Has anyone tried "Curves?"

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Has anyone tried "Curves?"
7
Thu, 02-07-2008 - 12:29pm

I desperately need to start exercising and losing excess weight. We have a gym on the campus where I work, but honestly, it's intimidating going there w/ all the super skinny bobble-head college girls. I'm looking for an environment where I'm comfortable, yet it has to be something that's fun and will keep me interested. And it has to be affordable!

Just looking for some feedback from anyone who has BTDT.

Thanks!

Trish

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2006
Thu, 02-07-2008 - 12:47pm

I haven't been to Curves but my mom is a regular and swears by it. She loves the atmosphere, the fact that it's all women, and the fact that you're in and out it 30 minutes. She has definitely seen an improvement in the way she looks and feels. She also said the facilities are neat and clean and bright.

I'm not sure about cost. That probably varies from location to location.

I say if you can swing it financially, go for it! At my last visit to the dr. I found out that my blood pressure is elevated, by resting heart rate is up, my cholesterol is high, and my blood sugar is above normal. My motto is now "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF". I'm encouraging others to do the same.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-26-2007
Thu, 02-07-2008 - 1:12pm

Yes, I go to Curves. I like it, but I need to go more often! They have a wide variety of women who go there....young, old, and all different sizes. I pay $29 a month. I joined when she first opened, so I think most people now pay $39 a month. They don't have a shower or child care, so it's not too fancy. But they make it fun and welcoming.
They also sometimes have classes for diet management. They have games and prizes, too.
I say give it a try. It doesn't really cost a lot and it's worth it to try to exercise.

Kim

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2001
Thu, 02-07-2008 - 2:21pm
I personally found Curves to be boring and "cheesey".
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-1998
Thu, 02-07-2008 - 3:06pm

I tried it when I went to visit my mother, who loves it. Here's my take: If you are in good shape, it is a really lousy cardiovascular workout. It's better than nothing, but I had to run 3 miles afterwards just to get a good workout in. If you are just starting to get in shape, however, it's a great place to start. It's also less embarrassing than co-ed gyms or places where everyone is 22 years old.


The things you need to be aware of are: Curves doesn't have showers or childcare, but they do have changing stalls. You can't really wear an iPod because the music they play is what tells you when you have to change stations. And you have to change when they tell you to, even if you really want to spend another 5 minutes on the machine you're on. Since everyone moves from station to station in a circle, even if there's a wait to join the circle, it won't be long, since everyone has to be out of there in 30 minutes. Someone will always be rotating off at the next change of music. It's a good all-over workout because you have to do every station, so even if you don't want to suffer through the painful ab machine, you still have to do it.


The good news is that since it's only half an hour, you won't stink that bad when you're done, so it will be possible to finish your other errands without a shower.

Avatar for prinsessa
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-29-2003
Thu, 02-07-2008 - 3:40pm
I went to Curves for a while after having my son and I lost about 25lbs.

Sarah...mommy to Janessa and Julian


Avatar for ang2gals
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 02-07-2008 - 4:03pm

Haven't tried it but then I'm not a gym kind of person. I have just started working out again after a winter layoff...I have a trainer stand (magnetic resistance) that I put my bike on & ride in the winter. Also I have started running again...outside....as well as walking at lunch here at work.


Good luck, its painful & hard at first to get the ball rolling but u'll be happy u did when u start seeing the results of ur sweat equity ;-)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-26-2007
Mon, 02-11-2008 - 5:04pm

The thing is, if you're in really good shape and don't find Curves challenging enough, you need to work harder on the machines. There are different levels of intensity you can work out at...and you can stay on a machine longer and skip the in between station if you want. Then you can also do a bunch of sit-ups there when you're done...there's ways to make it harder.
But, it's great for just starting out.

Kim

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