Curves For Women: A Lot Of Hype?

Hi my name is Stephanie and I am twenty years old. I joined curves a month and a half ago and have lost 5 pounds. I think it really does work if you want it to. I still want to lose twenty five pounds so hopefully I can reach my goal!

I've been a curves member for 6 years. I've lost over 125 pounds (50 at Curves, 75 before). I was very overweight and out of shape when I started, and I am middle aged. That said, I was only able to be successful losing the weight and keeping it off by increasing my exercise, both frequency and intensity and following a very strict low card diet. I've kept the weight off for almost 5 years, and I am in very good physical shape now. I do Curves 4 times a week for 75 minutes at a high heart rate and then I stretch for 15- 20 minutes, I also walk and do some exercise DVD'a at home. What I have found is that the more in shape I get, the more I have to work out to maintain it. When my club got the Curves smart equipment, I thought the endurance routine would be fun to try, but the owner said she wanted to start everyone with the easiest plan. I have completed almost 1000 routines there and I am not a beginner. I am thinking of switching to a real gym and doing an elliptical and, in addition, some weight training because I feel that my Curves doesn't have a clue about what actual fitness is. I like the friends I've made there, but I wish the management was more knowledgeable about fitness in general and could be more accommodating to those of us who have actually been successful in making exercise a part of our lives.

i met a woman who lost 150 pounds with curves and she told me that she go there to help keep her muslces in tone. all im saying is atleast try it for more than a week so you can actually see your results

I've only been a Curves member for over a month, but I support whatever decision a person makes about joining and/or sticking with the program. I know what it takes for my body to lose weight and to maintain the weight loss and being physically active is one of the main things I need to concentrate on. I have managed to lose over 10 lbs.(2.2% of body fat) since joining and am hoping to maintain that pattern until I reach a healthy weight. If Curves does nothing else for me, I am glad that I can tire out the dog on walks, rather than vice versa. Weight loss is high on my priorities, but endurance is even more important. I am sure the day will come when I don't benefit as much from Curves, but that will only happen when I decide to start walking/jogging EVERYWHERE I go! It may not work for building massive strength, but the cardio really helps for maintaining a higher metabolism. It all depends on what your goals are. I find the machines are really easy to use (in terms of thought process) and already have noticed the benefits with my posture. I also sleep much better and have not had a migraine recently. So, before bashing the program, consider what your needs are. I have a friend (female) who does body building competitions...this program would never do her any good. But, for the average woman who is looking to get more active without hurting the knees on the pavement, I recommend looking into joining Curves. Also, for the younger women out there, a lot of locations have student memberships, which help to keep you active during the school year at a decent rate. Joining any gym is pricey, but I have stopped eating fast food and am actually saving money, even with my gym membership. Another benefit for me has been that I'm a student (a long way from home) and have managed to meet people at Curves, outside of the academic environment. We arrange to show up around the same time and encourage eachother before and after workouts (no chance I could chat while doing the circuit)! So, if you are looking to get active and boost your metabolism, think about joining Curves (or any other fitness program). Just remember to stay committed and always be thinking of your goals. I like Curves mainly because when I start working full time, I am on the road 75% of the year and Curves has locations everywhere I am. And if you can't join a gym, trying parking a block further from work or getting off the bus a stop early. Don't park close to the mall; the best stalls are at the other end of the lot and nobody bangs your car with their doors and there are also no stray carts! Good luck to all the woman out there with your goals! The biggest satisfaction is not from what others say to us but what we are able to tell ourselves!

I was employed as circuit coach and manager. It was a lot of hype. Here is how I see it: it is for people who have a very low to no fitness base. The staff is usually overwieght and not some one you want to look like. The training was 4 to 6 weeks of brainwashing. When I was hired, there is no doubt that my fitness certifications and experience made me over qualified. When I started questioning things based on my experience at "real fitness establishements", I was told my manager position was not longer needed. All they want is to sell memberships on monthly check drafts so they have a gauranteed income. The new "curvesmart" systems has flaws and the calorie burn feedback is unrealistic and simply false.

I joined Curves the first time when I was in my late 30s, with nary a soccer player in my house. I was already an avid jogger and lifted weights 4 times a week in our home gym. I didn't really have weight to lose, but I was telecommuting 2,000 miles from my co-workers - living in a new town... a new country even, and simply needed a reason to get out of the house a few times a week.

Unless they're poorly maintained, the hydraulic systems adapt to the strength of the user. I got a terrific workout at curves every time I *wanted* to. I could also slack on the machines and not break a sweat.

I've belonged to a variety of private and franchise fitness centers, each of which operated on an auto debit payment system, and I have to say that each time I moved (and canceled my membership as opposed to transferring it - I never quite knew where I was going to end up), Curves was wonderful about working with me on an easy cancellation. Much better than family fitness who kept 'losing' my written request to cancel.

And here's a note to you youngins' who think the "soccer moms" are snubbing you... when you enter the gym, think about what vibes YOU'RE putting out. There's a good chance you're not being snubbed. Lots of folks feel superior when they walk through Curves' doors - and in some physical aspects, you probably are - slimmer, younger, but don't assume no one can see or feel the sideways glances you're giving them. It takes a very big (figuratively) person to open their arms, hearts and friendship to someone who's already looked them up and down and judged them to be old, fat and inferior. Smiles and sincere "hi's" go a long way.

When I joined Curves 4 years ago I weighed over 400 lbs (I'm 5'11", now 40 years old) and, although I had always walked a lot, I had never stuck with any exercise regimen for more than a few weeks.

Over my first three years of regular workouts (3-4 per week, and I really do create the 'whoosh' sound, other members sometimes stare!) I lost 127 lbs, aided of course by changes in my eating habits. That is from size 26 down to size 18. I even bought a few tops from non-plus-size stores! Still not slim, but very different.

I found the atmosphere encouraging, friendly and comfortable and the gym staff keen to celebrate my milestones with me.

But more impactful than the change in size was the confidence I gained from having a baseline of fitness and strength across all muscle groups ... I becoming brave enough to try activities I had always assumed I could never do! (My list to date includes cycling, ice skating, karate, snowshoeing, beach volleyball, belly dancing, entry-level group hikes, kayaking and archery, to name a few.)

My belief in my own potential blossomed from 'never' to 'maybe' to 'why not?'

It is great fun to surprise people, and even more fun to surprise yourself.

After 4 years the location closest to me is closing, which means I'm out gym-shopping. I'll leave Curves with a lot of gratitude and appreciation, but some trepidation - I may have amazingly transformed into an 'active person', but Curves has been my magic feather all along. Can I still fly without it? I hope so!

I have been a member for about 8 months. I loved it at first but really get bored with it now. The hours are not very compatible with my schedule anymore either. They open at 8:00 and close at 7:00 pm. The craziest is that they close 12:00 to 3:00pm for lunch, and only stay open until 12 on Saturdays, and not at all on Sundays. It is probably more in tune for the housewife type that hasn't exercised in years or the really overweight.

I just joined Curves a week ago and my shoulders have been hurting ever since. I am not sure which machine is causing that pinched feeling by my neck. I thought maybe the butterfly one. I am 5 feet tall and wondering if I am too short for some of the machines. Any suggestions from anybody?

Can someone tell me what the joining price and monthly price is? Can you go several times a week or is it limited? I am about 100 lbs overweight 80 of it which recently came from childbearing and feel awkward working out in front of people, especially men. Has anyone else ever felt like that, if so how did you get over it?

Shawna

I believe that Curves is a good kick start plan for those people who need to start working out but haven't done so in a while. I joined curves in '08 for a month trial before summer. I'll admit i expected better results than i got but then you have to take into account that it takes time to make bigger changes. I lost about 5 pounds. I learned to be realistic about my goals. If you really WANT something then you have to really WORK for it. i realized that i didn't put my whole heart into Curves. I used to be so lazy about working out so I really wanted a slow start. I got my start at Curves and now I'm more confident so I work out at a bigger gym with more machines with more advantages. All in all Curves got me going with their positive atmosphere and can do attitudes! I never believed in myself but now I know I can do anything I set my mind to! It's all in your attitude ladies! So, for those of you who do a trial for a week and give up i say this: Curves doesn't work for everyone but that doesn't mean you need to bad mouth it for the one's who are curious about it. don't ruin it for other people because you are STUBBORN! **Good luck to all of you ladies who shoot for the stars! keep going and NEVER give up!**

I work at a Curves gym. I agree that if you are super fit, you probably won't get as much out of Curves as someone who is of average fitness and would be better suited to a standard gym with cross-trainers etc. That said, we have many super fit women who love the circuit. At our gym the ladies who get great results all have the same things in common: they change to a healthy diet, come 3 times a week and most importantly, don't chat on the circiut. Those who are not getting good results, well almost all of them talk incessantly on the circuit (but insist it makes no difference) and have appalling diets (but insist it makes no difference), and don't listen to any of our suggestions to change this.
Curves is definately not for everyone, but there a huge number of women out there for whom it is fantastic, and if it does not work for you then you should firstly ask yourself why. If you have a good diet and don't waste your workout time and are still not getting results then by all means change gyms, but don't discourage other women who get alot out of the program - everyone is different.

There's really nothing to argue about.

Obviously, Curves is something that works for some, while it doesn't work for others. It sounds like, most people can agree that it's a better program for those who are new to working out--or perhaps just prefer something lighter. I say working out for 30 minutes a day is way better than doing nothing, and will improve health.

A side note though, if you're trying to lose weight, you must also adjust what you eat. Even the most intense workouts won't provide weight loss if you're not eating rignt (in my experience anyway)

I have worked out at curves for 4 years and have been an employee for 1 1/2 years.
When hanging out with a bunch of younger than I "kids" the guys thought they were going to be smart and have a pushup contest. I asked to join in and they laughed syaing whatever trips your trigger. Well they were pooping out on pushup number 20 21 and I was still going well into the 30's. These were not fat nor flabby guys. They all wanted to know how much weight I lift and how many times per week. When I told them I worked out at Curves for
Women, all the wives and girlfriends were ready to sign up and said "I thougth that place was for old ladies!

I also had a bad accident and was pulled over by my friends dog and broke my face and head. I did not get one scratch below the area where the head attaches to the neck. I had lots of surgery to put my face back together and was able to keep working out slowly at curves as soon as the bad pain went away - a week Curves made me strong and helped keep me strong. Without working out there that accident would have beaten me up.

It works for lots of ladies. I see the results everyday from the new memeber as well as the expereinced member. Dont knock it

Out gym opes at 5:30 every morning except Sunday and closes at 7 p.m. We are open saturday morn and do not close during the day. Every gym is different

i've been a member for 1 month now, i've been every day but the weekends and eat lots of lean cuisine (with a cheat day every week) and i've lost 10 pounds and 9 inches.
the workout is as hard as you want to make it.
i cant wait for month 2 results!

oh, i also want to add that i go around the circuit 3 times instead for a total of 40 minutes plus stretching.

I have been going to Curves for three years. Worked there for 18 months. I just wanted to say that I work out 3-5 times a week and burn between 550 and 700 calories per work out. Not bad for half hours work. It really does depend on how hard you are going to work those machines and whather you're prepared to push yourself. I am 28 years old and was a uk size 14 before I started. I am now a uk size 10 having shifted over a stone in weight and more importantly 4% body fat-so no longer do I wobble!!!!! I have only done Curves and slightly changed my eating habits, rather than diet, so this weight loss has been not at all painful or depriving to me. I understand that most ladies want to see the weight go down, however more importantly we should be looking to burn fat. You can burn fat and barely lose any 'weight' on the scales but yet be smaller-wearing smaller clothes etc! I personally love Curves-I eat, breathe and sleep Curves. I plan to have my own someday!!!! I expect I'll be still there when Im in my 80's!!!! Don't knock it 'till you tried it!!!!

To be healthy one should go for workouts and enjoy life because we get life for once.And I am totally agree with your point and it is perfect from my side.
Carrol spncr

I joined in 2007 Curves as an obese, 14-year-old. I went three to four times a week, and catalogued my caloric intake everyday. I felt a bit left out because of the age difference between the older women and myself; I decided to not let age gaps prevent me from bettering my body. I lost 65+ pounds utilizing my Curves workouts and making smarter choices regarding portion control. It works if you have the desire.

I have been a member of Curves for almost four months, during which time I was out of town--including a food-laden cruise--several times, and unable to work out. To date, I have lost 3 pounds and 12 inches, so I'm quite happy with the results. I am 72 years old and have two artificial knees, thus, I need to be very careful when I exercise. The best (unexpected) benefit for me has been strengthening the muscles that support the knees/joints, resulting in no more knee pain! When I'm not able to go to Curves, I really miss it and plan to continue the program. Another great benefit: my health insurance company believes in the program enough that it pays my fees.

I also tried curves. The exercise program is great for women who want to tone up and feel better physically. The diet program was confusing for me. I understood the general idea, more protein and less carbs, which is the same diet that came out by another company a few years back. But, eating more one week, and eating less the next and going from stage to stage became time consuming and inconvenient. I spent more time working the diet on paper than actually losing weight. But, I do recommend their exercise program, it's great.

I recently joined curves as my employer will pay for it and I figured I had nothing to lose but weight. At first I really did not like Curves and regreted signing up. The women talked all the time, would stay on one station and "hog" it for several minutes at a time, cut in front of you, skip stations, and none of them were following the ciruit properly. Some of them were very gossipy and I got the distinct feeling that I was going to be talked about when I left. The workers were almost as bad, but there seemed to be different workers every day.

Because my employer will not pay for the membership unless I go, and I did not want to get stuck with the monthly payments, I literally forced myself to keeping going to Curves and resented it deeply. I did not get much of a sense of challenge from the ciruit. I then and hurt my knee by tripping over a machine while trying to hurry and change afte 30 seconds. I tore a ligament and had a doctor's excuse not to return for a while.

When I came back, Curves had destroyed my card although they were still charging my employer. At this point they told me if I came in five times I would start on the Smart program and explained it. They had not done so previously although I saw people using it and wondered what it was.

Once I finally started the Smart program, I completely changed my mind towards the workout itself, although I still don't care for the women who go to this particular gym. The Smart system made all the difference for me. The computerized program really does make it more challenging to do the circuit and monitors your progress with really cool charts.

I am 50 years old and overweight, the typical Curves client, and this has actually turned out to be just right for me, although I can see where a younger, fitter woman may not like it. I began to feel much better and started taking aerobic classes at a rec center. This Curves does encourage adding aerobic training the Curves circuit regiment. I also started the 6 week challenge diet program and have developed much better eating habits as a result. Although I do like the Smart program and am benefiting from it, I am anxious to move on to a more typical gym to get away from the women at Curves. I don't know which is worse, being gawked or sneered at by muscle heads or gawked or sneered at by catty women. At least the men work out.

In all fairness, the Curves recently posted several signs telling people to follow the actual circuit rules and this seems to have helped somewhat, but it has been nearly four months now before they finally did something.

I will put in my year and move on, but will be grateful for the start Curves gave me. I may stay if the women are forced to do the workout properly.