Curves
A 30-minute women's fitness center that provides a total body workout.
QUICK FACTS
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- Established: 1992
- Founder: Gary and Diane Heavin
- Headquarters: Waco, Texas
- Accessibility: Fitness facilities and gyms
- Diet Type: 30 minute workout circuit training
- Gender: Female
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.
Curves has expanded its intention to help women live their healthiest lives possible by offering a weight loss programs, support and much more.
Here is a look at some of Curves' additional offerings:
Curves 30-Day Diet plan: The program, which is used in conjunction with the Curves trademark circuit training fitness plan, features diet counseling classes that don't require that you count points or calories as you shape up and trim down.
Curves Smart: The Curves Smart ID Tag allows you to keep track of your fitness goals and monitor the intensity of your exercise sessions. After completing your personalized profile, a Curves staff member will help to develop a workout program that is designed for your body type, endurance and exercise goals.
Curves Diet Book: In the book, you will learn how to exercise three days a week for 30 minutes at a time, in addition to following a three-part nutrition plan, taking self tests and questionnaires that evaluate your calorie and carbohydrate sensitivity, and using Curves recipes, meal plans and progress reports so that you can lose weight effectively without feeling restricted.
Curves Complete: Curves Complete is the new Web membership program. Its doors are open 24/7- giving you greater access to the information and support you trust. It's an online resource to access Curves nutrition experts and dozens of useful tools- a more comprehensive extension of the traditional program.
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
- Expanded services makes it easy for members to lose weight and stay active in an efficient manner
CON
- Curves locations are franchised and may not provide the same quality experience at each one
- Female-only gym
DIET and NUTRITION
Curves has expanded to more than just a fitness gym. Now you can follow a nutrition plan along with your gym membership. This is great for those that want to boost their metabolism or start eating healthier. Before you get started on the diet, you do a self assessment to see which of two plans you will follow. The two plans are a low-calorie diet and a high protein diet that is low in carbohydrates. The low-carb plan restricts carbohydrates pretty severely in the first two weeks. This plan really models many other low carbohydrate diets that are being followed by dieters. During the first two weeks, your daily carb count is limited to less than 20 grams. The amount is raised to 60 grams daily after that.
The low-calorie plan is simpler. You stay within your allotted calories and limit carbs. The first two weeks the diet is more restrictive and you only eat 1,200 calories each day. After the first two weeks, you can eat up to 1,600 calories daily and carbs are limited to 60 grams daily. Although the low calorie diet is more focused on calories, limiting carbohydrates is a constant throughout both plans. Foods that are to be avoided include bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and other foods high in carbohydrates.
No matter which plan you follow, the standard amount of meals per day is six. The goal of the Curves diet is to help you lose weight faster and help you work towards a healthy normal diet for after you reach your goal. Some of the foods you will eat often include lean cuts of meat, poultry, fruits, fresh vegetables, eggs and cheese. A sample day of eating on the Curves low-carb plan is reflected below:
- Breakfast: ¼ fresh blueberries on low-carb cereal
- Snack: Protein shake
- Lunch: Salad made with 4 cups dark green lettuce, 4 oz. cooked chicken, avocado and vinaigrette dressing
- Snack: Celery stalks with peanut butter
- Dinner: Grilled 5 oz lean steak, 1 cup green beans, 1 cup mushrooms with peppers
- Evening snack: ¼ cup whole almonds
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.
Curves is also keeping up with the latest in fitness-tracking gadgets. Its Curves Smart ID is a small tag that you place on your Curves workout equipment. Since it is customized just for you, it tells you when you need to step it up a notch or when you are working out at your peak fitness level by monitoring heart rate and the speed and pace of your workouts.
And with Curves Complete, an online portal of information, you'll find a supportive community available via discussion boards, fitness experts guiding your fitness needs, nutritional guidance and meal planning.
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.
Curves is clearly dedicated to helping women stay healthy and fit and by developing new products and services to its members, it keeps with the ever-growing industry of health and fitness.
Common Misspellings
Curve, Curves deit program, curves for women, curves.com
Featured Diets
Related Diets: Curves 30 Day Diet Plan, Curves Complete, LA Weight Loss, The Curves Diet Book, 24 Hour Fitness, Curves Smart, Elements for Women, 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.
User Feedback
(Page 3 of 8, 156 total comments)Sheila
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.
posted Apr 22nd, 2009 2:49 pmI 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.
Holly
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.
posted Apr 19th, 2009 11:30 amCurves 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!
Darlene
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!
posted Apr 12th, 2009 5:08 amDEBBIE
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!
posted Apr 11th, 2009 2:29 pmKikkiJ
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.
posted Apr 6th, 2009 2:38 pmYOMARIS
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.
posted Mar 13th, 2009 12:59 pmSarah
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!
posted Mar 11th, 2009 10:03 pmKathy
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.
posted Mar 11th, 2009 9:51 pmTo IMV
Dear IMV,
posted Feb 17th, 2009 12:31 amI 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
Debra
I joined curves a month ago and I love love love it. I am losing weight and my energy level is up. Its so much fun and very doable.
posted Feb 12th, 2009 1:03 pmIMV
***I have read ALL the reviews. Im trying to do my hw before signing up.***
posted Feb 5th, 2009 8:19 amHi. I am a 22 year old, fit girl since I work all day and have a puppy, I need to be home as soon as possible but I used to work out everyday (and I just cant workout at home)... with the 30 min circuit, Curves seems a great place to loose the 15 lbs that I gained over Chrismas and the unlimited food bar (where I work) for lunch.
What concerns me is.. is it going to be good enough (hard enough) in a few months when I get back in shape? I mean, after all I will sign a one year agreement I dont want it to go down the drain in a few months.
I like rutines & easy to use machines (less time spent figuring them out, it really adds up) and time is my biggest constraint.
I have been to gyms before where if I work out everyday the same routine I can loose 15 pouns in a months, no change in diet... so I know workouts do it for me. so all I ask is for someone young and fit to tell me that it will work for me and I can sign up right away.. I am currently doing the 2 weeks free trial and so far I like it... but I have only seen older women (40-80s) and its stops me from commiting... I mean their metabolism is different, most of them have had kids (different bodies)...
Anything would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you all for your feedback!
Mrs.D.
I joined about six weeks ago. I'm 49 and have done no regular exercise for decades. I have fibromyalgia and early rheumatoid arthritis. I am about 20 lbs over weight.
posted Jan 29th, 2009 9:30 pmI joined to get my self out of the house and moving my muscles. Also joined so I would not stay home and be depressed. Cold weather and grey winter skies get me down.
Curves has helped me get through this time in my life where I would rather not leave home! An old friend who I had not seen in several years found me online on LinkedIn. We had lunch, she invited me to try Curves for a week for free - she is the owner. I think she is an angel in disguise. Oh yes, I have lost 5 lbs! and my body doesn't ache nearly as much. My spirits are up and I just feel better all over. If nothing else, join for the friendship and fellowship. There are wonderful women at the location where I go.
Angela
Curves could be great for weight loss but at our local Curves there is no way to get a good workout. It was mostly older women who seemed to be more interested in talking than working out.
posted Jan 19th, 2009 9:39 amga
I joined curves a month ago after trying it out for two weeks free. I love it! I go three days a week. The staff is very friendly and answer any questions that you have. We have the smart machines at the curves that I joined. I really like to see the results after the workout. The calories that I burned where I may need to work a little harder, I like to push myself to see if I can do better with each workout. When i'm finished working out I can really feel it. The music at the curves I go to is great!! I have no complaints at all. I can tell the difference in my cloths already. That's the best part of all. I don't really need to lose much weight maybe 10 pounds, I want to be more toned. I tell all my friends and family about curves and how much I enjoy my workouts there.
posted Jan 11th, 2009 1:07 pmkaydee1435
curves worked for me, i lost 75 pounds and went from a size 24 to a size 14!!
posted Jan 6th, 2009 9:44 pmthe machines are what you make of them, the harder you push yourself the more muscle your going to gain and the cardio mats are great for jumping jacks or leg lifts or boxing kicks and punches, add leg weights if your needing more out of your workout, or your getting Bored with it.
i do agree that the music needs to be updated, but that can be fixed as easy as requesting new curve cds.
one day i just couldnt get into my work out so i walked out. I was MAD and made it well known, when i came back in, i talked to the owner, i explained that the music just wasnt doing it for me, she ordered new CD's that week.
Be open and honest with your curves, tell them your ideas for making your circuit time fun.
i would say if you can do the standard gyms then do them, but if your new to the working out world then curves ranges from a super light workout for the newbies, to a full body sweat.
i do wish they was open all day cus lately since my pregnancy 5 months ago, all my free time falls right around the time of day when they're closed!!!
kaydee1435
Curves is great.
posted Jan 6th, 2009 9:20 pmLesley
I had been going to curves all through college, when I was my slimmest. I, also, walked several miles a day. I stopped going to curves & went to a regular gym & I did not notice a difference. Currently, I re-joined curves & I run an inline a few days a week in addition to curves. I think the best option is to do curves & cardio on the side. I do think curves works. This is coming from someone who has used their workout & not in a matter of 6 years.
posted Jan 4th, 2009 11:11 amLynn
I bought the Curves Book some time ago and it's been extremely helpful and effective. Over a period of 6 months I lost 45 pounds, many inches, and gained tone and energy. The book has an interesting and motivating section on nutrition and the Curves rational, a good home exercise regimen that you can even travel with (only thing you need to buy is a resistance band), and diet plans complete with menus and grocery lists. I planned to start with the book and if I liked it join Curves - but the book was all I needed. Highly recommend - just remember it takes two; the book won't do your exercise and lose your weight for you!
posted Nov 18th, 2008 5:27 pmGillian
I have been going to Curves for about 18 months and have lost 10 lbs and many inches. I was not noticebly overweight, but have been told by SO many people that I have lost weight and trimmed down and look GREAT!! These are people who did not know I wanted to lose any weight or that I was doing exercise. I walk on the days that I don't go to Curves, and I am careful what I eat, but I don't really diet.
posted Nov 10th, 2008 6:32 amMore importantly, I feel fitter and suffer from less headaches. I know this would happen with any regular exercise, but as I virtually did no exercise until I was 42, a program that keeps me committed is very important.
It is fun to go, the music is great and I REALLY sweat. Anyone who doesn't is not putting in the necessary effort. The machines work on resistance, so you can spend 30 secs on machine, just moving with it, or you can work!
Sue
I love Curves! I joined this month and love the workout. I too just listen to others talk. Everyone is friendly and asks if I'm OK or need any help. Nothing comes easy so if you want something out of it you need to put some extra effort into it. All I know is this: I work up a sweat and love it! It's the only workout I have stuck to.
posted Oct 23rd, 2008 1:33 pm