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 7 of 8, 156 total comments)Renee
I love curves! i began going because i won a free week for 2 in a raffle... I love how its a great place to get away to for a little while, with no men and no kids hahaha! I have been a member for 5 months- I have only lost 7 pounds but have also lost 34.5 inches. I like that you don't have to pay extra for a "trainer" and you are not scemed into buying products. I like that it's "structured" so your not spending time wondering what you should do next... haha And love that it's small and personal... and that the windows are tinted so you can see out.. but not in... hahah.. Curves rocks!
posted Mar 30th, 2008 9:55 amKaren
I recently joined Curves & I love it.Jenna Rush this is for you. At the Curves I go to they open at 5:30,that is the busiest time though;so I'm told. You don't have to use their diet plan,I follow my own nutritionist advice.I am not bugged by anyone trying to sell me anything;there are signs informing you of items you can buy;but you are not obligated.I feel better,have more energy,I really look forward to going. People talk but I dont see it as a social club. You make it what you want.
posted Mar 26th, 2008 8:55 pmYessenia
I'm 25 years old and have only 30lbs to loose. I hate going to large gyms where I have to keep moving from one area to the next and then having a Men stare at me. I prefer an intimate setting and quick! I think Curves would be ok but would it be good for my age group? About a year ago I went to curves for a free consultation and the Women that was there was very rude with me. That turned me off about curves. Let me know waz up ladies
posted Mar 26th, 2008 8:55 pmTerri
I joined curves for the third time as in as many years. The first two years, I just was not commited. But this time, I feel like it's where I belong and it feels great. I haven't been measured yet, but I feel like I've lost a few inches and the weight loss will come.. My cost is $34 a month and I know of no gym that charges less than that. Don't let anyone tell you you shouldn't spend the money on curves -- do what you need to do to feel good about yourself.
posted Mar 26th, 2008 2:47 pmjenna rush
i m thinking about joining IMMEDIATELY(i have the free travel walk through type pass tomorrow here in the nj area,so i have a few questions and CONGRATS to marie lauver 100 pounds in one year is a TRUE reasn to celebrate,an even losing FIVE POUNDS IN JUST TWO short weeks wow or more.and ok my question is: i am always on the go workin realestate music stuff etc.i m a morning person and i will wanna work out quietly not too"crowded"ONLY cause i am a talker thus,if i am around MORE CROWD i will start chattin it up at curves and do not want 2 LOSE FOCUS LOL so i am wondering can i go in the early morning first thing,like "when it is not so packed"i assume it getting crowded later after 10 or 12 or 5 in the evening even,i would love to get it cracking/goin ther as AS EARLY AS 7 OR 8 OR 9,is this possible? and last quest: i am already eating vegetarian almost lol an more fish etc. water one gal at least "per day" or 1/2 gal.so i m losing already "so do i have 2"use CURVE food diet program or no? i hope BOTH QUESTIONS are properly answered and i wish you all luck and future health losing much weight in 08 bye.
posted Mar 25th, 2008 8:31 pmCrystal
Curves Smart has made curves an even better place to workout. No where else are you going to find the same kind of motivation, personal attention and immediate feedback. Unless, of course your paying a small fortune for a personal trainer.
posted Mar 25th, 2008 3:22 pmMarie Lauver
With weight loss you have to commit and watch what you eat. I walked into Curves thinking this will never work and the way the program and circut is built, its an honest workout! Im hooked, I joined last Febuary and have lost 56 1/2 inches, along with 100 lbs. Its hard work, but Im living proof that if your interested in Curves, give it a go!
posted Mar 25th, 2008 9:43 amYvonne
I joined Curves a couple of weeks ago and already lost 5 pounds. The women are fantastik and the atmosphere is very relaxing. No one makes you feel uncomfortable, were all there for one reason or another. We all have a good time....what a way to relieve stress and unwind after a hectic day. The best part is you can go to the gym as many days and as many times as you want with no extra cost. I do have one question, I was intersted in the diet program that Curves is offering...I was wondering if anyone had tried it and what kind of success did you have. Thanks!
posted Mar 22nd, 2008 8:45 amMoni
This is for Sue. Yes, you can go through the circuit twice. You may go as many times as you like. You pay your initial "membership fee" and your first month, the rest is a monthly payment (I have it billed to my credit card monthly). I haven't signed up for the Curves Complete diet program, but if you're currently not exercising and you start the program and start eating healthier your bound to lose weight. Any change from the ordinary will help you. I love my local curves and I travel a lot so I take advantage of the travel pass frequently.
posted Mar 20th, 2008 8:44 amSue
I have questions for you ladies who are enjoying this program. Can you go through the circuit twice if you like? Is there a limit to how many times per week or per day you may attend? Do you have to pay the entire amount up front if you don't do the automatic checking program? Is the food on the diet program pre-packaged? Thanks fo ryou answers!
posted Mar 19th, 2008 2:12 pmCIN
I joined Curves two weeks ago. I LOVE IT! I feel motivated and the staff really connect with you and make you feel welcome. The music is great to workout to and with the Curves Smart, the machines help you with increasing your intensity. I am paying the same price I paid at 24hr Fitness and I don't feel intimidated or ashamed. Plus, I never have to wait to use anything and the staff helps you out, if you forget how.
posted Mar 17th, 2008 11:04 pmCandice
I use to go to another woman only gym. I didnt like it. I had no support and no help with eating. Finally I joined Curves. I had always thought that it was for older woman. I am 24 and thought it wouldnt be a good enough work out. Well it's been only 11 days and I have lost 7 pounds!!! 7 pounds in 11 days. It's so easy. I go to Curves 5 days a week and go swimming 1 hour 2 days a week. I am also on the 6 week diet. I am never hungry and I already feel great. I finally know I can do this with the help of Curves and my own determination. I am so excited to know that I finally found a program that really works. My goal is to lose only 2 pounds a week. Curves in making this too easy for me. Try it!! It works!!
posted Mar 15th, 2008 4:01 pmcarol
I have been going to Curves for four years. I have lost weight and I must tell you I feel great. I am old and I do not have the aches and panes I had before I started to go. You are in charge of how hard you work. I like the fact that there are staff there to tell you how to use the machines. I lost 23 lbs, and feel Great. It is the only program I stuck with. Check with your local Curves for the cost.
posted Mar 15th, 2008 11:53 amshayne
ive been at curves for about a week and i love it, its helps me and i feel like i have alot energy
posted Mar 15th, 2008 7:56 amGeordi
I joined Curves last November, but didn't get serious until Mid January. You get out of the workout exactly what you put into it. I see women just barely moving the equipment, but at least they are up and trying. I work out pretty hard and get sweaty. It can be a social club, so I interject occasionally, but mostly just concentrate on the exercising. My Curves is awesome with lots of support and fun activities, but my niece belongs to another one and they don't do anything like that. So the advice to keep trying Curves until you find one that fits you is good. You can't just go to any location by dropping in though. You need a travel pass. The monthly weigh-ins and measuring are a great motivator to keep going. This is the longest I've kept doing an exercise program in a very long time. It's fun, convenient and gets results.
posted Mar 11th, 2008 10:20 amFlorida Gal
I am NOT the type to join a gym and stick with it. But I joined Curves about a month or two ago, and started reducing my daily calorie intake. I have lost 2 sizes in clothing already! The pounds are coming off, but since I am replacing fat with muscle, it is a slower rate than I anticipated. But size is everything! I can't believe how fast my body has shaped up! I will probably never be a size 6, but I feel like I look incredible anyway! And who knows, maybe I WILL get to a size 6! I am usually intimidated by going to the gym, but this is the friendliest environment to work out in! (Although I agree they need to change the music!)
posted Mar 7th, 2008 9:05 amAlex
To NOLA: if you looked at the article in full, you shouldn't be torn. The founder may support anti-choice but that doesn't mean that the curves chain itself supports it. Besides, if you really need to lose weight or get in shape and you think curves is a good place are you really going to let one man's views stop you?
posted Mar 1st, 2008 5:56 amAmy
I was thinking about joining curves, but I only need to lose about 15-20 lbs. Is this the place for me? Do you work up a sweat?
posted Feb 29th, 2008 9:54 pmDebating in NOLA
I'm really torn. I really want to join Curves, but am disturbed by the founder's vocal and financial support of aggressively anti-choice organizations. I was hoping it was a rumor, but found this on snopes.com: http://www.snopes.com/business/alliance/curves.asp Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
posted Feb 29th, 2008 2:07 pmmd
Curves is very convenient for me and the people are nice. BUT - it is more of a social club where women come to meet friends. If you are serious about losing weight this probably is not the place for you. the music does not encourage movement it is more like upbeat elevator music. people want to talk to you even though you are trying to really work out. I have lost some weight but I really make an effort and I feel really out place for doing so. like i am being "antisocial".
posted Feb 26th, 2008 10:10 pm