Curves For Women: A Lot Of Hype?

I can understand that people are offended by the negative comments, but I didn't realize Curves fosters such a group think mentality that's been displayed in this comment thread. For every negative comment, the ones that praise Curves seem to be more hysterical.

Gender aside, why can't you act like ADULTS and realize that not all gyms, including Curves are for everyone. The best comments seem to be from the ones who can list both pro and cons, and yes, unfortunately, these types of gyms target a certain demographic (the commercials should give you a clue). From what I've been reading, I'm glad I use the gym at my job. It's free, and my employer actually schedules a fitness evaluation from a physical therapy connected with a university hospital. We're taught how to use the machines, and there's a trainer there once a week to give a refresher course. There's a curves in my area, but it's not convenient for me to get to, as it is in the suburbs, which I'm sure has its fair share of "desperate housewives" types. Plus, I don't mind the co-ed environment, and I don't care if people want to look at my fat ass trying work out; even the dumbest blond gym bunny should realize that that's the reason I joined a gym in the first place!

Mabye some people should re-evaluate why they don't want to go to a regular gym because they don't want to get looks from other people. Why are you threated by a more fit, toned, and sometimes younger body? They had to work to get that way too, some of them may have even been overweight.

To add, in terms of franchises. The sad part is that no two facilities will be alike. One will have excellent service as one place and horrible service the next. In my city, there's a few independently owned and operated gyms. Why not support the little guy?

i'm 6 months pregnant and i started going to curves one month ago. i feel great, there is very little pressure there and yes, i completely agree that you get what you put in. i see women who have been going for months and have changed not at all because they aren't actually WORKING the machines, or are focusing instead on jumping around on the recovery boards. even taking into consideration my doctors reccomendation that my heartrate not exeed 50-60% and the simple fact that i cannot use all the machines the way they usually are used (i modify my use, and there are a few like the leg extender that i will have to stop using in a few weeks, just no room with the belly) i have lost insches on my thighs and arms while gaining weight at the recommended rate. i sleep better, i feel less stressed, the stretching gym after the workout helps with back andhip pain and over all i think curves is a great idea for people with little time, who want to get in, get out, get thier heart rates up and still have time to get everything done in thier day. you know, just in case anyone was wondering :-)

to be fair though, i'll tell you what my goal is - i joined curves on march 20th. my baby is due in august. i intend to take off with a doctors note when i need too, and take as long as i need to get used to the baby and my body afterwards. the machines DO put pressure on my uterus, and i DO have to take it easy when i'm in there and not push as hard as i'd like to by far. i don't usually feel the "burn" while i'm working out but later on the walk home i definately feel the workout if i've been pushing. i don't know how that is going to feel after i've had the baby. but my goal is to take a month or two off after i've had my child, and then return to three nights a week while my husband takes the baby to the library for half an hour. i want to continue with curves untill i feel i've taken what i can from it, and i intend to terminate my membership at the one year mark when it comes up for renewal. i think it's a great way to get started exercising, to get used to gym's, to get used to machines, and for many it might be the absolute best permanent exercise program but that is how i see curves myself - as a start. i intend to join a "real" gym afterwards with more machine options, and also the possibility of personal trainers to work with. that is the goal and always has been. curves was the best place to start for me and the place in my town, whitehorse, yukon? is excellent.

I guess it's OK if you're weirded out by weight lifting but I found the machines too easy for me-- and I'm recovering from major surgery, well over forty and seventy pounds overweight! I'm used to more conventional machines and strength training so it felt wimpy to me. There was a hen party atmosphere that was distracting and clubby. I blamed it on being a "women-only" space at first but then remembered when I had a membership at Women's Workout World back in the day, people didn't spend all day sitting around yakking and nobody acted like you snubbed them if you didn't want to constantly kaffee klatsch.

Curves is sprouting up in tiny rural towns with populations under 4000. It's fine for realtors and for people whose gyms are failing due to lack of business but it's rough trying to find something more utilitarian within a 50-mile-radius.

I disagree with the fact that people think curves is full of middle aged soccer moms with a lot of weight to lose. I have been going to curves in my town for a few weeks now and I see every age group, size, shape, you name it, they are there. I am 24 years old and have a group of friends between the ages of 22 and 33 that all go to curves as their main work out, it works, all exercise is good exercise!!!

I am a college student and I recently joined curves as part of a summer effort to lose the last 10-15 pounds. I am 5'3 and 125 pounds so I am just losing vanity weight. I have been going a month and feel like my lefs are getting heftier. I think I'd just be better off doing 30 minutes of cardio. i agree, the environment is pretty soccer-mom friendly. i feel kind of awkward as i have nothing in common with these women and don't fit into any of the conversations. stick to the gym if you are under 30 or dont hav kids

I am a nutritionist and I also work out at Curves 3x a week. I love the program and it gets my heart rate up. BUT anyone who expects to lose weight by working out 3x a week for 30 minutes is expecting something that is not the norm. Yes, some do lost weight this way, but the USDA recommends at leat 45 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity MOST days of the week. You have to do more than this for weight loss along with following a healthy eating plan. When I joined Curves I already knew that 3x a week for 30 minutes would not help me lose weight, but would help me tone my muscles and get my heart rate up. (In the long term this aids in prevention of osteoperosis and chronic disease such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.) The manager walked me through the program and I was told several times that I needed to be physically active on the days that I do not come to Curves. 3 days a week is for maintaining your current weight while toning your muscles and preventing the big killers in America. I don't do much on my off days, but by eating right I can maintain by doing my 3 day routine. I'm not thin, but I'm not obese and I don't have unrealistic expectations for losing weight. And, just because I think it needs to be drilled in...3 days/ 30 minutes a week will not be very helpful in weight loss.

I would advise both the hosts of the this website & the individuals who have commented on Curves to take a second look. Now that Curves SMART has been unveiled, it is possible to burn up to 500 calories in the 30 min. workout. The SMART system also upgrades you to more a more challenging workout as your strength progresses. It is an incredible piece of technology, and I recommend everyone to try it! The Curves club I manage has had SMART for one month now, and every member who is using SMART has lost (even those members who have participated consistantly for the papst 6 years, and seen plateau).
Curves SMART is definately the world's most advanced personal coaching system. Check it out! (and be sure to give yourself more than just a week or 2 to get into it. it takes time to get used to the equipment so you can work it as hard as you should)

I go to Curves and I burn over 500 calories in a half hour. I definitely think its worth it.

I went to Curves for a specified 9-week course. I lost 3% body fat in that time and I thought the program excellent. I am in my 50's and am quite active and not much overweight. The exercise machines can be used as intensely as you want--it's all up to you, whether at a gym with all kinds of machines or at Curves with a set routine.

Getting your heart rate up to aerobic and keeping it there is a BIG boon for those wanting to lose weight. Aeorbic exercise is the BEST way to burn fat--but how do you know if you're into aerobic? Curves constant checking of your pulse will keep you there.

I just found the price a bit high for me.

I joined Curves a 2 years ago and I still love going there. I have lost pounds and inches, have increased my endurance, and feel better overall. You do get out of it what you put into it despite what the naysayers here state. I go in, work as hard as I can work up a good sweat and keep my heart rate in the target zone for the entire time I am there. Some women do use it to socialize, but that is their option. The staff are friendly and helpful. I use the auto debit option to pay, but was offered pay as you go as well. Payments can be frozen if you develop a medical issue. As for those who are complaining about the contract, it is no different at many other gyms - contracts are pretty much standard fare for everything today, even your cell phone requires a contract. For those who have had horrible experiences, I suggest that the call or write to the Curves headquarters to report the substandard service. Remember, Curves are franchises and one is not a direct example of all of the others.

I just joined Curves and I am going on my 8th workout. So far, I have noticed some results but of course, it's only been 3 weeks. I have a sedentary lifestyle, a sedentary job where I sit on my but ALL DAY - literally. I wore a pedometer once and "they" say 10,000 steps is good. At the end of the day I has 97. Total. Thats it. So for someone like me, Curves has been amazing. It has me off my butt and moving around. It is not for everyone - those that do the 10,000+ and those that have always done the high intensity workouts will probably not be impressed. But I am. Maybe I'll graduate to a triathalon later on but at least I'm moving.

First let me say that I have been doing a lot of research to determine if Curves would be the right fit for me, which I would encourage anybody to do before plunking down a significant amount of money looking for a miracle cure. While I have not joined yet, I went to the gym last night to check it out (and took a contract home to read throughly before signing). I'm going to ask for a 1 week trial membership and see what they say. It does seem to be the right fit for me as I prefer not to work out in front of "hotties" or men. I am significantly overweight and lead a sedentary life. I feel that this might be the jump start I'm looking for and possibly will progress to something else when I 've reached my goal.

Secondly, I'm shocked and offended by some of the rude comments made on this site. There are ways to express your opnion without mocking others less fit then you are. Not everybody is graced with being "Miss Perfect" and perhaps you have your own personal demons if you feel the need to bring down others.

Thirdly it stuns me to hear from the people complaining about the automatic deductions after their year is up. I've read the contract and it couldn't be more clear about the 30 day WRITTEN notice. It would behove these people to learn how to read a contract before signing it.

Lastly I applaud all of you who have lost the weight, regardless if it was through Curves or not. Those of us who are heavy know what an emotional roller coaster it can be. A big WHOO HOO goes out to you :)

That is so true! The members at Curves talk way too damn much. If they only get rid of that stupid circle to make it more focused on the workout, rather than conversation, curves would be so much better! I don't want to be looked at when working out, much less do i want to be scrutinized for not replying constantly to other members' dull comments...

I had a hip replacement 5 years ago (2003). I have had no problems with my hip. I joined Curves 2 weeks ago and enjoy it but was wondering if anyone else has had a replacement and what their doctor had recommended or if they have had any problems.

Walking! Just plain walking. I use walking DVDs from Leslie Sansone in my home. Tried them first through NetFlixs, then got them off eBay.

So far, I've dropped 55 lbs with 15 to go.

I work for myself, so time is non-existent! I can do this anytime of the day or night. Additionally: I live in Texas - summer is brutal; this I can do indoors. I have asthma, a really bad back, a destroyed shoulder so I need to be very careful with one arm, and I have Fibromyalgia (don't take any prescription meds for it - I treat it with lifestyle adjustments and common sense.. at least I try to :)).

I'm much stronger, have more stamina, and can do this anywhere - anytime.

It's a win-win all the way.

Annie

I am a 23 yo female. I joined Curves beginning of March 08. Since then I have lost 28 lbs (still need to lose 22lbs.) You get out of it what you put into it. If you barely do any reps and sit around and talk to other women and don't get your target heart rate up then yes it won't really do anything and you will feel "had." On the other hand if you really try to push out as many reps as possible and really make use of the mats and steps then it WILL work! You also can't rely on just 30 mins three times a day. I did 45 mins three times a day and have been watching what I am eating also.

I have been a member of Curves for 8 years. When I was consistent, I was firm, toned and fit. I have had some lazy moments through the years due to any excuse, like rainy weather (I live in Washington, so what's new?). Nontheless, I return always to Curves as no other systems fit into my busy lifestyle. And if I am too busy to make 3-30 minute sessions for my health, then I am way too busy. Recently, the salon that I attend has been given the distinction of piloting the Smart Machines. This has changed my focus and made me realize that I was 'playing' on the machines before. I am now burning 400+ calories each session. Being computerized, it tells me after each session where I have improved and where I need more focus. It monitors my warm-up and cool-downs. I don't usually like to talk when I exercise anyway so this has helped that because everyone is concentrating on getting and keeping the green light solid on the machine programmed according to and uploaded to your own personal 'key'.

Just like other programs and gyms weren't to my liking or a fit for me, I did find one. To those who did not like Curves, I can understand that. I just encourage you to find something, and do something that gets you moving.

And for those who have the "Power to Amaze!", I hope that your salon will have the Smart Machines soon. They are awesome! (And no, I do not work at Curves, I WORK OUT at Curves. You can believe that!)

The above statement notes that women burn an average of 184 calories in an average workout but i will have to disagree. Women at my club burn 500 calories easily within a 30 minute workout.

In reply to Lin, If your sister had such a serious medical condition then she could have easily put her account on a medical hold with a proper doctors note. If her doctor wouldnt give her a note for lazyness i apologize for your inconvinience.
Also, the 12 month contract is not binding you are required to give 30 days notice in order for cancellation as well as one months fee.

I also work at curves and have lost 15 pounds within the 1st year of working here. People who do not see results are the women who show up when they feel like it do not give the workout a fair chance and refuse to listen to the instructions of their circuit coaches.

With the help of our new curves smart equipment which is the lastest and most advanced fitness technology in the world, we are helping members even more. This program tracks your workouts, counts your calories burned, checks your heart rate electronically and lets you know which machines you arent using efficiently or to your fullest potential

Kim I believe you were probably part of the inexperienced staff members that was mentioned because if you saw know results you probably worked out half assed and went home and ate a pagage of ding dongs. If you payed attention to anything that was taught to you during your brief experience at your location you would know about the curves member guide which one of my members who in fact lost over 100 pounds calls the book her "Bible" because it has been so helpful to her.
It is a successful meal plan because its Permanent Results with out Permenant dieting which means you dont have to do it forever. You just do it to speed up your metabolism. Does that mean you sit home and eat dingdongs all night like kim? no. You need a little discipline

Also women tend not to see result until after the 2nd month. During the first month you are gaining muscle and losing inches but since muscle is heavier then fat the scale doesnt move immediatly, but it will because muscle burns fat. 1 pound of muscle burns 50 calories at rest.

I am not sure when you posted this, but I was looking for locations in the Netherlands as well. My husband and I are moving to The Netherlands next year and I was wondering if curves was around and where they were. I'd love to live in a city with a Curves nearby. Curves has been my savior for exercise and weight loss and I would hate to loose it. If possible could you let me know where they are or point me in the right direction to find out more myself.
Thanks so much!

I am a new Curves member today was only my second work out and I cant say enough good things about my Curves I only hope everyone else has the same awesome experience. I wear a heart rate monitor to my work outs and today I burned exactly 400 calories in 30 minutes, I was so very pleased. It is definitely all about the effort you put into the work out. When I was done I had sweat dripping from me.

Peace!

I recently joined Curves and they have a new program that you plug in this little key and it tells you if you are working hard enough and pushes you to the next limit every time. I was very skeptical, because I am an early 30 mom that is not over weight and I am very used to working out in the gym. But, with work and 2 kids I didn't have time to get to the gym. This new program pushes me every time. I see women doing the socializing thing, but I leave sweaty and smelly everytime. You also get to check your progress on the computer every time and if you make progress, the next time it makes you work even harder to "maintain". In 1 month I have lost 4lbs without any changes to my diet and I was not even over weight! I think it is wonderful and not just for older, sedentary women! I have my first weigh in next week and my goal is to lose body fat, not weight. I think I am definately on track.

As a former Curves owner, I can tell you that Curves is a fantastic program if done properly. The circuit is designed to work every major muscle group. However if you choose to be lazy when working out, you will not see much of a result. As with anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it. As to previous coments about "noisey" machines and "loose feeling" machines, these are machines that have not been properly maintained. These machines should have regular maintenance. Also, every worker should be throroughly trained to help you and guide you to use each machine to get the most benefit and safety. If you feel that your facility is not maintaining machines or the employees are not doing what they are paid to do, you should probably look for another Curves that is abiding by the rules.

I believe in the program 100%. I bought a facility after being a member for three years. I had to sell it due to health issues and have not been able to work out since. I dearly miss it and will return if I am able to have my health issues resolved. Would have loved to continue to be a Curves owner!!

I've been a curves member for 6 years now! I've maintained a loss of 26lbs since I started back when I was in high school. Aside from curves I also do cardio, such as tae-bo or walking, because this is mainly a strength training workout. As with any other workout you gotta change it up a little because your body gets used to working the same muscles. You might not be able to adjust the machines but you can push harder on them and create more resistance which is why its the perfect workout for just about anyone.

I love Curves. I am 24 years old. I was still struggling to lose the weight from my oldest child (who is 3). It wasn't so much the weight I was worried about as it was the flab and inches. So, i decided to go to Curves. I lost 6 inches in 1 MONTH. It was great. Unfortunately, I had to leave curves for the past 10 months due to a high risk pregnancy with my now 5 week old daughter. 1 more week, and I can go back. I can't wait.

I want to Join curve but I am on a budget, does anyone know the cost? thanks

I am so disappointed with Curves. I signed up with all the intentions of becoming an active participant. I was following the Trainer's instructions when I injured my lower back on the last machine. I left twisted like a pretzel and had to seek medical attention. I was flat on my back for 2 weeks, $$$$$ later after chiropractors, MRI, XRays and Ortho visits, I have bee diagnosed with 3 bulging discs, etc. I cancelled 2 days after the injury and was told too bad! They want me to pay them $213 for the privilege of being injured at Curves. How disturbing, a horrible way to do business. I actually am saddened that this is what someone will do to make $$. Not even a call the day I was hurt. So, 20 minutes of their time, thousands in medical bills and they want me to pay them!

The old saying holds true...Different Strokes for Different folks. I've never tried Curves but I'm looking forward to the new experience. I've wasted money on ordinary gym memberships every since I can remember. It will be a nice change of pace when I finally join Curves. (I'm waiting for my avon order to get my two week pass)With the ordinary gym you wait in line for everything and there is know one every around to help you. But I have some friends that have lost weight at those gyms; some have just lost inches. I know some who can lose weight with no problem on Weight Watchers, but I can't lose more that 5 pound.

I've been a member of Curves since '06 and when I don't go, I feel sluggish and out of shape...This is the first exercise program that I actually can stick to without getting bored...One and a half hours at a regular gym just doesn't do it for me because I wouldn't stick to it...I am not overweight, so it's not an issue, but strength training is and I find Curves more than adequate to meet these needs...To anyone wondering about whether to join or not, I say go for it! It's a fun, energetic workout that gets you out and makes you feel you've done something good for yourself! Try it, You'll like it!

Wow....Susan! Who licked the red off your apple? You should really be ashamed of the "name calling". That's so unnecessary and quite immature. Unfortunately, not everyone can be as physically fit (from the beginning or maybe ever) as you so apparently must be. You might feel better if you'd turn that negative energy into positive and maybe try offering a little encouragement to those whom you feel are inadequate to you.

The curves I attended for 6 months in Perrine, Florida, was a joke. There was no one to demonstrate equipment or coach you. The overweight daughter of the franchise owner sat at the front desk with a headset listening to her own music. Sometimes she ate sub sandwiches from a shop nearby. The women who were usually there when I was there wanted to talk, would occupy one machine for several rotations so you wouuld have to go around them. When I asked that they change the Christian music to something secular I was told rather sternly that since I was the only one objecting to it, they wouldn't change it until the disc was finished. The hours were strange and unrealistic -- for example, the place closed at noon on Saturday, was only open 1 evening a week and then only until 7:00. They tried silly things like establishing "teams" and the team that had the most workouts or recorded the most pounds lost got some sort of reward, ususally a group dinner at some chain restaurant which THE TEAM paid for, not the franchise owner. The entire experience was ridiculous and I feel I threw money away. So I would say forget Curves and try something else.

2 Years ago I joined the local curves. I have not lost weight, not lost inches, not lowered my body fat........and yes I know your all thinking I must not work hard enough. I walk out and my hair is drenched. Would I quit......yes if they asked me to, even tried to as i thought I was a bad advertisement for them but they wouldnt take it. I get so depressed when it is time for a weigh and measure. Have to take the day off and go to the pictures and have my binge on a cup of ice. Apart from that one day a month I love it. The support I get from the staff and the other ladies is great, young and old alike. There are days I walk in and I am feeling there is no reason to bother but after that 30 minutes my mood always improves. We have a great curves, the staff always remember everyone, and with over 800 members and all the travelers that is no easy task. They are always there to push us when needed, they change the exercises on the rest stations constantly so we dont get bored and always keep a eye on us so we use the machines properly. I did go to another gym before and the trainers there could not be bothered to help us............so thank you curves for all you have done!!!!

As a club owner I would like to take the time to mentioned that in the past 2 years I have seen women lose weight and become stronger women. They have healthier lifestyles and well lets face it live a happier life. I just wanted to say that member of curves clubs log into mycurves.com and see all the new things available to the member.

Could someon give me an idea on what is a fair cost for the yearly membership in California? The website indicates a $100 member fee which is typically $200 and also one free month at a rate of $44/mo. for a one year term.
I was also told that once you join, that you can access any Curves location at no additional cost.Thank you!

I signed up for curves in July of 2008, after doing their avon fitness study. My cousin also joined,she was the one that found out about curves. I absolutly loved it at the begining. I love how simple the workout is, just 30 minutes 3 times a day, and you don't have to mess with weights...

But after going there for 6 months, I find that it's extremely high priced, I pay 42.20 a month, and there hours are very much limited 6 am to 7pm, mon-thurs and 8am-6pm Fridays, and Saturday is 9am-12noon, with sundays' closed. I find that the hours don't work for me most days of the week i want to go, which is usually mon,wed,fri, because of the time i get off of work, and i can't go tues,thursday, saturday because of the time restraint too, and also they are closed when the school's don't have class, which is problematic for me because i am only 21 years old, and i don't have any children in school, that means i miss out on another day not being to work out...or sometimes weeks of not working out, and still getting charged for those weeks that their closed, and none of the trainers who work there have children that go to school.

Another reason which is my fault partly, is that i haven't lost any weight, my body fat is still the same, and i haven't lost any inches. I assume that some of it has to do to what i eat, but i eat fairly well...

I also find that the people that come to curves talk way to much, like someone else stated it is like a hair salon, they don't really workout, there just there to socialize, which is also annoying, and the trainers don't seem like trainers, they just stand there and gab with whoever is talking, and they are over weight themselves, and have amitted to not working out in 6 months to a year! What support is that?

But i think after 6 months of going to curves, it's time to get on to something more challenging.

I've been a member of Curves for 1 1/2 months now... At my first weigh in I had lost 9 lbs and 11 inches. And it's not like I don't eat. I was so thrilled!

Sure I try to cut down on the sugar, but I still enjoy a nice meal (yesterday it was meat loaf with gravy and mashed potatoes) so I'm not being hysterical.

I use the smart program which controls my workout. If I improve or if I have to get better at some machines. It also tells me how many calories I burn and today it was 600 in 30 minutes. Not bad!

So what's not to like? Until now I like it a lot!

Help! I have been a member of Curves for approx 5 years. I work out a minimum of 3x/week and have almost 900 visits clocked in. I am at the point where I think I need a change. When I gently mentioned this to the owner of my club, she became angry and I think, hurt. I am wondering if the same workout x 5 years is too much. I did lose significant weight (altho I also had orthodonture done) losing 7 dress sizes. I find Curves a little boring now--it can be a gossip fest and think I stayed this long mainly for the convenience. The staff is nice but seem to give a lot of "prepackaged" statements. I did not follow any diet while losing the weight, i was able only to eat half as I had all my teeth in braces and rubber bands. Does anybody know if this rather repetitive workout is truly healthy?

I'm looking to start working at and thinking about joining Curves. Anyone have any information on how much it will cost to join?

I'm reading positive comments and now I'm motivated. Thanks everyone

I'm planning in joining the nearest "Curves" in my hometown. I want to start slowly and lose whatever I can. I'm overweight and live a very sedentary life in need of moving my body to stay healthy. I heard of the six week challenge, I'll try that. Btw, how much is the registration fee ? I plan to attend curves 3 x a week. Is there older women attending curves ? by older I mean over 65 years. Thanks