attempt to make dull forms of exercise more manageable, they compress the workout into 30 minutes. This strategy of circuit training in a health club may work in the short-term but rarely beyond a dieter's initial burst of motivation. The fundamental question when it comes to weight loss and fitness is: can I sustain the regimen permanently?

A better option for long-term success are lifestyle exercise activities such as power walking, tennis, hiking, cycling, climbing, dancing, etcetera... These are the type of activities that you don't think of as exercise, are fun, and will lead to a lasting victory over your weight problems and/or lack of fitness. Find a basic food plan or choose one of the inexpensive/sensible online programs for structure and support, add lifestyle exercise activities and you have all the ingredients of the best possible option.

http://www.chasefreedom.com/curvesforwomen.html

[boobrandt]

they do have WEIRD hours, as noted in chica's post. they close from 12-3 every day. i have NO idea why. and i don't think they operate on sundays at all. but i don't know; i've just gone there to tan a few times. the up-front fee is ridiculous! even if i was interested, that's just too much. the equipment is very low tech.

[Sc0tt]

yes i have to admit, the 150.00 up front fee would totally draw me back!

[cupcake65]

well i thought that they kept the curtains closed so people couldnt look in...my mother goes during the day..(she had heart surgery in july, and shes doing this because its not too strenuous)....i went by there earlier and the curtains were open and its dark so you could see them in their little circle..so much for the privacy factor..my mother loves it though...it works all body parts..is short time..not crowded.