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've been a member at Curves since October 31/06, and I must say that it's been a fantastic way for me to begin losing weight. I want to lose a total of 50 pounds, and I've so far lost 20 lbs and 22.5 inches. I've hit a plateau lately, so now I have to think about changing my eating habits. I have not eaten any better in the time I've been going though, and have still lost 20 from the exercise. Eating properly every day has always been a challenge that I must learn to overcome.
I'd recommend the program to anyone who wants to begin losing weight, or just get a good workout to maintain current weight. As far as the comments go about having problems with billing, etc, I think that just depends on the location. The owner of my location would not try to rip someone off.
Best of luck in your fitness goals!
ReplyHey Tina, if you want to cancel, give them the 30 day notice in writing, as outlined in the contract. And in the future, get used to reading what you're signing, or you'll be in a lot more trouble then $57/month.
Replysusan you need to pull your head out of your ass and stop being so rude.
Reply
I was a member for around a year and a half, and got bored rapidly, but when I started, 3 times around was right, however, as they got more successful and added more equipment they wanted us to do only 2 rounds. Frankly, when it went from 3 down to 2 and got very crowded was when I decided I didn't like doing it any more. It was boring, hectic and the religious music was driving me nuts!
That said, I'm ready to go back now, just to get back in the rhythm of exercising, then go to a gym, but I don't want to pay that setup fee or be billed automaticly again.
Michelle
PS: I'm one of those fat middle aged auntie type people :)
ReplyI'm interested in joining Curves. Can anyone tell me how much it costs (with no special)? Do they have child care services?
ReplyThanks!
Marty
My sister got hurt at Curves. Also, they will not let her out of their stupid contract even though she has a serious medical problem and was not able to use the facility. I have a daughter with a dance degree who understands more about proper workouts and how the body works than those non-professional fools working there. I have a friend who started teaching at one without beans worth of proper education. I would not let them trian my dog, let alone work with any human I loved.
ReplyI have been working at Curves for 4 years now, I am a certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist, and I have seen the Curves workout and weight-management program help countless women see amazing results. I think that Curves is the best way for the average woman to get back into shape. I also will say that many women who walk in the doors have told me that they worry Curves is too easy for them. I usually talk those women into trying Curves for a week or two to see for themselves. Typically, woman are shocked by the challenging workout, and practically apologize for ever doubting it.
After four years of working out at Curves I have seen fantastic results in my own body. I have lost 40 pounds, my body fat has gone from 38% to 23%, and I now am able to do all kinds of other exercise that was too challenging to be fun before. Along with my Curves workout three times a week, I enjoy jogging, swimming, Salsa dancing, and biking.
I have heard a lot of people knock Curves who have never given it a chance. I have even talked to members who rarely used the club, and never really push the machines with enough force complain about how they just haven't seen any results. I have met many women who have told me that they thought Curves was just for "older women", but I have never met a woman who actually gave Curves a chance and used the machines properly have anything bad to say about the workout. I workout with a wide variety of ages, sizes, and fitness levels at my Curves, and I am comfortable with that. Are you?
ReplyKidding right? If yuo are a cerified perosbal trainer you would not be making these commments as you would know, you are only using positive resistance and results come from resisting gravity and having muscles under contraction while it lengthens, curves only works muscle while they shorten and in no way replicates real life movements or situations...
ReplyI was a member @ curves for 5 months. I lost 50 lbs prior to going to Curves. I felt Curves, was making me lose more weight. I stopped going, I would recommend this gym to any women. I am thinking, about going again, I gained 10lbs. I know, Curves gym, will melt it in no time. Also, you do not have to worry about, men being rude.
ReplyI have faithfully going to at least 3 and sometimes 4 or 5 sessions a week for 6 months. I have lost a total of 2 pounds. I do have more energy and have benefitted from the stretching exercises, BUT I have had to talk to the attendant THREE TIMES about her incessant chatter: to everybody! She follows the patron around the circuit TALKING, TALKING, TALKING! I told her today that if it did not stop, I would find another gym. I don't come there to talk, I come to work out and I need to focus and concentrate. All that "jabber" just leaves me cold!
ReplyI have been going for about a month and have not lost any weight. I work the machines pretty hard too. I hope I'm gaining muscle and will start losing some pounds soon.
ReplyI decided to comment on this site because I don't really fit the Curves stereotype. I am 25 years old, a size 8, and have been a Curves member since November 2003. I also worked at Curves during the summer of 2005. Just like anything else in life, you get what you put in. Yes, I've seen a lot of middle aged women use it as a social club. However, they also offer an advanced workout and a healthy lifestyle changing diet. I love Curves because it is the only thing I can fit into my hectic schedule. There is also a very friendly atmosphere. I feel good about myself for being able to stick to this plan. (Also, in response to people who feel like they've been tricked into a contract ... I can say that as a former employee, I KNOW that Curves corporate is VERY clear about making sure their employees make all potential new members aware of the contract!) It is a good business- and well worth my time, money, and effort!
ReplyHow old do you have to be to join Curves?
ReplyI am a fairly new Curves member, and some of these comments surprise me. At my location, we are told to warm up, cool down and stretch. We have 12 machines and go through the circuit twice. We get plenty of coaching on how to increase our resistance and on how to choose a diet plan. Some members are overweight and some are very athletic and lean. We socialize, but most of us work out as well. Some come in, work hard, and go. Sure, we're encouraged to buy products, but they make sure we understand these are optional. I haven't bought anything but bottled water, and only for convenience's sake. We have a chart showing several stretches -- 12 of them -- in the stretch room. The staff encourage us to work out and focus. They help us stay in form. They take notes on our general health and fitness before we join. And anyone who wants to skip a machine can do so. Anyone who has trouble getting the resistance within the 30 seconds can repeat the machine as long as no one is waiting for it.
ReplyI know a personal trainer would be even better. I am not rich and a personal trainer is no more part of my choices than a tub of diamonds. I looked at several gyms before choosing this one. With all its faults, it is appropriate for a middle income woman who has limited time and doesn't want to be stared at by men while exercising. If that doesn't sound like you, find someplace suited to your own situation and goals. Curves is for real and it works for a lot of women at a price that can be quite low if you keep an eye out for a deal. I'm obviously improving.
Hello, I have been working out in Curves in Chile for abuot two years and a half, and my expierence is really fantastic. When i start i was weighting 144lb nds and know i a´m in 128lb. I feel very good. I go at least the 3 times a week, bur i try go more times if i can. I´m am in really goog shape, and also i have started to run in the 10k races or in the 5k, before Curves i cound´t do that no even thinking.
ReplyI can say i you commmit your self also chaingin your food habits you can do what ever you want.
Can anyone tell more about Contours Express. They have stack adjustable weights, just looks like would be better than the hydralic machines Curves uses.
ReplyI have read that hidralic machines are safer, like to do gym in the water.In almost 3 years i haven`t any injurie and a go at least 4 times a week.
ReplyTo all of you who aren't losing weight at Curves, do yourselves a favor and check out the weight-management program. It can really help if you aren't too stubborn to cut out your white bread. Also, push those machines as fast as you can. The faster you push, the more resistance you will put on those muscles, and you will elevate your heart rate too. The workout is designed to give you cardio and strength training simultaneously, so you really have to put the work into the machines. Also, take it easy on the recovery pads. You can hop around on your own time. When you are at Curves, you will do yourself a favor by saving your energy to push those machines! Don't even chit chat while you use them. That's my advice anyway, and I am a personal trainer at Curves. Yes, I'm certified for all of you who have said some pretty rude stuff. Oh, and for those of you who think Curves is for women who are fat and old, please stay as far away from Curves as possible because you are total jerk and you need to get over yourself. If you said that crap in my club I would kick your butt out fast! We've got some pretty rockin' bods at my Curves in South Austin. Come check it out if you're so skeptical.
ReplyI worked at a Curves for 8 months. I Think Curves is not a good workout. I worked out daily, when I worked there, and did not see any results. I think Curves is more of a place to mingle and make friends.
ReplyLadies, don't waste your money. Curves is not a good workout!!
ReplyLadies, don't waste your money on Curves. Curves is not a good workout!! Curves is a joke!!
ReplyI was just wondering if curves works for every age of women espeically younger women aged 19, that are active before entering curves?
ReplyI have now been going for two months. I have lost ten pounds. My fat ratio has gone from over 29 percent to about 26 percent. I have lost girth in my waist, abdomen and hips. My clothes are noticeably looser and I have more energy. It's not a place where anyone forces anyone to work out and stop eating so much junk, but support, guidance and a safe place to get some exercise are there for those who intend to put them to use. I'm sorry if it doesn't work for some. I'm having a great time. No men -- that's a big plus. Really, if you eat when you feel like it you won't lose weight, you'll stay the same. If you eat more than you really feel hungry, you will gain. If you eat less you will lose weight. Hunger is the sensation of weight leaving and fullness in the gut is the sensation of weight arriving. A neutral state of the tummy is the sensation of weight staying.
Replyhi my name is genevieve am fitness trainer at a curves my first month i lost 16 pounds 20 inches so cant tell me dosnt work it does so far i'v lost 30 pounds 30 in from a size 30 plus to a size 16 in 8 monthes so you cant tell me it does not work if you work hard and you want it it will work you. but you cant go there and be like i cant losse weight if you have attude going it's not going to work you. Be strong
Replyquestion of the young age we have girls that join at age 13 i stared at 22 years old
ReplyI use to work at Curves and really saw it help a lot of women who were dedicated. I loved the stretches afterwards, really noticed how my flexibility improved. I have moved and no longer have a Curves near by but wish I had the stretch poster to refresh my memory. Is there a way if someone has this poster that it could be emailed to me. hawkssr@mchsi.com. Thank you
ReplyCurves is not for everyone, however, it can be effective for certain individuals. I was employed as a fitness technician for almost two years and worked at four seperate locations in KS and NC. Additionally, I am a certified personal trainer/fitness counselor, certified kickboxing instructor and a senior at the local university majoring in exercise physiology and health promotion. Although the profit driven nature of the franchise detracts from the goal of improving one's health, the basis of the program is sound. The problem arrises when the participants fail to work hard enough on the machines to overload their muscule group and increase HR. The social aspect of this program tends to overshadow the importance of really putting effort into the workout. In my opinion Curves is most beneficial for women who 1.) are not currently physically active and therefore would benefit from any exercise, 2.) have physical limitations which prevent them from using regular weight apparatus equipment rather than the hydrolic machines which are easier on your joints 3.) are uncomfortable in co-ed exercise enviroments or who need additional support and guidance
If you are already consistantly engaging in a comprehensive exercise program including resistance training, cardio and stretching, you will probably not see further gains in strength, endurance or weightloss...however as our body does adapt to exercise, doing the same exact workout every day will cause you to encounter plateaus in progress more frequently than if you choose to participate in varying modes of exercise.
I am no longer an employee and there are many things about the Curves policies I disagree with... but the program is undoubtedly effective for the previously mentioned groups. The employees for one are not required to have any exercise experience, training or accreditations and that leads to the fit techs giving innaccurate information based on opinion or myth rather than fact. Although i sought out additional training and expertise, I was not encouraged to do so and my hourly pay was not increased despite the fact that I had greater knowledge and that I paid out of my own pocket for my certifications.
I did use the circuit regularly while working at curves... I did lose two dress sizes without drastically altering my diet. This is because I increased my muscle mass and therefore my metabolism. My weight did not decrease much which is VERY common. It is completely feasible that you can lose a dress size without losing ANY weight! why? You have increased total muscle mass, increasing body weight and decreased body fat percentage... so we percieve that we have not progressed, when indeed our body composition improves along with possible gains in mobility, flexibility and energy.
Curves can serve as a stepping stone, an inactive woman who is uncomfortable in a regular gym setting, needs extra support to facilitate weight loss starts out at Curves then once they reach a midterm goal, hit a plateu or have made enough progress to feel okay at a more comprehensive fitness facility.
Basically, Curves serves a purpose but isnt right for everyone, as owners would tell you.
Circuit training with hydro. machines can be effective, but you have to put in EFFORT.
It is definately better than no exercise at all, or a program that doesnt include all three aspects, cardio, strength and flexibility.
ReplyI hope this wasnt too long to read and was helpful for someone.
I am severly overweight. I am wanting to find a place that I feel welcomed and not stared at for trying to take this weight off. I had heard at a different gym a lady broke some equipment due to her weight. I don't want it to be like that for me... do you know if the equipment at Curves is made for larger women?
ReplyThanks!
I joined curves about 2 years ago but have just gone from one gym to the other having been a all wemans gym appealed to me to get the weight off .The problem is that i have put on alot of weighht since i joined i started off very mucly and 100 kilo ,quickly found out i am to strongh for the machines as there is no resistance .When i tried to end my contrat they said no i cant and every time i try the take money out of my account again
Replywhat can i do ?
My daughter and I joined and have loved every minute. She is only 15 years old and wanted to tone up in anticipation of joining her track team (she runs on the alternate days). She was not overweight to begin with, but has lost a few pounds, two inches from her waist, and is THRILLED to see the beginnings of a "six-pack". So if Curves doesn't work, I don't know how else this teenager is achieving her ab definition.
I, on the other hand, need to lose weight. In one month I lost over 10 pounds, over 3% body fat, and 10 inches. These results were confirmed when I went for my physical recently. I'm 40, and while I don't join in with the "chatty" bunch, people are nice and the staff goes out of their way to greet everyone and keep things moving. The facilities are extra clean and bright, the music changes frequently, the equipment is well-maintained. Weigh-ins and measurements are done in another room. Cool-down stretches are in yet another room, too.
Since every facility is run differently, I would suggest that if you don't like your current Curves, try another. Gyms are like this, too, so don't think this is unique to Curves! Management can make or break a place.
ReplyI must say I have been a member of Curves for just about 2 years and I love it. When I follow the routine of 3x per week, I really see results. And, I have found that the staff watches when the ladies workout and will alert them if they are not using the proper technique. Also, if you are not sure how to use a machine, all you have to do is ask. I had not been in over 4 mos due to some personal issues. Today, one of the staff introduced herself and I asked if I needed help. She also offered to re-introduce me to the machines. Curves is not for everyone but for someone like me 52, busy and wanting a focused workout it is great. Also, they encourage you to eat right and do other things when you are not at Curves. The Curves I belong to recently had yoga classes and other things. The magazine is loaded with great tips and encouraging stories. I have also found the comments about the socializing interesting. I have never felt "forced" to talk and have never felt a cold shoulder because I didn't. There are some women who like to talk and socialize and others that come in work out and leave. Curves gives you that flexibility. As many have already said, you get out of Curves what you put in. I have belonged to other health clubs and never felt as comfortable and cared for as I have at Curves. If you don't like Curves, that is fine. However, don't discourage many women who are getting something out of it and are benefitting from it.
ReplyTry Healthy Inspirations. It is fantastic. its a 30 min circuit plus a weight loss program with one on one support.I can go on a diet easily enough but I cant stick to it for long term. The HEALTHY INSPIRATIONS girls encourage and support me to keep going. I have been going there for 10 months and love it. Its an easy to follow diet and the equipment is adjustable so I can increase my work out as I get stronger and fitter. Try it you will love it. It's got everything you need to lose weight and tone up all under one roof. And the massage chair is fantastic. Plus there are no limits on how many timed I can go in.
ReplyIf you can run a mile, curves is probably not right for you. I am about 20 pounds overweight, but I am very physically active and curves seemed to do nothing for me. I would try to push myself and the facilitator would discourage me because my heart rate would go above the reccommended weight loss zone. I worked out 3 days a week for 2 months and I lost no weight. I did lose some inches, but I was also dieting and running, so it could have been attributed to any or all of the three. There are good things about curves. If you are extremely tired or lazy, it's an easy workout and better than nothing. And the monthly weigh-in/measurment/and BMI testing are great ways to stay encouraged about weight-loss. I did the curves diet as well and this seemed to help me more than the workout. Like everyone else has recommended, curves is good depending on your activity level. It's definately easier than a typical gym workout and is better than doing nothing at all!
ReplyIn my case curves has been very efective i lost 16 pounds. My current weight is 128 pounds, and I drop from 33%of fat to 24%.
ReplyBut dears is not magic,I had to work hard and still keep taken care of my body to keep the weight.A healthy diet also ivery important. No pain no gain.
I just wanted to put in my two cents...
ReplyI joined Curves a little over a month ago and I absolutely love it. I've been to other gyms in the past and found myself extremely bored within a week at the most. Not so at Curves. I think the fact that you spend so little time on each mat or machine is what makes the time seem to just fly by. I do four circuits four days a week and, it never fail, each and every time I am shocked and amazed that I am done (it never feels like I've been there for forty minutes).
I take offense to some of the comments that Curves is only good for extremely overweight inactive older women. I'm not sure if I would be considered older (I'm 30) and I am not exactly inactive (I have four young children) but I am overweight. However, I see a number of younger women and women that either don't need to lose anything or need to lose very little.
Not one exercise program or nutrition program will work for everyone. Some people lose on Atkins, some people don't. Some people lose just riding a bike every day, some people don't. Everyone needs to simply find what works for them and go with that.
I can honestly say that Curves is working for me. At my one month weigh-in I lost 12lbs and 12-3/4in!! I am definately firming up (everywhere) and my clothes are already becoming looser on me.
Laura said:
"If you are extremely tired or lazy, it's an easy workout and better than nothing."
These are the sorts of comments that are both unnecessary and hurtful. You are implying that anyone who works out at Curves must be lazy.
ReplySo it did nothing for you, so you can run a mile...good for you. It doesn't mean the rest of us are lazy. Whatever happened to just being supportive of people?
I hope others will take the time to read this post - it is by far the most even-handed and accurate take on the curves franchise. Yes, it will benefit those whom would otherwise not workout, those who are uneasy about co-ed gyms and those who are unfit.
There is, however a limit to its effectiveness. Hydraulic machines (as well as machines in general) provide only a limiting degree of stimulus and absolutely NO functional carry-over to daily activity. To achieve benefit of resistance training, it is important to use implements that will challenge the brain/muscle connection. Hydraulic machines CANNOT do this. In fact, movement pattern overload may result from doing too much machine work due to the fixed plane of movement.
I would say that if it is working for you - great. If you would not workout otherwise - fantastic. You would get even better/faster/longer lasting benefit by mixing up your workouts, however. I see curves as a transition place - somewhere where one could get a start and feel a little more comfortable in a gym environment before "graduating" to something more useful.
ReplyI started in February on a mission to join Curves, get a good cardio workout, lose weight and build muscle.
I guess success is based on two things; 1) individual motivation and 2) Curves support. I always have to ask to be weighed and measured and was never told about the 6 week challenge. There is an excess of socializing, including the owner and that is very distracting for me. Being one of the 'senior' members, I cringe at the loudness of the tapes (not my music genre) and so I have to wear earplugs.
Good luck to all who have joined a Curves where management is focused on business and not socializing.
I still go, because it costs me $44 per month, but I am not enjoying it to the extent I would like to.
ReplyI signed up with Curves last week and worked out for three days. FYI, I have been very stressed out taking care of my ill, elderly mother and I have not taken care of myself. I thought thar Curves would help give me strength but found it to be painful in my neck and lower back. I also had ringing in my ears due to an ear infection two years ago. These workouts have increased the ringing sound. I'm sorry to complain.
Reply