Curves For Women: A Lot Of Hype?

I have been going to curves now for 10 months and lost over 85 pounds. I only use curves (and one day of 10-20lb weights at home)and eat like I did before.
The biggest factor in curves is how much you put into it. If you just move the machines without force (no whoosh sound) you might as well walk in place for the same effects.
BUT if you really put an honest effort in (making the machine go whoosh) you will see results. Also many women choose to go only once or twice a week, and are being plain lazy.
At least 3 times a week with one day extra of at home weight training is the only recipe for weight loss.

I have just joined Curves. I was on Paxil for 2 years and have gained 35 pounds. I am now off and have dropped about 5 pounds. Anyone else going to Curves had this experience and if so is it working for you?

I HAVE BEEN A MEMBER OF CURVES FOR 3 MONTHS. I CAN SEE SOME IMPROVEMENT IN ARMS, THIGHS, & HAVE GAINED STRENGTH.
BUT MY QUESTION IS, SINCE I FEEL THAT I HAVE REACHED MY PEAK SO TO SPEAK, WHAT TYPE EXERCISE EQUIPMENT FOR THE HOME IS BEST TO HELP CREATE MORE RESISTANCE, ALONG WITH WEIGHTS, & WOULD TAKE ME FARTHER?
I JOINED TO BUILD MUSCLE, LOSSE MIDRIFF FAT & SHAPE UP ALL OVER. I FEEL I AM NOT GETTING ALL I NEED.
I DO NOT WANT TO WORK OUT IN COED TYPE GYMS. I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE AROUND MEN WORKING OUT. BUT I AM DESPARATE TO BUILD THIS BODY FOR THE SUMMER & KEEP IT THAT WAY.

HELP SOMEONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am a relatively fit person. I am 47 years old. I have spent the past ten years jogging, aerobics and/or weightlighting. I noticed the most results in just 30 days of weightlifting. So I was skeptical whether Curves was tough enough to give me results. But I found that if you focus on the machine and the muscle groups you are working you will get the most benefit. I keep my heart rate in the 70-75% range. In the first month I noticed a slight change in my body, but I didn't lose any weight. I only needed to lose 5-6 pounds, but I am only 5'3 and 5 pounds is a lot. After 3-4 months I dropped 5 pounds and looked very sculpted. I agree, many women hardly work the machines and hardly step much on the recovery boards. I understand fitness and the need to keep my heart rate up for the 25-30 minutes. So all in all, you get out of Curves what you put in. I love the fact that I can start my workout whenever I get there. It works so well into my schedule and the time goes by quickly. It is easy to stay dedicated.

Im not a member of curves, but 4 weeks ago I joined Contours Express. I love it! I go 5 times a week. I havent been weighed yet but I know ive lost something. I dont really care that much about how much ive lost. Im wanting to stay focused on being healthy and then the looks come next. Im not a small person either. But I feel great and so much better about myself just for sticking to it. It might not be for everyone but I know its for me.

I have been a member of Curves since January of 2005, but have not gone since March. I have not yet cancelled my membership because I keep thinking I will start back and never do. So, I have essentially given Curves quite a bit of money for the months I haven't attended and even after the year contract is up, they're still charging me. I'm glad I read this website so I now know I have to cancel my membership in writing.
The reason I'm posting is to warn any current Curves members of a problem that has happened to my mother. She had to have knee surgery and because of this, her doctor recommended that she stay away from Curves for 3 months. When she took the doctor's note to Curves, she was told that she would have to come back each month with a new doctor's statement and she would have to come in time for them to stop the money from being taken from her account for that month. Even though my mother followed their instructions (this is the 3rd month), Curves continues to take the membership fee out her account. She called the first month it happened and was told that the person the doctor's note went to was out on vacation and it was too late to stop the payment. NO REFUND AVAILABLE. It happened again last month and my mother just found out today that it happened again. She is FURIOUS to say the least. She went out of her way to travel to Curves each month with a doctor's note so that the payment would not be taken from her account and was assured each time that it would be taken care of. How can a business with so many franchises be so mismanaged? Of course my mother will be cancelling her membership IN PERSON today and demanding a refund for these past 3 months that she should not have been charged.
Has anyone else had this type of problem?

Personally I LOVE CURVES!
I was overweight by about 10 pounds when I got pregnant with my twins. I gained 60 pounds during my pregnancy. Leaving me with 70 to lose. After having them 5 weeks early in July 04 and breastfeeding them for a year, I had only lost a total of 4 pounds of pregnancy weight. I started dieting and lost little weight.
I decided instead of complaining about it I would do something about it. I live in a small University town and have little options for fitness. Being self concious of my body an all woman venue applealed to me, so I went in to talk to Curves and see what they were all about. I am 26 and was afraid that there would be alot of older 10-20 years older than me and that I would not fit in. Boy was I wrong. I went in and immediately saw women younger than me as well as my age and older a large variety of ages and personalities. Possibly a side effect of a university town.
One week had me hooked and I joined.

I have been a member of Curves for one month and although I have been dieting for a year and only lost 15 pounds I have already lost 6 pounds and lost 17.5 inches in the one month I have been doing the Curves program. I am also very motivated now that I am seeing more results. I am positive that if I had not joined Curves the weight rut I was in would have lasted possibly for the rest of my life. I am confident that if I continue doing the Curves program and eating healthy I will reach my goal.

Curves may not be for everyone, but don't knock it unitl you try it for at least a month. I definately got my money's worth lpus some. :)

I joined curves in early Jan 2006 and I love it so much!! I am pretty thin and am really using curves to tone up and get rid of my body fat. At 28 I am one of the youngest girls there but I have never felt excluded or left out because of that. I was also intimidated by larger gyms as I am not athletic.

I agree that curves is really what you put into it. I mostly focus on the workout and don't socialize to much. I have only lost about 5 pounds (I am 5'7 and started out at 130) and didn't really need to lose any. However I have lost 5 pounds of fat, toned up my tummy to the point where my pants are falling off, and have more energy now then ever. I really would recommend this to anyone. Its weird, I have only been there a month but I feel like one of their biggest cheerleaders for the program!

hey, im 14 and i weigh 174 lbs.
i dont really look my weight.
but i want to get down to about 140 ish or lower, and my friend told me to join curves. i loose weight pretty fast if i work for it, do you think this is the program for me? or if any one has any suggestions, please help.
stokedsweetness72@adelphia.net

I was a member turned employee of Curves, and I have never had better results, I lost 70 lbs, 17% body fat, and have been able to maintain my figure no problem, and Yes for those women who chat and dont use the equiptment to its full potential, its a low impact workout..But if you go in there and bust your butt as you are supposed to, the results can be astonishing, Ive seen women change there lives with CUrves, i was one of them, Im no longer an employee but I reccomend the program to anyone trying lose lose a lot or a little.

I joined Curves in May 2005. Started out going regularly, and wandered off, just going here and there. Even though I didn't keep up ad I should have I lost 12lbs and 8 1/2 inches. Everywhere I go people are noticing that have have lost. The inch loss is remarkable and i am learning not to worry too much about the weight loss which will come eventually. I stopped going in Mid November to December 2005 and started feeling awful. It is now March 2006 and I haven't missed a session this year. I will be weighed and measured on monday and can't wait! My clothes are falling off!!!! I don't know waht the future hold for me in curves, but right now I am throughly enjoying the benefits.

I have been going to curves for about a year and a half. I didnt really have a lot of weight to lose, I just wanted to gain muscle instead of fat. Curves worked well for me for about a year, I lost inches and had more energy. Now, I go to curves, work out hard but do not feel as i did a year ago. I have reached a plateau. I havnt changed anything(eating habits, trip to curves) and I am gaining a few pounds. I think I need to either go around the circuit for 10 minutes more, or get a new excercise program altogether. Curves is great for beginers but once you reach a certain point, you need to increase the intensity of your workout to get results.

reaching a plateau is a big problem with some ladies' fitness centers. contours express is the way to go. it provides negative and positive resistance and it has weight based machines which allows you to move up in intensity. you don't plateau, you build bone density and bone mass. it's the new and improved work out.

Joining Curves was one of the most important decisions I've made. Not only have I increased my energy but my recent bone density scan showed a tremendous improvement.Yes,osteoporosis needs to be recognized by all ages of women and Curves offers women the opportunity to improve their health.

Exercising in my local Curves facility, I don't talk, I use the recovery stations for aerobics - then work very quickly on the machines. Frequently I have a trainer monitor my machine positions.

Women have to remember - you don't lose weight if you don't stop eating so much!

I give Curves ***** Stars!

Curves singlehandedly got me moving and losing. Need a harder workout? Pump the machines faster, trying running in place on the recovery boards instead of walking.

Curves' target demographic is overweight women over 30 - which descibed me perfectly. No way would I have felt comfortable in a "real" gym with the skinny minis. Curves was full of other fat people like me.

I'm a middle aged woman & have been going to Curves for a year now. I've lost a total of 18 inches/pounds and dropped 1 1/2 pant sizes. (I am now a size 8). Curves is not a miracle program. It takes work, dedication and sensible eating habits. But, it's given me the incentive to lose the weight that I needed to lose & keep it off.

Curves is an excellent program if you stick with it 3 times a week. In the first 6 months I lost 17 inches. If you also want to lose weight you need to cut down on what you are eating. By losing inches and not concentrating on weight loss, you look like you have lost weight. If you want a quick and easy exercise program and are a sedentary person, curves does work and is good for you as well. It's up to you, the harder you work out the more you will lose.

Do they weigh you in front of everyone. Also do they weigh you when you sign up????

No matter what you are talking about there will be opinions in favor of something and opinions not but when it comes to Curves I think it's an individual decision.
The idea that it's mostly for middle aged overweight women is ridiculous. We have young teenaged girls at our Curves and we have elderly women. I think it's for all ages, shapes and sizes. I think it's a good launching pad for someone that hasn't worked out a lot. I know that it's working for me and I'm getting out of it what I am putting in to it. I have lost 38lbs and 28 inches in 3 months so I am NOT complaining.

I am looking to join Curves and wondered if it was the program for me. Based on the testimonials here, I think it might work. Thanks for posting such valuable information.

I joined curves almost a year ago and am 23 yrs. old. I am 5'10'' and 166 lbs last year I was over 200. This workout gives what you give. The harder you work the more results you see. Just recently I got involved in the advanced curves workout and am getting the maximum benifits of my workout. This is a great work out for all ages and fitness levels.

Curves is a great program and you need to actually try. One Curves in California city a member there lost over 100 pounds. It WILL work!!!!

I have been at Curves for 3 years. Well since it opened in y home town. I have lost over 100 pounds and all of our members are losing every week. We have members from 17 through 82 years old. We have lots of fun and we get really good workouts. It is not boring and there are several levels you can achieve. I don't want to hear anyone saying trhat Curves is for middle aged people and that they are boring and not for them. The problem is that the people whgo feel this way are not trying hard enough and giving their all. We do not gossip, have clicks, or any of that petty stuff. Whoever says this is in real need of a mental health. Go ahead and do your own stuff at home. Curves does not need people like you. We are winners and doers, not losers ad petty people. Curves has many payment plans and you do not have to sign for 1 year total. You can do month to month and it is cheaper than any other fitness center out there. You are missing out. But not to worry ladies, we are ruling the world of weight loss at any age group and feeling healthier than ever before. Like I have said, Curves does not need petty, undesirable people as some of you seems to be by your emails.
I Am A WINNER AND A DEVOTED 29 YEAR OLD CURVES MEMEBER. I'M PROUD TO BE A CURVES MEMBER ABD I AM GLAD YOU ARE NOT THERE. WE ARE HAPPY, HEALTHY AND LIVING LONGER, PROSPEROUS LIVES THAN YOU WILL EVER LIVE. Hold your condencending remarks. We don't care. We are beautiful and we know it. SO THERE!

I am a firm believer in Curves. I have been a member for 3 months and while I haven't seen a significant weight loss, I have seen a loss of 6 inches and a dramatic increase in my energy. I am more toned and my once jiggly belly and thighs are firm. I visit Curves 3 times each week and am going to be upping my attendance to 5 times each week. "Sharon" needs to try Curves out for longer than a week. My first week after joining I thought I was wasting my money but after a month and my first weight in, I was hooked! Curves has given me more confidence, energy and most importantly motivation to eat healthy and make healthy choices so that I am getting the most out of my membership.

I joined Curves almost two years ago and at first it seemed great. I was going three times a week and really feeling good about it. But... then I started to get stronger. Good, right? Well, not if you're a member at Curves. I started to go around more than the 3 times they tell you to because I felt strong enough to do it and I wanted to because I felt good. The lady running it in Jeferson, GA told me in no uncertain times to leave because I had exceeded my "rounds" on the equipment. There was hardly anyone there... no one waiting on the machines. It really hurt my feelings and I never went back. Still had to pay the rest of the year though, and then some because they're sneaky and sign you up automatically after the mandatory year. I sure hope this helps someone out there not get took like I did.

I have a very hard time understanding why some women are so critical and demeaning to the curves program.I agree 1 week is not enough time to really enjoy the benefits of the program.While curves is not for everyone,I feel the women bad mouthing the ones, who do truley enjoy it,are probably the same people who were school yard bullies.My momma always told me if you cant say something nice,then keep your big mouth shut.I LOVE CURVES. Gail

I joined Curves about 3 weeks ago with a friend and so far I really like it. I'm 24 and need to lose about 40 lbs to get down to a healthy weight. As many of you have said, your success at Curves is highly based on what you put into it. At my Curves there are many women who don't put a lot of exertion into their movements on the machines (but hey, anything is better than nothing!) and thus probably won't see the results that others see. I try really hard to make sure I get as many reps in as possible and also use the proper form!! I also run in place on the resting pad to keep my heart-rate up. There are tons of women using machines (at Curves and elsewhere) that don't use them correctly and won't get the results they want as well as run the risk of injury.

One thing that has really helped me at Curves is joining with a friend, I meet her there each evening, at least 3 times a week, although we aim for 4. Meeting her there makes it a lot easier to go because if I don't go to Curves, I've stood up my friend! We also help eachother to make sure we are using the correct form. Since I have only been going for 3 weeks, I haven't seen any real results, but I do feel better, mentally and physically now that I am doing something consistently that will improve my life.

Best of luck to everyone attending Curves already! If you haven't joined and are interested, look into a guest pass and try it out for a week, you won't get the full effect, but you can get an idea if it's something you'd enjoy.

Note for first time visitors: Your first visit is a little hard, they weigh and measure you and your numbers will probably surprise you! The staff at my Curves is very friendly and not everyone is in perfect shape, so you don't feel self-conscious like you do at other gyms. You don't need the latest and greatest workout gear either, a simple t-shirt, sweatpants or shorts and good shoes are just fine! The hours vary at every Curves so check to make sure they work with your schedule. I paid a $74 joining fee and $39 per month with a year contract, it is $49 per month on a month-to-month basis (again this will vary based on your Curves). If you need any other information, please e-mail me!

Hi Curves supporters,

I'm interested in joining curves. I'm 22 and need to lose 25 lbs. I've read most of your comments and I'm curious to know if Curves really works. I consider myself moderately active (go biking and such....) Lately I've been trying to get off snacking in between meals, but I need an exercise program to help me lose weight and keep it off.
Also, can payments be made on a weekly basis? Someone told me that you can try the first two weeks free, is that correct? or is it just the first week?
Thanks:)

I wonder if the blogger actually read the ACE article. It doesn't say that the Curves workout is "a good program only for very sedentary people", but rather:

"...the Curves workout is a good low- to moderate-intensity exercise program. "For the very active, it's not that spectacular of a workout," says Greany. "But for those who have been sedentary, Curves is just what they needed."

As the ACE article points out,
"Curves really targets that segment of the population that's inactive or has been to meat market-type gyms and been scared away. And it's those people who have the most to gain from physical activity".

Please take the time to read the actual ACE article yourself before passing judgement on the Curves workout.

In order to see results at Curves you have to workout more then a week to see results. I am a true beliver of the curves workout. I have lost 15lbs and 14 inches on the curves program in three months. Now my goal is not only to lose more weight but to build muscle and increase my flexabilty. When i started i could only bend down up to my kness and I couldn't even lift my legs back. The machines are safe which allows you to pull & push instead of lift and lower weights in which prevents sorness or injury. Yes women there are very friendly and supportive and have the same goal, lose weight and stay healthy. the staff and the women there keep you motivated.

I am thinking about joining...I am not a 40 year-old "soccer mom" but I am a very busy almost-40 year old with little motivation to exercise (except that darn mirror), and this seems like something I would be willing to try. I am wondering how to wiggle out just one month from the curves people to see if I like it, even if I have to pay. I have a free pass for ONE class, which is I know is not the way to decide if I like it. Any suggestions?

This will be my fourth year with Curves and I found it the Article posted by Janice to be very interesting and one sided. First off, there is ALWAYS someone watching the members and correcting their posture and letting them know when they aren't using a machine properly and these fitness technicians are very well trained. If not, then their club owners are not in conjuction with their franchise agreements. Second of all, Most Curves are constantly changing the positions of the machines so that the muscles do not get used to the workout to the point where it is no longer exercise. Also, with the Curves workout you should not feel any "nagging" pains because the machines only meet your resistance and most members are encouraged only to do the Curves workout 3 times a week and on the other days to engage in other exercises, such as swimming, yoga, aerobics, etc.
As far as the weight management program and the members hitting plateaus, in the 3 years that I have been teaching the class not a single person has hit a plateau and many of them have been doing this for 2 or more years. This is due to the fact that the weight management program is designed to raise metabolism, instead of just focusing on weight loss, because most weight loss programs result in significant amounts of muscle loss, whereas the program at Curves, both the workout and weight management, teaches women how to lose weight and protect muscle. Especially, since the heart of your metabolism are your muscles.

Any expert will tell you curves does little for your body shape unless your really fat and sedentry and even then only improves you a bit,it you want to have a toned slim body you need to do more intense resistance trainig with free weights etc. The article states you only burn around 200 calories in a curves session which equates to 20 grams of fat, so if you go 3 times a week for 50 weeks a year the most you can lose in a year is 3 kilograms of fat, if you are losing any more its due to diet of water loss or lean muscle loss FACT. Curves is only good to get started in exercise,do it for a few months and then do some real exercising and you will be shocked at how poor the curves approach really is.

Ok, I can't resist...

As with many programs, there are huge pluses and huge minuses. With Curves, the primary reason that most women begin to lose weight and feel better is because of the structured atmosphere.

I can't tell you how many "new" members in most clubs just haphazardly bounce from machine to machine, not knowing what they are doing (and getting extremely frustrated in the process).

In the beginning, structure is important.

On the downside, the same thing that gives Curves it's strength is also it's weakness. Because the structure of the workouts is relatively consistent, the body can and will adapt to the stresses provided after 3-4 months.

With this happening, it will not necessarily have an effect on the weight loss of the individual (assumming that the person's diet is in check and we aren't losing water weight), as the metabolism will have initially been raised and sustained though the activity levels. However, strength gain does suffer due to the adaptation of the nervous system to this type of stress. Also, further increases in metabolic function are non-existant due to this same reason.

Curves has provided an awesome solution for women that have struggled with exercise and weight loss. However, the limitations of the workout itself bring about a needed "change" in environment after 3-4 months.

At this point, most people can start to reap the benefits of high intensity interval training (among other things) to further increase the metabolism and reduce the chances of plateauing.

It is here that people can begin to gradually eat more and take advantage of the thermic effect of food on the metabolism due to increased energy flux.

Finally, it's awfully hard to criticize any program or person in this industry simply because the people that aren't seeing results may be eating poorly, not getting enough water, are neglecting sleep, or are just simply not working hard enough.

On the other hand, that person that is seeing results may be crash dieting or "low carbing" (essentially losing a great deal of water weight due to glycogen depletion) at the same time. Therefore, their "results" from the program aren't accurate either.

Furthermore, from all that I've seen and coached, most people don't know EXACTLY what's working for them. They think they know... and try to increase (or decrease) that particular area - or tell their friends about "what works".

Ok... I have to stop... I feel a "rant" coming on.

:)

No Curves franchise is perfect. I personnally attend a wonderful facility and have had no problems with the staff. They are extremely supportive and helpful and make my work outs fun and enjoyable.

I have been a member of Curves since 01/2005. Although I don't consider myself to have been an "active" member since I was only going to Curves 1 to 2 times per week, and even then it was sporadic.

After 01/2006, I began committing myself to an intense Curves workout 5 to 6 times per week and began to see and feel the results.

To date, I have lost 23 lbs and 1.5 pant sizes--that's proof enough to me that you MUST work on the intensity of your workout (kick it up a notch--try the Advanced Workout that Curves now offers), especially when chatting on the circuit to your new-found friends.

My Suggestions:
Work out no less than 3 times per week.
Keep your heart rate at 70 - 80% and you'll burn fat and build muscle.
Make sure you are pushing the machines so that you hear a "whoosh" in both directions.
Study the proper technique for each machine and do it.
Ask for tips from the Curves staff members--that's why they're available.
Read the Curves Member Guide--it has terrific advice on weight loss and health in general.

I am looking for comments, concerns,and/or criticisms about the fitness technicians. Are the fitness technicians constantly on the floor watching the members form and correcting when necessary? Do you think they are knowledgeable about the machines? Do the fitness technicians stress the importance of proper form in order to achieve optimum results in the shortest amount of time? Let me know how you're feeling about the fitness technicians at your clubs!

I love Curves, I have been going for a month and I just had my first weigh in and I lost one pound (not that much I know) but ten inches! everything is fitting so much better and I feel so good about myself. I am 26 and I would encourage any woman to go nomatter what your age is, it's fun and everyone is so nice.

A friend and I bought each other a gift certificate from Curves for $100.00 which included two months plus the sign up fee. I think this was a great way to try out Curves and see if the program is really for you.

But...my problem now is whether or not I want to go to a real gym or stick with Curves. I enjoyed Curves when I was there and it does not feel like you are working out which was a plus for people who are lazy. I did not lose much weight in the two months, mainly a couple of inches. I don't think that was because of the workout but because I was not able to go as much as I wanted due the hours of Curves and no child care.

Here are my complaints about curves....

They have really crummy hours! I really feel that for the price of membership they should be open more. Our Curves closes from 1 to 3 everyday for lunch and then they close in the evening at 7:30 p.m. Then, on Saturdays they are only open 7 to 1 and closed on Sundays. I just really do not feel they are open long enough and that limits my access to working out. My husband gets home at around six p.m. and the last thing I like to do is run out the door as he is walking in so I can get to curves before they close.

I can really understand the comment made by fitness trainers on this site about how Curves is only for beginners and after three to four months your body will need more activity because the Curves workout will not be enough. After going for two months, I did start feeling that. I felt like I should probably go around one more time (3 times instead of the just two) and also do some abs workout. So, I did feel I needed a longer workout than 30 min.

One problem I also have is Curves does not offer child care. I know it is supposed to be a break from family in order to do something for myself but I can't really break away when I am attached to the hip by a seven month old (my husband works until six p.m. and is gone a lot). I need child care and since the hours Curves is open are limited I can't usually wait for my husband gets home from work to watch the baby. I know I could pay for a babysitter, but after I dish out five bucks for an hour three times a week, I might as well have joined a gym with child care because adding the cost of fifteen bucks a week for child care plus the thirty dollars a month for membership at curves....it is expensive!!!

The only thing that is tugging me to stay with Curves is that the workout at Curves is easy and you know exactly what to do when you get there. Also, it is an all women's gym with a positive atmosphere.

But I don't know if that is going to stand up to all my cons about signing a year contract with Curves. Sad to say....but I think I am going to have to spend my thirty bucks at another gym in my area which costs 38.00 a month with a nice child care facility for my daugher and better hours so I can go before my husband gets home. Your right, it does not have the all women atmosphere but I guess I will just have to suck that up and deal with it. As far as being easy....well, easy is not always better and I will have to set the mood at my new gym; if I stay positive and not let my mood waiver, then the experience will be positive.

I hope this helps others. I have just made my decision after typing this all out.

I joined curves to have some me time and to get more energy. Its been a month now and I enjoy both my me time and more energy. With 6 pounds and almost 6 inches gone in a little over 30 day, I will attest it does work if you put 3 or more times a week in it and work the machines well. The support from the others is great but you can't expect results if it is only a yarn fest while you are working out. Have a chat after or before your workout. I encourage anyone to at least give it a month before dishing it completely. Enjoy.

Hi--I am just making a comment in regards to my previous post Oct. 1, 2006

Well---No Curves for me! After I wrote the previous post, I made my decision and went for a gym that provided childcare, better hours, and more variety.

I have currently joined Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center and absolutely love it!

The child care is great, the cost is $38 with a year contract (unlike Curves's $30 with a year contract) and I am excited about going!

I love the classes, the pool, the variety of machines, walking around the track and even the people. Plus, I have a personal trainer at my fingertips to teach me how to work the machines.

Your right! There are both men and women working out at this gym...but actually the men just motivate me to want to work out and look better! Plus, most are in the heavy weight room anyway!

I think everyone should skip the Curves route and go straight to a regular gym. Curves is easy and fun and thats it. My gym is made up of much more and the price is perfect for my budget. I am willing to pay the extra eight bucks a month for all of the extras I get at my gym that Curves does not offer.

My advice to everyone: Tour a variety of gyms and use their free passes to see what its like. Good luck!