supergirl
01-21-2005, 05:29 PM
i am thinking of joining this. mainly because i work too much and it says that it only takes 30 min a day for 3 days a week. has anyone tried this place and did it have good results for you. i need to lose about 20 or so pounds. i am 5'6 and 148 pounds. id really like to know if this is going to work before i spend the money to join up.
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j.rutledge
01-22-2005, 05:55 AM
My wife said she joined this gym, and she got a really good butt whipping workout...whoever she felt that she was cheated because there isn't much variety to this place. She signed up wtih 24 hour fitness instead, because she can go there anytime she wants, and there is more variety. Some days you can't give it 100%, you may want to take it slow, or swim at a pool, from what she tells me...you cant do that at curves.
nailchick2000
01-27-2005, 02:00 AM
I, myself have never been to curves, but I know many who have joined..To put it in a nutshell, it's really for elderly women or severly overweight women who are just trying to get moving. If you are serious about getting in shape, I would join a regular gym. The Curves program doesn't progress along with your body, it's a one size fits all approach that doesn't work in the long run. Most women that I've talked to loved it at first, but when they started to get somewhat in shape, they hated it and joined somewhere else. If time is the only reason, I don't see why you couldn't come up with your own 30 min workout at the gym.. like cardio for 30 min 3 days a week, and weight training for 30 min 2 days a week.. you would get much better results. I joined the YMCA and I love it!
tracey louise
01-27-2005, 11:54 AM
Well supergirl....its funny really cos i joined curves on Tuesday 25/01/2005 and i love it ...Yes i am overweight i need to lose 80lbs......and no its not just for old people and very overweight people where i go we have @ least 30 or so skinny people who i don't think need go but its what you feel about yourself that really matters.......also we have more young people (19-25yrs) than older ones (i am 31) Remember its the effort you put in to something to get results that you want back. So i don't think it matters where you end up going if you want to lose weight and tone your body only you can do it.
I go to curves cos its ladies only that appealed to me i am not one for skinny people in lycra!!!!! (like you get @ most gyms) try it hope you get on o.k
do whatever you feel comfortable doing
Tracey louise
I go to curves cos its ladies only that appealed to me i am not one for skinny people in lycra!!!!! (like you get @ most gyms) try it hope you get on o.k
do whatever you feel comfortable doing
Tracey louise
maak823
02-04-2005, 12:47 PM
For the money- you are better off joining the YMCA for your entire family to use - plus gain access to a pool, classes, activities, weights, equipment, etc. IMHO- its not a very "cost effective" solution. You can get a lot more for your money elsewhere
FrodoTook
02-05-2005, 06:45 AM
24 hour fitness of bally's is much better. There's trainers at both who can really help you.
I had a rather bad experience when I went in to a Curves. Like nailchick said, it's more for rather overweight and older women. I went in and the women just glared at me. I got weighed in and all that with all the these heavier women looking at me. I weigh about 142, not exactly overweight, but I wanted to tone up, and a few of them actually said that I shouldn't be here because I make them feel ever heavier!
Easy to say I didn't join. And the prices are ay better at other gyms.
I had a rather bad experience when I went in to a Curves. Like nailchick said, it's more for rather overweight and older women. I went in and the women just glared at me. I got weighed in and all that with all the these heavier women looking at me. I weigh about 142, not exactly overweight, but I wanted to tone up, and a few of them actually said that I shouldn't be here because I make them feel ever heavier!
Easy to say I didn't join. And the prices are ay better at other gyms.
KeltoKel
02-07-2005, 10:10 AM
I totally agree with nailchick. Although I think Curves can be good for any person regardless of age, I think it works best for people who need to lose a lot of weight. I attended Curves for about a year and went faithfully for about 6 months. I got very tired of the routine and never felt like I got a very good workout. I had very good cardio but just needed to lose some pounds. It didn't help me much at all.
I now attend a fitness center and my workouts are at least an hour long. I find this is the only thing that really helps me. The 30 minutes at Curves was not enough for me.
I now attend a fitness center and my workouts are at least an hour long. I find this is the only thing that really helps me. The 30 minutes at Curves was not enough for me.
lpowell6
02-24-2005, 10:59 PM
Hey Ya'll,
I have to say that Joining Curves 3 weeks ago has been very good for me. I just moved back to the states from South Korea and with all the rich foods in our country I gained back the 15 pounds that I lost last summer. Also not having a workout partner doesn't help either. When I was in Korea I had a friend that went to the gym with me 5 days a week. I lost that weight in 2 months.
I tell you that if you are looking for a place to workout with other women just like you or not (there are women in there that don't need to loose, they just like the company of other women to talk too) then I think that Curves is for you. I look forward to it 3 days a week. And you work HARD! It not suppose to be a lazy workout. It's suppose to be the hardest 30 minutes of your day. Just like running on a treadmill.
I lost 4 pounds since I have joined. It's all about eating right which I am having to learn all over again and staying focused on what you what your life to be like. Oh and my mom is a member and since June of last year she was 250 pounds and is now, as of yesterday 186. a size 24 to an 18. I am so proud of her. :)
Good luck on you weightloss and to better health :bouncing:
I have to say that Joining Curves 3 weeks ago has been very good for me. I just moved back to the states from South Korea and with all the rich foods in our country I gained back the 15 pounds that I lost last summer. Also not having a workout partner doesn't help either. When I was in Korea I had a friend that went to the gym with me 5 days a week. I lost that weight in 2 months.
I tell you that if you are looking for a place to workout with other women just like you or not (there are women in there that don't need to loose, they just like the company of other women to talk too) then I think that Curves is for you. I look forward to it 3 days a week. And you work HARD! It not suppose to be a lazy workout. It's suppose to be the hardest 30 minutes of your day. Just like running on a treadmill.
I lost 4 pounds since I have joined. It's all about eating right which I am having to learn all over again and staying focused on what you what your life to be like. Oh and my mom is a member and since June of last year she was 250 pounds and is now, as of yesterday 186. a size 24 to an 18. I am so proud of her. :)
Good luck on you weightloss and to better health :bouncing:
caliann24
02-24-2005, 11:07 PM
I had a consultation there when I was trying to find a gym. I walked in and was like, "what the #&@!" The room wa the size of a garage, and there were about 20 or so machines, no treadmils, no cardio, no free weights. Oh, and they didn't even have a locker room! I guess you are suppose to rotate between the machines at a fast pace about three times, and then you are done. If you are looking to have varitey and challenging equiptment, I suggest a Bally's or Gold's!!! I think I would have gotten a better work out on my walk home from the train. I have advised all my friends to look else where.
USAGail
02-25-2005, 02:03 PM
I went to Curves 4 times a week for a year. While I enjoyed some of the people, I did NOT lose a single pound, nor did my stamina increase, nor was I in any better shape than when I started. Curves IS geared to older women. I was even told that by their staff.
Doing 30 seconds on a machine is not beneficial. It is not a workout. The staff encourages you to go "as fast as you can " in those 30 seconds which is the complete OPPOSITE of what any certified, personal trainer would ever tell you. Also found it boring.
While spending 30 minutes there doing somthing, was better than nothing, I found it to be a waste of time and money.
I joined a gym. My first day there, I realized how out of shape I still was. It was like I had done nothing for the past year. Now, I am losing inches, weight, have increased stamina, and am seeing results. Definitely worth the money, and time! :cool:
Doing 30 seconds on a machine is not beneficial. It is not a workout. The staff encourages you to go "as fast as you can " in those 30 seconds which is the complete OPPOSITE of what any certified, personal trainer would ever tell you. Also found it boring.
While spending 30 minutes there doing somthing, was better than nothing, I found it to be a waste of time and money.
I joined a gym. My first day there, I realized how out of shape I still was. It was like I had done nothing for the past year. Now, I am losing inches, weight, have increased stamina, and am seeing results. Definitely worth the money, and time! :cool:
caliann24
02-25-2005, 03:56 PM
Agreed, I suggest you join a healthclub that offers more variety, that way you can spot train the specific areas you are having trouble with, and work with a certified personal trainer if you have questions. Plus, try to find a gym with a pool, you would be suprised how much of a work out that is, and its fun!!! Good luck!
kristinah
02-25-2005, 05:10 PM
I was a member of Curves a few years ago and I quit after a few months. I was very overweight at the time and then I got pregnant, so I gave up back then. There were a variety of people there, but mostly people with 30+ pounds to lose and ages 50+. I got a decent workout (like I said, I was VERY overweight), but I have since read in Shape or Self magazine (can't remember which fitness mag!) that it isn't a good long-term solution for a couple reasons. 1. The strength machines are resistance based, meaning there are no weight adjustments available. If you get in shape, you will eventually "top out" and not be able to challenge your muscles enought to be effective. 2. It is the same routine, in the same order, each time you go. One's body gets used to this quickly, compensates, and plateaus. Any reputable fitness source will tell you that you need to change your routine at least every 6 weeks to continue seeing progress. To sum up, I think it's a great place to start but like others have said, once you get moderately in shape you will need something else to continue seeing progress. The Curves staff really pushed the benefits of fighting osteoperosis, and I'm sure it is great if that is all you are looking for. I belong to a gym and love the variety I have available. Just my personal opinion, for what it's worth. :)
deltoro
02-25-2005, 05:18 PM
I am not a big fan of Curves, it is a much older crowd and not much variety. These are just franchises and no one on staff (just two women that where about age 65) where experienced nor had any certification, they had just bought it and where running it. You are better off joining a regular gym, it seems immitidating at first, I know but you will soon realize that no one cares and no one else is watching you workout, they are just there to try to make it through their workout as well! Another bonus is usuall when you join a gym they give you a free consultation with a personal trainer to develop a workout regime based on your abilities and goals. At Curves when you out grow their program, their is not much you can do but join another gym, and it is not cheap to join. Good luck!
lpowell6
02-28-2005, 04:04 PM
Seems to me that some of you really didn't give it a chance. Anywys, everyones body type is different and if you have a friend to go to a Bally's or Goldsgym than that is great. Most researches done on why women (overweight) are not going to the gym, is because they don't like the fact that they spend most of their time wondering if someone is looking at them , and then when they do notice it's true, they stop going. That is the real purpose of Curves or any other franchise like it. And remember all gyms are a franchise.
As for doing the same things 3 days a week . You can start at any part of that room. I always switch it up. I don't like repeating everytime I go in. Also Curves is to teach you how to work that 30 minutes as hard as you can and on the other days of the week you need to do cardio . The strength training is a wonderful thing for you body. Anymore pressure on your muscle could be very dangerous to them and you will notice it a few years done the rode. Especially if you stop because of pregnancy or health related issues. You will have t start all over again. With Strength traing it keeps you stronger.
As for doing the same things 3 days a week . You can start at any part of that room. I always switch it up. I don't like repeating everytime I go in. Also Curves is to teach you how to work that 30 minutes as hard as you can and on the other days of the week you need to do cardio . The strength training is a wonderful thing for you body. Anymore pressure on your muscle could be very dangerous to them and you will notice it a few years done the rode. Especially if you stop because of pregnancy or health related issues. You will have t start all over again. With Strength traing it keeps you stronger.
SnowBaby
02-28-2005, 06:58 PM
I have been at Curves for 7 months now. I am 20 years old and not "overweight" by most peoples standards. I'd agree that the majority of the women there are older, or slightly overweight, but there are a good number who are average sized, and some even very small. Our ages range from 11 years old to 91. I suffer from an eating disorder (anorexia) and in the process of gaining I began to binge-eat and went from 103lbs to 150lbs. For my height (5'7.5") that isn't alot, but I needed to lose some. Went from 150lbs to 135lbs, then (haha) binged back up to 150 again. I am insecure about my body, and especially around men- so the no mirror and no men rule was very welcoming. I have heard terrible reports from women who went to other Curves in my area, but the one I go to is wonderful. The staff motivate and cheer the members on, and also interact and keep things fun. There are days (like today!) that I went and hardly broke a sweat, and then other days I go and come out of there dripping. My workout depends on the effort I put in. Overall- I definatly enjoy it, and the people there, and it makes me feel like Im getting SOME exercise. I still go on 2-4mile walks, or pop in a taebo tape if I overate, but the results from Curves are obvious. After losing the 15lbs the first time around my muscles were defined and I felt strong...at 135lbs when I was anorexic, I didn't have that- so I know it works. Also, for someone who is intimidated by gyms, or doesnt quite know what to do once they get in there, or is too embarrassed to go to a "class" (ALL ME!) Curves is a good alternative!
Sorry for such a lengthy post!
Sorry for such a lengthy post!
lpowell6
03-01-2005, 09:52 AM
Also, for someone who is intimidated by gyms, or doesnt quite know what to do once they get in there, or is too embarrassed to go to a "class" (ALL ME!) Curves is a good alternative!
Thank you for standing up for you beliefs. And congrats on you health. I just got measured yesterday after one month and I lost 7 inches. At first I wasn't happy , but then reality set in and I praised myself, by saying "you're on you way"
:bouncing:
Thank you for standing up for you beliefs. And congrats on you health. I just got measured yesterday after one month and I lost 7 inches. At first I wasn't happy , but then reality set in and I praised myself, by saying "you're on you way"
:bouncing:
deltoro
03-01-2005, 04:40 PM
Actually all gyms are not franchises, I am now a member of one that is not! They have trained professionals to help you reach your goals, but what ever works for you, is what you should be doing. Good Luck!
lpowell6
03-03-2005, 07:02 PM
Actually all gyms are not franchises, I am now a member of one that is not! They have trained professionals to help you reach your goals, but what ever works for you, is what you should be doing. Good Luck!
Well ok then... I was only making a point and you just reiterated it :cool:
Well ok then... I was only making a point and you just reiterated it :cool:
juicylicious
03-03-2005, 08:52 PM
the skinny bodies in lycra at other gyms will set you free!
maybe being around all the skinny people is exactly what you need to get motivated.
positive reinforcement is a powerful thing-
it has kept all the women of paris beautiful and thin because there is a daily reminder of status quo.
maybe being around all the skinny people is exactly what you need to get motivated.
positive reinforcement is a powerful thing-
it has kept all the women of paris beautiful and thin because there is a daily reminder of status quo.
lovelikeheroine
03-04-2005, 04:34 AM
Maybe its because I live in a college town, but there are more "healthy" looking women at my curves than older or very overweight. I think its because its a "timed" workout, and we all run from our classes, do our thing, and then run back to our classes franticly (and a little sweaty!) right on time, where as going to the gym we get bugged by men, bitchy people who think they own the place, have to wait in line for weights, etc. But hey, whatever works for you. no place is the same. :)
nailchick2000
03-08-2005, 12:52 AM
I didn't mean to totally trash Curves.. it is a good place to get started if you have never worked out before or are too self concious to join an unfamiliar gym.. it took guts for me to join the YMCA. And yes.. I felt like everyone was looking at me.. but now that I've been there a while, I know who the "regulars" are, and any new member does draw attention... we just are curious about the new kid on the block.
But, the Curves workout is very limited. Like I said before.. people do love it at first, but it's just not enough if you really want to sculpt your body to your own ideal. For instance, most women want thinner thighs and a smaller butt.. so the one size fits all approach would set up an exercise station for that purpose because it fits the majority.. well I have thin thighs and a flat butt.. I'm bigger from my waist up.. so I need to build my lower body instead of reducing it. At a gym like the "Y" I can do that. If I'm going to invest 30 minutes a day into exercise..I want to have a controlled effort.. controlled results. So if you just want to be a smaller version of your same body shape.. this workout may be for you. You can go from looking like a big apple to looking like a smaller apple with Curves. But if you want to change from an apple to an hourglass, you need something more.
But, if you're in a time crunch, or just need to get moving, and are doing it for the health benefit opposed to wanting to look like a model, then hey, go for it.. But for me personally.. I do it because I want to look like the girls in the Victorias Secret Catalog..or as close to it as possible. Working out at Curves is better than doing nothing, but that 30 minutes could be so much more productive.
But, the Curves workout is very limited. Like I said before.. people do love it at first, but it's just not enough if you really want to sculpt your body to your own ideal. For instance, most women want thinner thighs and a smaller butt.. so the one size fits all approach would set up an exercise station for that purpose because it fits the majority.. well I have thin thighs and a flat butt.. I'm bigger from my waist up.. so I need to build my lower body instead of reducing it. At a gym like the "Y" I can do that. If I'm going to invest 30 minutes a day into exercise..I want to have a controlled effort.. controlled results. So if you just want to be a smaller version of your same body shape.. this workout may be for you. You can go from looking like a big apple to looking like a smaller apple with Curves. But if you want to change from an apple to an hourglass, you need something more.
But, if you're in a time crunch, or just need to get moving, and are doing it for the health benefit opposed to wanting to look like a model, then hey, go for it.. But for me personally.. I do it because I want to look like the girls in the Victorias Secret Catalog..or as close to it as possible. Working out at Curves is better than doing nothing, but that 30 minutes could be so much more productive.
packerfan4ever
03-08-2005, 07:41 PM
WOW-I am disappointed at the bashing people were giving Curves. Especially some that haven't even been to one! I live in a small town, where there is NO gym anywhere near me; other than 45 minutes away. Before this pregnancy, I was a decent weight; but I STILL wouldn't go to a regular gym to be intimidated by all the "super-models" and "super jocks." I am 29, and when I am done with this pregnancy I will be back at Curves FULL FORCE! I lost INCHES more-so than weight when I first joined. I LOVED being around ALL women, no matter WHAT AGE! I don't think it matters how old people are that workout with you, or how overweight they are. What matters is that everyone that is there is doing something to change/better themselves, and so are you when you join a place. And no matter what workout routine you start, diet plays a HUGE part; 80% of weight loss. After this pregnancy, I will have 35 EXTRA pounds to lose! So, I already have my Weight Watchers supplies. There are ALWAYS going to be people that have different opinions about things, so do what's best FOR YOU!!! Regardless of where you join, just remember to find the right place FOR YOU!!!! Sorry if I sounded cranky--I get VERY emotional at this point in my pregnancy! :p
thelovelyamber
03-09-2005, 07:22 PM
i personally have never been able to afford a gym of any type- my husband won't allow that much money to leave the budget like another bill. so instead, i purchase workout videos. for the same price as a gym membership you can get a new workout video every month- whatever kind you want! there are videos for people who can't jump or stress their joints (me), people who are pregnant, teens, elderly, weight lifting, cardio, circut (which is what curves is).. whatever! AND no one is looking at you cause you are at your house. if you just promise yourself you will do it 3 times a week (make an appointment for yourself in your calander- DR Phill says put yourself at #1 priority, and he's right), and accomplish that for a month, you'll have set a habit for yourself and you'll really miss it if you can't do it. you can even rent these videos (or dvd's) at the library and most video stores for free! yipee free weight loss!
Atlantic Salmon
05-29-2005, 08:55 PM
I started Curves a few weeks ago. I asked for meal ideas but they said they don't do that until the first month is over. I am 5'8, 183½ lbs, 41" at my belly button and 43" two inches below. I would like to lose 15lbs; however, since I know muscle weighs more than fat, I realisticly would like to LOOK like I lost that much weight!
I carry most of my weigh on my belly and breasts. I have always been a few lbs overweight, but never this much... curse those freshman 15! I don't like that I look like I am four to five months pregnant.
I find the Curves circuit kind of repetative. Yes, my heart beat gets up but I don't feel like I am working out. Sometimes I wonder if I am losing any weight at all! I love cardio but get bored jogging. I wish there was a regular gym class at the university. I hated it back in secondary school but now am so much less shy.
I find that there are mostly older, extremely overweight women there. I feel out of place and suprisingly picked on sometimes ("You don't seem like the kind of person who even needs to be here!") I try not to let it bother me. I wish people could understand that even people who are smaller than them can still be overweight!
Anyway, I'm pretty much undecided on this. Pros: I feel motivated, I do not have to think of a routine, the staff is supportive. Cons: I am probably the youngest there (just turned 19), I feel smaller than everyone else therefore thinking I do not need to exercise, I am not sure if it is working, it is expensive for a student with limited to no cash flow!
AS
I carry most of my weigh on my belly and breasts. I have always been a few lbs overweight, but never this much... curse those freshman 15! I don't like that I look like I am four to five months pregnant.
I find the Curves circuit kind of repetative. Yes, my heart beat gets up but I don't feel like I am working out. Sometimes I wonder if I am losing any weight at all! I love cardio but get bored jogging. I wish there was a regular gym class at the university. I hated it back in secondary school but now am so much less shy.
I find that there are mostly older, extremely overweight women there. I feel out of place and suprisingly picked on sometimes ("You don't seem like the kind of person who even needs to be here!") I try not to let it bother me. I wish people could understand that even people who are smaller than them can still be overweight!
Anyway, I'm pretty much undecided on this. Pros: I feel motivated, I do not have to think of a routine, the staff is supportive. Cons: I am probably the youngest there (just turned 19), I feel smaller than everyone else therefore thinking I do not need to exercise, I am not sure if it is working, it is expensive for a student with limited to no cash flow!
AS
southjerseymom
05-30-2005, 09:02 AM
I , too, believe Curves is a great starting point for people who normally don't exercise trying to get into a routine, older women and women who are overweight. There is a great commardiere(spelling?) and it is fun at first. After a year it's time to move on. I've belonged to a Curves for the last 2 yrs. Even though I'm about to turn 37, I'm one of the youngest. I'm also one of the thinnest. I joined to add some variety to my routine. I'm an avid walker/jogger, nordic tracker, and I lift weights 3x a week. Going to Curves is not going to give you a Victoria Secret's model body, but I did notice I became a bit more toned ( that could also be the result of my other workouts). I like the fact that you don't have to be all spandexed out and fully made up to workout( I don't take women who coiff their hair, wear a full face of makeup,and complete the look with a neck full of jewelry just to workout , seriously). It is not indimidating and I've met some wonderful people. I applaud them for taking that first step to do something healthy for themselves. But just like anything in life, we need variety. Curves does not cut it after awhile. I'll be looking into a gym soon.
Glojer
05-31-2005, 04:23 PM
I belong to a womens 30min workout that is independently owned. It operates on the circuit premise like curves but because it is independently owned the owner can do what she likes. We have a variety of ages and you definitly get out of it what you put into it. We also have other machines to use beside the circuit ones and a studio where we have bio sculpt classes, weight training, and also classes for those with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other joint problems.
There is a diet program you can join if you are into that thing and if you want a massage they can help you there also. The owner is very concerned about health so there is also lectures and various health issues.
It does cost to join the gym and the classes cost extra, but you do not have to be a member to take the classes and members get discounts.
I guess what I am trying to say is check out everything you think you might be interested in, independent gyms can be just what you are looking for or maybe you want a different atmosphere, but find something you like and go for it, cause you only get out of it what you put in.
There is a diet program you can join if you are into that thing and if you want a massage they can help you there also. The owner is very concerned about health so there is also lectures and various health issues.
It does cost to join the gym and the classes cost extra, but you do not have to be a member to take the classes and members get discounts.
I guess what I am trying to say is check out everything you think you might be interested in, independent gyms can be just what you are looking for or maybe you want a different atmosphere, but find something you like and go for it, cause you only get out of it what you put in.