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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I tried Curves before, it does seem to work. However, I didn't join a club. I bought the Curves book for around $13.00 @ BJ's. Maybe some of you can try to gain benefit from the program without having to leave your homes. I did it & I saw results.
You only have to sign up for a 1-year committment. It's $39/month. If, for some reason, you want them to stop taking money out of your account, go to your bank and have them put a stop payment on it. Then they can't take the money out. I have been fat most of my life, I felt horrible and unhealthy but I'm losing inches and fat and you know what--my family is going to die of shock and that alone is worth it.
I was a Curves member about 6 years ago. I stopped going because the location closed that I was going to. I'm going to start up again, because I really liked the workout. I now have one located in my hometown and it's close to where I live. I'm not sure of the hours, but I'll make sure to check everything out before signing any contracts or having any money taken out of my checking account again. I didn't have any trouble getting them to stop withdrawing the funds from my account. It usually takes a written notification to the center that you worked out at and then it takes a couple of months before it stops. (They should refund the money for those months that you don't use the facility). I hope this helps.
DEAR HARDWORKER: I think your comment was uncalled for, if you are a Curves rep, you would not be who I would want at my side. Not everyone is going to like Curves, thats just hte way it is in life, but to post such a "bossy" message i think is very unprofessional and i would certainly not want to be at your Curves. The curves i belong too is great and so is the staff and owner. When i go for my workout today, i'm going to bring this up and see what the response is. I can bet its not going to be a positive one.
I have not been too happy with the club, been measured 5 times by different staff members and each time something different. Been quite a few times and no one on the floor. I think it depends on your body type. I get better results from pilates and swimming than weights.
I recently started going to curves on a 10 visits for $10 and i'm glad i took this option instead of just signing on. Curves hours are made for the housewife, they are only open short hours that have no convenience for the working woman, and it is double the cost of a regular gym. Monday to Thursday 5:30=0 pm, however closed for lunch *very convienent for us) Fridays for the summer months Closed at 7pm Saturdays only open 8am-2pm. Sundays - Closed you pay the high cost and you must come on their terms not a convenient time for yourself. When they close for lunch, they actually ask you to leave and come back in an hour to finish your workout if your not complete????who does this in this day and age????its a work age we now live in, however Curves does not want the hardworking at their gym.
NOT for tall women. I'm 6 feet tall. The equipment is not adjustable and there were a couple of the machines I couldn't use because the proportion was way off. I tried to make the most of it, but after a few months I hurt my back on one of the machines and haven't been back. Too bad!
curves is great joined month ago lost 2 inches on stomach/thighs 2lbs the instructors at our curves are outstanding
i use to be a member at curves but they had no daycare. Does anybody know if the home workout in the curves book is effective?
I work at Curves now and have for the past 3 years. I love my club and would do anything to keep it open and all of my freind happy. I hate it when people talk bad about Curves, sure some aren't as great as others, but SO WHAT? And the contracts vary from lcub to club and location to location, as so the prices. You wouldn't expect a big city to have its members only pay $29 a month, rent is not cheap! I get very frsutrated when poeople come in for a first workout and complain about how it is not "hard enough"! My awsner to them is always, "Well miss, maybe if you moved a little more you would feel something" This is an intense workout if you do it right! I make sure my ladies leave here sweaty, if they dont I yell at them (in the nicest possible way!). If you are not a member yet, DO IT NOW! You will not regret it. And if you hate it, well Curves is not for people who want to go to a gym to look for a date. Our slogan at my Curves is... It is not about the outfit, it is about the workout.
I've been a member of Curves for 3 months and it's fantabulous! It's totally what my bod needs and I'm losing weight like a son of a gun. The best part is no one knows I'm a man. With my high voice and lack of facial hair I blend right in. See you tonight girls!
I joined the curves in Laurel, Md. Jan. 9, 2008 and ytd I have lost 52 pounds and 43.25 inches. Its changed my life!
I have been a member at Curves for four months. Yes, it can be a social party but I go there to workout so I start on the opposite end so they won't hold me up. You can work up a sweat if you are into the workout. I jog on the squares and I really push myself on the machines. I have not lost weight but I have lost inches (which was my reason for joining). I love the atmosphere and it works! If anyone is interesting in joining they do offer a free week before you join to see if it's for you. That is what I did. At the club I go to they offer it to anyone who comes in before they join. I agree that it depends on the club. Just do your own research and stop listening to other people! Everyone's experience and opinions are different.
I'm 66 and have been going to Curves 5days a week for 3 months. Have lost 19 inches and 6 lbs-it goes so fast and I thonk it was the smartest thing i've done since I retired
Several people has asked whether you work up a sweat, how intensive the workout it, etc. I haven't noticed anyone comment on the machines themselves. You really do get out of it what you put in. The machines all have hydraulic joints, providing a resistance workout. Ever move your hand back and forth through water, in your sink or in the pool? The slower you go, the less resistance you feel. The faster you move your hand, the more the water seems to push back. These machines work the same way, since with each rep you are forcing water back and forth inside the pistons. If you want to just go in to Curves to feel a little more active, you can go relatively slowly on the machines and keep it low-impact. But if you really do want to take it seriously, just step up your pace. The machines will fight back, meaning not only will you get more reps but each one will pack a stronger punch on your muscles! Also, as to those who complain about "low-intensity" women's conversation distracting them, if you are thinking of joining Curves or otherwise starting to exercise more on your own, please ignore those comments! During any physical activity, you should be able to maintain a conversation. If you are too winded to talk, that means that you have kicked up your heart rate past healthy levels and you are straining to a point that will likely do more damage than good. As your muscles and body become more toned and accustomed to strenuous activities, you will find that you can step up your exercise without becoming winded. But especially as you first get started, keeping your heart rate and breathing within reasonable limits ensures that you are burning energy (and fat) correctly and safely.
Hi my name is Angela, i am a recent employee of Curves. I agree with your story, but there is more to the eye behind the scenes at curves. Many Curves places treat their employees like , i was one of them.Our boss was more into making money, charging everyone for stuff, than about their health. You are right it is very social, but there is coaching going on. I come from an athletic background, unlike most workers. You are right the circuit is for many women ofver 37 in my mind. Not like a US Rugby All star like me. Curves is not the place to be i think. Curves doesnt really do nothing unless you are a little older.
I just joined Curves last week and I absolutely love it. I love that you change machines every few mins and the 3o min workout goes by so fast. I can really feel it working. I am shy and dont talk much, just listen so it doesnt matter to be if anyone is being clique-ish. I am there to work out and lose weight and its working. I can see my self sticking with this. I also like the fact that you put your name in a jar everytime you work out 3 times a week (and again if you work out 5 days), then they draw names and you win things. I dont know if all locations do this, but its a fun idea.
Unbelievable........how could you possibly never work up a sweat?! Obviously you're not trying very hard! You get out of it what you put in to it. One good way to keep your heart rate up is to increase your jogging in place between stations. I'm not overweight or out of shape and I can work up a sweat, get my heart rate up and keep it up - I make that choice. I think Curves is awesome. The women only idea is great...no oggling men and the whole atmosphere is very supportive, whether you are there to lose weight, tone up, or both. Maybe the real issue is your negative attitude.
I cannot believe the negative comments! I've worked out at Curves for 5 years and have lost 40 pounds(in the first year) and have maintained 20% body fat since then. Curves are indepentently owned, so it does vary from franchise to franchise, find one that suits you. Has anyone tried the advanced workout? It still kicks my butt every other day. The harder you workout, the stronger you get-you can NEVER out grow the Curves workout. I suggest you ask the owner about the coaches level of training. At my club two of the three employees are college accredited for fitness and diet classes. It's the best place for a 30 minute workout for your enitre body.
I quickly skimmed a lot of the comments, but I did not see anything about Curves Smart, their new program. I would agree with many of the women above that you get what you put into it, and many women don't seem to put that much into it. But I also agree that even THAT much put into it is great for many women, and I hate to see their efforts disparaged! That aside, to those who say it's not a real work out--go back and try again, this time with the Curves Smart system. The resistance is NOT the same for every women, it is based on your total strength. Working out at only 65% of that (and that's not the highest program) is way harder than jogging a few miles for me, and certainly harder than what I did at Curves before. I love to hike and bike and speed walk, but this is by far more challenging than any of that, unless we're talking about a hike with a steep-ish 2000+ foot altitude gain... For people in top shape, or body builders--um, no, you will probably not be challenged. But for physically fit women who want a quick and decent cardio and strength training workout--try it again.
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