Curves
The popular women's fitness program has a one-two punch, now with an online component.
BACKGROUND
Women today live hectic schedules, balancing family, work and often not able to schedule time to workout. Thanks to Curves, a nationwide women's gym, you no longer have to worry about squeezing in enough time to hit the gym. Curves offers a 30-minute workout that you only have to do three times a week. The Curves program was created specifically for women to fit busy schedules and alleviate some of the uncertainty and hesitation that comes from being a part of a co-ed gym. Each Curves offers trained professionals on staff to teach you the right way to use the equipment. Based upon your weight and height, a single Curves workout can burn up to 500 calories.
CONCLUSION
For women who want to exercise but lack the time to clock hours at the gym to stay in shape, Curves offers a convenient way to get fit. Its all-female gyms are also appealing to those who are uncomfortable working out around men.The gym also features a weight management program that can help you lose weight and improve your nutrition. You also get an online component at an additional cost, which gives you more support and motivation to succeed.
PRO
- Curves offers fitness in a manageable amount of time
- Includes an online diet and fitness plan
- Female-only gym
- Trainers available for instruction and motivation
CON
- Curves locations are franchised and may not provide the same quality experience at each one
- Female-only gym
DIET and NUTRITION
Curves offers three nutrition plans that are available to you as a member. The Curves Complete is an online nutrition program that includes weight-loss solution with meal plans, tools to track success and an online support group. The Six-Week Solution is a nutrition program with small, intimate classes where you'll learn to lose weight and keep it off for good. And a line of Curves books offer healthy-living ideas and information from Curves women who have lost weight and kept it off. Curves also has their own line of vitamins, supplements and nutrition shakes to help you meet your health and weight loss needs.
EXERCISE
Known as the Curves Circuit, this 30-minute program includes five parts; warm up, aerobics, strength training, cool down and stretching exercises. You can jump in the circuit at any point and simply perform the exercises until you have completed the full workout.
You alternate between strength training machines and cardiovascular exercises. Between each machine is a recovery board where you walk, jog or run in place for maintain your heart rate so that you're burning calories throughout the entire workout. The machines focus on strengthening the major muscle groups in your upper and lower body.
A Curves trainer will walk you through the entire circuit so that you know how to use the machines effectively, safely and properly.
Common Misspellings
Curve, Curves deit program, curves for women, curves.com
Related Diets: Curves Complete, The Curves Diet Book, 24 Hour Fitness, Curves Smart, Elements for Women, LA Weight Loss, Lucille Roberts
Wikipedia
Curves International, also known as Curves for Women, Curves Fitness, or just Curves, is an international fitness franchise co-founded by Gary and Diane Heavin in 1995. Curves currently has 10,000 locations worldwide and an estimated 4 million plus members (as of October 2006). It is a privately held company by its co-founders, with corporate offices located in Waco, Texas. Curves fitness and weight loss facilities are designed specifically for and focused on women, although in some states, men are allowed to join.
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The food was awesome and I never was hungry.
curves is great ...I am 34 joined in may 09 a none gym person lost 16lb so far...want to lose some weight join curves..Wanna feel better about yourself and stop pulling on your clothes JOIN CURVES...I go 3 times a week LOVE CURVES...
I like Curves, you only get out of something as much as you put in. I like meeting the other woman they are all very friendly along with the trainers. I work much harder with the Curves Smart program and there are people who want to socialize and some who want to work out, I do both. But I think it is great NO MEN. It is sad though that there isn't a place for the children to be there,, so the mothers could exercise and also the mothers and daughters could do it together.
I've been a Curves member for almost 6 years. I'm 50 years old and have lost 125 pounds: 75 before Curves (diet and walking) and 50 with Curves plus diet. I think the workout can be excellent but people need to educate themselves about fitness and diet in general. When I started at Curves, my resting heart rate was 81, it is now 53. I have become very fit using the Curves program. That said, I did not accomplish this by exercising 3 times a week for 30 minutes at 60-65% of maximum heart rate. I worked at at 75% and now work out between 80 and 85% 3-4 times a week, for up to 90 minutes, and walk 2 times a week. I have heard a lot of misinformation from other members and some of the people who work at Curves. Curves claim that you can lose weight in just 3 times per week at 65% heart rate was disproven by their own study. The Curves study showed that the women who succeeded, were by and large, obese, or morbidly obese, had not exercised much in the past, and worked out for 50 minutes, 5 times a week. Because 3 times a week for 30 minutes is part of that 50 minutes 5 times a week, Curves could say 30 minutes 3 times a week works. Statistics are very easy things to manipulate. A couple of years ago, the owner of a Curves I was going to was saying how you lose more weight by working out less hard. This is completely wrong, but that information came from the fact that when you work out at a lower heart rate (aerobic) you burn a larger percentage of calories from fat than if you work out at a higher heart rate (anaerobic) rate. That is true. However, you burn more total calories, which is what one needs to be concerned with when one is trying to lose weight and therefore more calories from fat, by the numbers, when you work out harder: at a higher heart rate. Curves manipulated the data to attract sedentary ladies and get them into an an exercise routine. I know a lot of women who quit Curves after a few months because it no longer seemed to be working. Bottom line, is, if you want to continue to see results, you have to increase your exercise as you become stronger. My Curves does have Curves smart and I mostly like it. For one thing, before Curves smart, I was working very hard, but often using the recovery boards to get and keep my heart rate up. Well, I am on the Curves Smart Endurance workout which has me working at a high rate and getting my heart rate up there on the machines. I am definitely working harder and have a noticed a difference. I have lost a little more weight, with minimal dietary changes, and I'm very strong and getting a nice, sculpted shape (for my age). I like seeing the read out at the end of the workouts. However, the heart rate monitor on the stepper is not accurate, and that could actually be dangerous. The machine ALWAYS shows my heart rate lower than what it is if I take my own pulse. Fortunately, I have learned enough about fitness and my own health to be able continue to work hard without hurting myself. At my Curves, because we still have mostly non-Curves smart members, we still have the regular heart rate check, which I use. The other thing about the Endurance level with which I adamantly disagree is that it says I'm supposed to do the work out 5 DAYS A WEEK. Everything I've read by Physician's, Trainer's, etc... says that one is not supposed to strength train on consecutive days. That's very bad for you, and shame on Curves for not doing their homework on this. We also have a problem with the machines not working consistently. This is more of annoyance than anything else, because when you're working your hardest, you know you're strong, the machine worked fine 2 days prior, and suddenly it's not giving you any green, or even registering at all, it reflects badly, and inaccurately on your numbers. I enjoy Curves and I have accomplished a lot there because I have taken it upon my self to learn as much as I can about fitness and because I work out in a way that I feel is best for me. We have some staff members who are very knowledgeable and helpful, and some who frankly, don't know what they're doing. Like anything else, do your homework, and do what's best for you.
I manage a Curves is Australia and wanted to answer Elizabeth's questions about hygiene.
At my Curves and anyother Curves I've had contact with all machines are cleaned at least twice a day, sometimes more if they are in a high traffic area. There is also the use of a hand sanitiser before and after the workout. Many of our 'sweatier' ladies also carry a hand towel with them to cover the machines while they workout. So it really is very unlikely for to catch anything from the equipment.
As far as the CurvesSmart timing goes, if everyone is starting their workout on a recovery board and following the cues when on the recovery boards there should only be a 2-3 second delay if the CurvesSmart ladies are a little slow at registering thier tag with the machine. But this slight delay should be caught up at the next recovery board, we've suggested to our ladies that where possible have at least one station between ladies just so you dont get held up.
We've also found that since introducing the CurvesSmart system the chatter in the club as reduced, people are more focused on their workout and getting their results. Our members dont even talk to our coaches while their on a machine that's how focused they are!
I'm sorry for Kay's experience at Curves. I am a long-time member, over 3 years, and when I joined, there was no sign saying that children were not welcome. I suspect that it was added after some customers complained that so-called "quiet" and "well-behaved" children reached an age when they weren't so quiet and mom had to jump on and off the circuit to shush them constantly. This creates a problem for those of us who are continuing on the circuit. We shouldn't have to remember where Mom was so she can jump back in when she feels ready. However, it is not true that Curves is "for old ladies", and certainly not for ladies who've "already had their children and don't want to be bothered" (!?) I am in my forties and do NOT consider myself an old lady. To anyone considering joining, I say, join if you want to lose weight and diet if you want to keep it off.
I loved Curves and lost over 30 pounds with it after I had my baby. Unfortunately, after we moved I tried to transfer to a Curves at my new location and was told that my child would not be welcome to quietly watch me workout like she had before at the previous location. Something about Curves was for old ladies and they'd already had their children and didn't want to be bothered by the presence of mine! I thought this was insane and took my business elsewhere. Apparently, it is standard practice to exclude women with well-behaved children present in most Curves locations. At the location where I had a great experience with Curves there were women of all ages and most were gracious and eager to be successful with their health goals. There were many a mom with kids in tow and never an instance of trouble for the ladies from the children. In fact, most people seemed a little disappointed that my little sweet pea didn't show up with me on rare occasion.
I am currently participating in the 30-day challenge, and am looking for an opinion: how sanitary is it to share equipment with strangers in such rapid succession? I'm concerned about MRSA (antibiotic-resistant staph).
Also, the Curves Smart doesn't quite make sense to me: half of the women are sticking to the circuit and following the timed cues to change stations, while those doing Curves Smart are working at a different interval: how can this be effective? It seems to negate the efficiency of he timed cue - group workout environment.
Thanks for any input and encouragement you can provide. I've seen people have significant success with this program!
I joined curves about two months ago and I only want to lose weight in my stomach area. The problem that I have is that every area of my body seems to be doing great, but my stomach is continuing to protrude out there. My weight is 129 , height 5'3 and I am 37yrs. I have had three children and trying to lose this excess fat that has been haunting me. Is there anyone out there that have had this similar problem?
Curves Real cost $59/month ($39 base, $5 curves smart, $45/3months website fee) plus enrollment fee varying from free (recent promotion with a bag of groceries donated) to full price around $150.
I just completed my participation in their "30 days for 30 dollars" fitness study. Although I liked the workout and felt energized rather than tired after my workouts, over all they didn't help me loose weight.
I am an RN with a BSN. I had a nursing research class where we learned what elements help make a good reliable study. Having now participated in this so-called study I can easily see how it will yield highly inaccurate results. Here are a few of the issues I observed: There is way to note which arm/leg was measured during before and after measurements, which could vary greatly from side to side, and do on myself. Hands were not required to be washed before % body fat assessment and contact with electrodes could effect your measurements. My height was not measured but asked, this will affect the BMI results. I believe I was wearing my shoes for my original weigh-in but not for the follow-up, with shoes I would have gained an additional pound. Original measurements were easily visible to both measurer and participant during re-measure (this can lead to inaccuracies as the post measurement is suppose to be less). There is no control for variations in measurements from staff member to staff, such as arranging for the same staff person both times. There is also no pre-measurement prep guide like be sure you're hydrated, wearing similar clothes to original assessment, and if you eat take only a light meal. All of these affect your post measurements and therefore the results of the study. Furthermore the study results could easily be skewed by an individual changing data (as all data is self entered) due to embarrassment and would be better put in by the curves staff.
Study measurements are inaccurate and in this case, my BAD results were very discouraging to me. I was prepared to have not lost weight but only inches. However, I gained multiple pounds and was told "I've never seen anyone gain this much weight (3.75 pounds)." I was not highly encouraged to go on the website mentioned in the study. Also, although I worked out on "curve smart" machines, I didn't get to use curves smart, thus the question about using a curves smart machine seems irrelevant to my workout. I also agreed to as part of the study (per the paper work which I read) to go on the website “we necessary” but was never told to do so until TODAY when I finished the study. Therefore this is not just a curves “princess” problem but a design problem. Participants and facilitator participation is not dummy or average person goof proof as it needs to be for an unmonitored study set up like this.
Overall I am very discouraged and frustrated. I have no confidence in any of the measurements taken aside from weight, which I gained (3.75 lbs in 30 days). To me this shows curves to be ineffective and POINTLESS.
I joined Curves two months ago and started Curves Smart two weeks ago. I am 38 yrs old and pretty overweight. So far I have lost 24 lbs and 18.5 inches. I love Curves Smart, it challenges me much more than the regular program. I should note that I've also changed my eating habits, drink LOTS of water and I also work out for 30 minutes every morning at home (staionary bike) and walk for at least an hour every night (I've got two dogs who need it as much as I do)
I just joined the Curves Avon Fitness Study. I will be working out 3x a week (M/W/F). At the end of 30 days, I hope to drop one size.
I am no stranger to exercise. However, I am the type of person that requires motivation. The reedy Branch Curves location I joined in Jacksonville FL is great so far. I have been there twice and Simone is awesome! She pushes everyone with encouragement and tips throughout the workout. I hope she will help me achieve my goals! I will keep you posted.
I've tried Weight Watchers and also belonged to a local fitness club for the last two years. WW was too expensive for the results and the walking at the club was not as effective as I would have liked. I quit both and went to Curves as a last resort. The difference is incredible. In three months I've lost 15 inches! I feel so much better and old clothes are starting to fit again.
Curves is as effective as you want it to be. The harder you work, the more results you will see. I enjoy the banter between the gals but don't feel like I have to take part. It's a light-hearted atmosphere but also allows me to work hard and get results. MUCH friendlier than the fitness club!
Curves - is what you make of it. I've been going for about 2 and a half months. I lost 8 pounds and 8.50 inches. I love it too. I ama 57 years old. Yes you do have alot of older woman who just love to come and talk and workout and are not on the curves smart. But I am on the curves smart and when I go I politely say hello to everyone and make a little small talk and then get serious and do my workout. I can't workout hard and talk too so I stay serious and quiet. I've never been one to exercise so this is really making a change in my body. I would recommend Curves to anyone!
I JOINED CURVES A MONTH AGO. NEED TO LOSE THAT LAST 10 POUNDS. I JUST TURNED 51 AND NEEDED TO GET OFF THE COUCH. I'VE LOST 5 LBS. AND EVEN MORE INCHES. I HAVE ALOT OF MUSCLE ALREADY, SO I REALLY WANT TO CONCENTRATE ON MY INCH LOSS AND NOT BE A SLAVE TO THE SCALE. THE WORKOUTS ARE WHAT YOU PUT INTO THEM, DON'T WASTE THAT 30 MIN. AND DO SOME TYPE OF EXERCISE ON YOUR OFF DAYS. MY ENERGY IS THROUGH THE ROOF!
Liked it at first, but it got boring quickly. Signed a year contract, so I can't quit until August. Also the hours at my Curves are odd. They do not open until 8:00 am and close for lunch 12:00 to 3:00 and close at 7:00 pm. On Saturdays they close at noon. The owner and staff talk to much about their personal lives also.
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HELLO EVERYONE MY NAME IS YOMARIS AND IVE JOINED CURVES I MADE AMONTH IN CURVES WHEN I STARTED I WEIGHTED 180 NOW I WEIGHT 167 IN A MOTNH I LOST ABOUT 12 POUNDS OR MORE..IM STILL GOING AND IM LOVING IT..THANKS CURVES.
I joined on February 23rd. It is March 11th. I am going to my Curves 3x a week and following the weight management program. I have lost 17.20lbs and 30inches already!!!!!! Curves is what you make of it. Sometimes you have to try different locations to find one that suits you best. This is my second time joining, because I too, didn't have a great experience at first, but now there is new staff and such a different vibe all around. Don't lose hope.. lose yourself in your workout and lose those unwanted pounds!
I've been a member of Curves for two years, and have upgraded to the Curves Smart program. The Weight Management Program was a little intimidating at first, but it does work.
Dear IMV,
I am also in my twenties, and was a prior member, and to tell you the truth Curves is more of a beginner workout. Its not really meant for people who are fit and used to hardcore workouts. I think you will end up bored after awhile. I think they have trial periods, see if you can ask them to try the place a couple of times and decide what you want to do after that.
Good luck
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