Curves For Women: A Lot Of Hype?
Curves For Women is a women-only circuit based exercise program lasting 30 minutes. It is also an aggressive franchise with over 8,000 locations worldwide. Curves has managed to generate a lot of buzz - mainly due to the relaxed and social environment. Recently the American Council of Exercise (ACE) investigated the Curves program:
The study found that the 30-minute Curves workout, including five minutes of stretching and cool-down, burns an average of 184 calories making it a good 'moderate-intensity' workout for those who are not very active.
Overall they found it was a good program only for very sedentary people - and was popular with middle-aged women. ACE were concerned that the machines were not adjustable, and also that there was a lack of skilled staff.
They also thought the women talked too much:
Greany also warns that women should avoid the temptation to turn their Curves workout into a social hour. Although the camaraderie and social reinforcement is an integral part of the franchise's success at attracting and motivating non-exercisers, on many occasions the researchers noted that some women seemed more interested in chatting than exercising. "Sometimes it really is kind of like an old fashion beauty salon where women go and catch up on what's going on," says Greany.Whatever it takes to get sedentary people active must have some merit...
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I have tried Hoodia, for the woman that asked. I tried the Desert Burn that was highly advertised on Dateline, and another NBC show. I must say it worked, however understand a diet pill is not the answer, but man did it curve my appetite, it is expensive but if you wanna start out with a pill, I do like this one, don't forget check with your doctor first.
Anyone have any recomendations, I am in a wedding in June, and I need to desperately loose weight, do you think that Curves would help me?
Thanks,
ReplyI have been manager at a Curves in the UK for 1 year now.
ReplyIts a fantastic environment & it really works!
My club has lost 3969 inches in one year, that is great!
One of my ladies lost one stone & 17 inches in a month, without doing the six week solution.
Curves works!
Not only do you mix cardiovascular exercise with aerobics and strength training (Which is the most proven method of fitness) you get the results, & have fun!
Curves is for all types of ladies, my youngest member is 12, my oldest is 79 and they all love it.
It not only helps with firming and toning but is also good for weight loss.
Good Luck to all of you!
TOO MUCH CURVES HYPE...Working out at Curves women can cause major injuries to their bodies. If your shoulders or arms are always sore, and that's not normal, believe me, I injured myself, and didn't know it...(I had been working out for 2 years) I didn't know the signs and now I have a frozen shoulder (very painful) due to the workout routine at Curves. I also have heard that other women are also getting injured at Curves, many shoulder injuries. All women or men's bodies are different when it comes to working out...and the Curves machines are not adjusted for our individual needs, it's not like lifting weights, where the weight can be adjusted. .I have been through 3 painful months of PT and I am not close to recovery yet, maybe be at least a 3 year recovery time.
ReplyI worked at a Curves for 2 years. I think this workout is a waste of time. If you want no results join curves because that is what you will get!! The diet didn't work for alot of women either! Don't waste your money ladies.
ReplyLadies please don't waste your time and money. You will not see results with this program!!
ReplyI work at home two days a week and after sitting a my computer all day, I go work out a Curves (also I go two other days a week). I also do the eliptical trainer 45 minutes 4 days a week and while I have not lost alot of weight I am more toned--the Curves bonus for me is that is has helped my back-my doc said the muscles in my back tighted up so bad that it keeps me out of proper alignment-I go to curves now and not the chiropractor.
ReplyI love it!
I am an employee for a curves in california and have been working for the club for nearly a year. I am here not to 'sell' or 'take' you. I was a cheerleader, dancer and gymnast my entire life and had to have a spinal fusion to reverse the damage it caused on my back. After my surgery I felt totally hopeless of EVER getting back into the shape i was before my surgery. When hired at curves a year after my surgery I expected it to be a great place to at least try. Within three months my body fat percentage had gone down 5 percent and I felt confident again with my newly retoned body. I agree that curves isnt for everyone, it isn't for people who will be negitivly staring at overweight people. We support each other on our journeys to health, and even if only one of the people who has signed up with me continues on their journey and stays commited all my encouragemant, energy and help has been worth it.
ReplyAnyone who has questions or is interested i strongly encourage you to try it, most clubs will give you at least a week free to try it. what else do you have to loose?
oh and to the lady who was so adamit that the machines aren't hard enough, you were probably using horrible technique because I'm 19, not overweight, spin two to three times a week and i am still challenged by the workout.
you were using the machines incorrectly or the machines needed to tightened.
ReplyI want to start to work out, but I have to admit I am nervous and slightly embarassed. I want to go to Curves but I keep using the excuse that I want to go with someone else and instead of actually going to work out I spend my time trying to convince others to go with me.But this is only me procrastinating. I want to lose some weight before my prom in may
ReplyI have to put in my two cents. Curves is a wonderful workout for any lady. As long as the managers keep it interesting and fun. And many Curves do just that, but I do have to warn the ladies that are coming to the Cayman Islands I have never met more obnoxious owners in my life .. They refuse to give any free weeks for try outs and with the signup fee of 200.00 and monthly payments of 69.00 Cayman dollars. (very Expensive) Their gym is closed Tues and Thurs mornings til 3:30 pm if I am paying that kind of money then I want a gym that is flexible with my hours, not the owners. I have done some checking and found out they bring their golden retriever plus other dogs they look after(up to four dogs at a time)to work with them, so what happens to the poor ladies that are allergic to dogs or don't like dogs? They have had the same music since they opened in 2004 (5 discs) that would get alittle annoying. When my girlfriend asked about the music she was told to bring in new members(after she had already given three names of friends when she signed up) and they would change the music (what the heck is that)blackmail...I am happy, I thoroughly checked this place out before signing up. When one girlfriend wanted to cancel because of the hours available were not compatible with her job she was also told by the owner himself, that was fine but she would just become another fat Mexican. And I have heard from other ladies have been treated the same when they wanted to cancel their memberships. How bloody rude!!!! I certainly don't need motivation like that. Unfortunately Curves cannot for-see what kind of owners purchase their franchise because I know here "Curves" is getting a pretty bad Reputation.
ReplySo Ladies Beware and really do your research before joining any club. Glad I did.
I just finished reading all your comments. One thing I noticed most of you waving the Curves flag are newer members...
ReplyMy husband and I own a Contours Express, "the competition". For those of you who do not know Contours it is a womens only facility that is similar to Curves IN CONCEPT ONLY. We use true weight bearing equipment, like what you would find in a fullsize co-ed gym. The problem with Curves and why it sucks comes down to the equipment they use. All of our members that came from Curves or Slim&Tone (our two local competitors both which have closed) have the same story, the hydraulic equipment worked for the great in the begining but, after about a year the plateaued. That is because hyraulic resistance machines are NOT AJUSTABLE. many of our mambers got with in 5-10lbs of their "goal" weight before pateauing...
ALL of our members and I repeat ALL of our members have found great results at Contours Express. Those who have come from Curves, accomplished more in a few months at Contours then they did in years at Curves, As I said Contours uses Real Weight Bearing equipment, fully adjustable to suit the user. As the member gets stronger you can increase the weight. And don't worry about getting big and bulky like a guy. Women just do not produce enough testosterone 30-60% less than a guy as a matter of fact...
All it comes down to is the equipment, there is a reason why big co-ed gyms like Ballys or NYSC or any other big chain doesn't have hydraulic resistance machines, they are ineffective and do not work in the long term...
Hi, I have been going to Curves for almost 3 months. I am very over weight and been going to Weight Watchers since June last year and was loosing weight really well until I joined curves. I have lost alot of cm's and l am looking great but my weight loss is painfuly slow now. I work the machines as hard as I can 6 days aweek and also walk daily. I read alot that Curves is great then Curves not so great. I know alot of people who go and they are both fit and unfit people all are liking it. I am a bit concerned with my lack of weight loss as it's depressing but each month l am loosing alot of cm's. I kept being told it's muscle but l am not buying into that and I am not 'cheating' on Weight Watchers, I am eating very healthy.
ReplyKristi - All, you repeat all have had success??? Hmmm. Be careful about using absolutes. I'm not sure slamming the competition is the best way to sell your own product. From reading the responses it appears that Curves has worked for a great deal of women. NOthing is perfect for everyone, but I can tell you at the Curves I go to you have women of all ages and all shapes and sizes. It just rubs me the wrong way when someone has to put others down.
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I have been going to Curves for over 2 months now. I agree that it is a social time for some. But for me, in the last 2 months, I have lost 8.75 inches, and 11.5 lbs. Not only do I keep track of it with Curves, but I also track it on my own. But I am one of the more dedicated. I do not rely on what they tell me. I made my own workout plan, and I follow it. Which includes no talking except to say hello to people, and working out for an hour instead of a half hour. I also have to agree that most staff is not very well trained. If you want to go with Curves, pay attention and do your own research. If you can dedicate yourself, it's a good environment and a friendly atmosphere to be able to work out in. I enjoy it, I even enjoy spending double the time there, they give you a lot of encouragement and keep you motivated. Regardless of the talking and somewhat ill trained staff.
ReplyAnyone know of any curves promotions or free trials going on now?
ReplyI am nineteen years old and sixty pounds over weight. I live in probably or close to the same rinky dink town in South MS that Amanda is talking about. I went to Curves for three months. I gained weight but lost inches. I thought it would be a good idea to go because my mother-in-law joined and we could go together but I never saw great results. Every weigh in there would be two or three pounds added and that was very discouraging. There were hardly any women my age there and the music got really old. On the flip side there were a lot of women losing weight most of them had more to loose than i did so i am not critisizing Curves because I have saw tons of weight loss but just not any of mine. I have not been going for the past three months and I could really afford to use that thirty dollars a month on something else. My husband was recently in car wreck and is out of work so I am the only one working and making that extra thirty dollars a month just to pay Curves is hard. Does anyone know if I can get out of the contract?
ReplySo I took the plunge, joined curves. Just had my 2nd weight.........and well I dont want to go again. I went every day they were open and pushed myself even if i didnt feel well. I put on weight, not much, but some, and yes I know muscle weighs more than fat. ok no big deal.........the cms lost surely will help.......cept I managed to put on...but still no big deal. hey I still had the `bodyfat. I managed to even increase that. I have spent 4 weeks eating fish and salad, both things I cant stand, exercising daily, riding my bike just to give me an added start to have these results. One lady asked how it had gone, and quietly I told her, told her how upset I was..so she said loudly for the instructors to hear, and everyone stopped and looked at me. Tonight I did something I havent done for 2 years........I came home and binged. I will pay out my contract but i doubt I will be going back to curves. Something I enjoyed has managed to become something I cant stand overnight
ReplyI have been a Curves member for about 8 months, and I must say that after several attempts at different diet/workout programs, it is the best way to get you started and motivated to STAY on a plan. It is cheap (my club is $39 a month with a one-time membership fee that was less than $100). They only ask that you go 3 times a week for 30 minutes...it's great because it is low-commitment for busy people (moms, professionals, etc.). If you can't commit just 30-minutes 3 times a week, then you're not going to get any results and are doomed to fail ANY weight-loss program you join. The fact that it is an all-female gym makes the environment so different...much more supportive and not intimidating. The music is fun, and if you hate one or two machines, you're only on them for 30 seconds! The ladies who work at my gym are really supportive, and they always are sure to correct me on my form and posture to make sure I get results. I have used their travel pass to go to other Curves gyms when I am out of town, and I must say, that the risk is that since it's a franchise, not all Curves are created equal. Some that I've been to are great, some are just so-so where the employees are not as interactive. Overall, it is a great gym. They teach you the importance of balancing strength training with cardio, and if you take their awesome 6-week solution class, you'll learn a lot about nutrition and changing your eating habits. I'm at the point where the workout is getting a little boring, and I've hit a plateau, but they have given me some tips for changing things up a bit to trick my body. Inevitably with any workout you will plateau or get bored if you do the same thing over and over, but Curves is definitely a great place to start and then maintain once you reach your weight-loss goal!
ReplyI have been a member of curves for 3 months. I have to say that I love it. I am a morning person, so 6:30am is a wonderful time for me. I have to get up for work, and by going to curves it sort of kick start my day in the morning. I believe that what you put into anything in life is what you will get out of it. I have applied that to my going to curves. I have put a great effort in getting the most from my workouts at curves, and because of that I have seen great results.
ReplyHere's an interesting question I've been thinking about Curves and other women-only fitness facilities.
Do you think the main driving factor in the success of these gyms is attributed MOST to which of the following factors:
1) Women prefer to workout with only women because they fear MEN staring at them in the traditional gym environment
2) Women prefer to workout with people of the same fitness level (beginners) and fear experienced, traditional (usually YOUNG) gym members staring at them
So basically, is the main intimidaton factor SEX or INEXPERIENCE?
Where do the 40-yr old couple (never worked out) that both fear the traditional gym environment go to workout?
ReplyAnyone experiencing neck and shoulder pain after going to Curves for several months -- I am having some numbness in my arms and a shoulder pain and talked to 2 other people that have the same issues -- just curious if any of you are experiencing this?
ReplyMy contract ran out.
I had not been to curves for 4 or 5 months because I am moving.
They continued to charge my account AFTER THE CONTRACT WAS OVER.
They state this is legal.
In addition to the 4 months ($160) I didn't use the facilities (They did have the right to this money) They charged me another $120. and refuse to refund it.
I have seen class action suits against them
BEWARD
The program was Great, but not worth being ripped off for!
ReplyYou need to read contracts before you sign them- fitness memberships are just like any other contract. The one year contract provides you with a cheaper monthly rate- after that contract is done you still pay each month but have "earned" the cheaper rate. You do need to give 30 days notice-this is all in writing and something you signed. This is a legal and binding contract. Curves has options to get out of it and it is never over $50.
ReplyTake the time to READ contracts- no matter how pressured you feel from anyone to "hurry up". That way you can't blame anyone but yourself if you are not happy.
i started with the 21 day study. now i am signed up for the year.i had wanted to lose 15 lbs...after my full 1 month of going 4/5 times per week and watching what i ate and walking everyday , i lost 6.5 lbs, and 6 inches all around. i think this is working.i just have 8 lbs to go... it can only work if you set your goals and keep trying....just don't give up...any excercise is better than nothing...this is coming from a person that had never heard the word excercise in my life...
ReplyYes, Amy, I have heard so many horror stories about Curves being so strict with their policies that they will continue to take money out of people's accounts even if they are told by a doctor to lay off of Curves for a period of time. One woman I know even went so far to have her bank stop payments each month, but now her bank is charging her!
ReplyAll ~ does anyone have a good routine to work on waist, arms, etc when on the recovery stations.........generally I dance/jog, but I am looking for a good set of 6 or so moves that will put that time to better use. ????
ReplyJust to let all the girls know that if you want to Cancel your contract with Curves you may buy it out which is a lot cheaper then paying the monthly fees for a year, and having them continue taking those monthly fees after the year is up. Which is in the contract that you sign. "Curves will continue to take the funds from your account after 12 months until they get a thirty day written notice to cancel" This is written right in the contract, but what they don't tell you is that you may buy the contract out!!!! Just some food thought....
ReplyAfter being stung by Superfitness years ago, I refused to take a contract a Curves or let anyone else have access to my bank account. I pay cash every month. It is 10$ more, but I can just quit anytime. I have had 5 weeks of it and notice no difference. All I want is to lose 10 lbs and get in shape for a walking tour in May. We will see how it goes! I am at least hoping that I will lower my fat percent!
Ruth
Replyhow old do you have to be to join Curves? i'm 16 and was wondering if I could join but i wasnt sure how old you have to be..can anyone answer my question?
ReplyWell I popper into Curves to what it was about, and it did look a bit basic, compared to more commercial gym, but you know what I am so unfit that a walk around the block is an accommplishment, just getting tot he gym an accommplishment, and i think most gyms underestimate just how unfit a person can be, this looks perfect for me and i am going tomorrow to sign up.
ReplyI joined Curves on March 1st. I go 3-4 times a week. I lost 10.5 pounds, 6 inches, and 3% body fat. I just had a hysterectomy in Oct 06. I really enjoy going to Curves. Yes, I see a lot of ladies going and just chit chatting. That is not for me. I push myself very hard, and I see the benefits. I just feel better. Just as an FYI, I walk almost every day for 20 minutes, and I control my eating.
ReplyI joined Curves this past month. I am not a "soccer mom" as everyone says is the typical Curves member. I am 24, and my 1st year at college I put on a TON of weight. I'm a bigger girl to begin with but im 5'8 and shot up to 190 lbs. Other gyms are super intimidating, which is why I orignially joined.
I'm on my 3rd week and I LOVE CURVES! I tell all of my friends to join. I can already feel a difference in my muscles and it gives me so much energy during the day. I've always hated working out, and I feel that Curves is the perfect program for me because of the constant changing of machines. I run between machines and give each machine my all! I cant wait to be weighed in to see if I've made any progress. Wish me luck :)
ReplyI have been a member of Curves for 3 years .. along with a diet program and the machines at Curves, I've gone from a size 14 to a size 6 .. if you think it's hyp and not worth it ... you obviuosly went to the wrong Curves .. try one in NYC and see how you feel after. The one on 57th street offers a personal trainer during certain hours that will get you on the running boards and make you WORK ... go to a different curves but keep moving!
ReplyObviously, as with anything else, you'll get out of it what you put into it. One of my guy friends refers to Curves as my "girlie workout" and maybe it is less intense than what he puts himself through several times a week. But the thing is...I would never last doing his workout. I am not sure I'd ever start. I've never been able to stick to a routine. But I do with Curves. I've been very faithful and I've worked as hard as I could. The first month the results were negligible and I was a little discouraged, but I changed my diet, began drinking more water and went at it with a new resolve. At the end of the second month, I had lost almost 10 pounds and a grand total of 15 inches. I'd say that was "results." Now I'm addicted...I see and feel muscles where I had none before, and I don't want to go back to how it was BC (Before Curves). Perhaps some day I'll "graduate" to a more intensive form of working out, but right now I'm sold on Curves.
ReplyCurves is a SCAM!
ReplyBefore I say why, let me start by saying this...
It's creepy that they weigh you right infront of everyone and it's embarassing when they say you're doing it completely wrong. Anyways...
I signed myself and my mother up agreeing to pay for the two of us $57.
We went 2 times a week for about... 3 weeks then became extremely busy and stopped coming. About 4 monthes later, I decided to show up just to see if I wanted to continue my membership, and to get fully measured and weighed again. I thought I'd gained weight. Well I came in and they told me I had lost 6 pounds, and a total of 4 inches. But to make it more embarassing for myself, the lady announced it to all the fat ladies in the room! I was just 18 year old and weighed 130 pounds, I felt like all the oldies in the room where cursing at me and thinking "why is she even here?" Anyways. to get to the point... ever since that day, I never came back and assumed after the contract was up, the $57 payments would no longer happen. Boy was I wrong! I've been charged every month since the year was up and I wasn't even aware! I didn't receive a phone call, email nor letter to inform me this was occuring... and I had moved away! I was so angry. And I still am. Curves doesn't care about weight loss or wellbeing, they care about taking your money! And you don't realize this until you try and cancel.
Honestly, I think that the attitude you go to Curves with is the most important one. I can probably garrantee that those women wouldn't be cursing you because you lost weight. It's meant to be a positive atmosphere. I did work at Curves a while ago and I do plan on becoming a member very soon. Where I live we are blessed to have a great curves. We have won the Canadian franchise of the year for the past two or three years now. It's great. The work out is what you put into it. If the machine's aren't working for you.... do them faster and then you'll find those muscle's really working. I do believe in the curves workout. I know that people who claim it's a scam, just have a bad attitude towards it, and you need to read your contract. The contract is for a year, but that just means if you want to cancel in that year you need to pay a fee to cancel. After your year you don't need to renew you just need to notify them that you are cancelling. Honestly the whole scam thing is just you not reading and understanding the contract. I know and I'm sure that there are franchises out there that are irresponsible and what ever, but we have a great one here. It's what you put into it and take out of it. If you have a bad attitude.... you'll probably have a bad experience.
ReplyThey told me up front that payments would continue after the 12 months unless I gave them a written request 30 days in advance. It is also on the contract that you sign and should have received a copy of.
ReplyI joined Curves about 3 months ago and I think it's amazing!!! The thing is you get in what you put in if you just go and don't work for it thats your to bad Curves let's you go at your pace but you have to push yourself no one can eat out everyday then sit on there butt all day then go to Curves and get upset when they don't get results. Loseing the weight is a life choice I have 2 kids and I was never really out of shape I just needed to lose the junk in the trunk and I work hard for it everyday at the gym and at home. The idea that Curves is only for older ladies is silly I am 23 and I never feel uncomfotabe at Curves we are all there to lose the weight and change our lives age is just not a facter. Way to go to all our girls out there just never forget Curves is only one part of it you have to do the rest!
ReplyMy membership at Curves has been a great starting point to getting back into a beginner type fitness program. But I have to agree with some other gals here, that I was surprised by the often chatty women, who at times sound like a bunch of cackling chickens. When I go to work out, I like to really concentrate on what I'm doing to get the most out of the exercise. I work very hard while I'm there and sometimes find the chatter distracting and even annoying. In my observation, most of these women who are constantly talking are doing their work outs half-heartedly, even sluggishly. Then there always seem to be a few who obsess over food and talk about it during the whole work out. If only I could wear my i-shuffle to help drown out the pecking noise! I have been a member for about a year now and am finding myself growing bored with that same ole equipment and same ole circuit. I am going to start to look around for another fitness program that might be a little more challenging with a better variety of machines etc.
ReplyThanks!
Kristie are you so sad that the only way you can promot your gym is to slam the competition??? You could try saying why your so great insted of being like a kid and just all we are better then they are!! oh yes I am sold I must go to your gym now it has the power to talk shit. Why don't you find another way to recruit and grow up.
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I would strongly suggest not using weight loss pills!!! My little sister is 19 and she just had a massive stroke from weight loss pills! It does not matter what brand the risk is not worth the reward!!!!
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