How about Curves?

[Anonymous]

I am thinking about joining them.

[Anonymous]

Curves was a wonderful way to start working out. I joined for a year and was active at Curves for 9 or 10 months before feeling like I had to step it up a notch. The workout does keep your heart rate up, but ultimately I did not feel like I could count it as a cardio workout, which is how they try to bill it.

I really did like it there, though. I think it would be a great supplemental workout to any cardio program. It strengthened my core and some other areas.

What is your level of fitness, and if you currently have an exercise regimen, what is it like?

[Anonymous]

My local Curves has limited hours that didn't work for my schedule. Otherwise I would've liked to have joined.

[Anonymous]

I joined Curves a couple of years back and really enjoyed it. I hate working out, but actually started to look forward to going. Had to stop due to scheduling issues. For me it was perfect. I'm very self conscious (sp) and wanted a place where I could start working out and not feel like a total idiot. There were women there of all ages, shapes and sizes. I lost weight and got into shape.

[Anonymous]

Just make sure you know what kind of an organization you're giving your money to. They are major opponents of a woman's right to choose, and give lots of money to the anti-abortion lobby.

[Anonymous]

Just FYI, the founder of Curves is purported to be a big donor to anti-choice organizations:

http://www.now.org/issues/abortion/060304curves.html
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/1844/context/archive

[Anonymous]

I would think that you could probably get a better workout at a regular gym. A lot of gyms will give you a free session with a trainer when you join - a trainer could show you how to work the machines. Or you could probably buy a few sessions to figure out your fitness goals. (Fitness First includes trainer sessions, I think.) You'd also have access to classes like yoga, step, etc. If you'd rather be in a more female-friendly gym, a lot of the Golds gyms have "Lady Golds" rooms with a circuit of machines just for women.

I tend to think that Curves is probably a good choice for women who are just starting to get fit, but I'd think that as you got in better shape, you'd "grow out" of Curves and want access to more fitness options.

Good luck, whatever you do.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PP. Curves is a step in the right direction for obese or morbidly obese women who have never worked out or who feel uncomfortable joining another gym. However, as soon as the weight plateaus, it's time to move on to a regular gym, preferably with a trainer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just FYI, the founder of Curves is purported to be a big donor to anti-choice organizations:

http://www.now.org/issues/abortion/060304curves.html
http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/1844/context/archive

I know, I was so sad to learn this when they first opened. I might have given it a try, but I strenuously disagree with their politics. Oh, well.

[Anonymous]

Seeking answers not forthcoming on a website:
What are the ages of people who attend Curves? What are the demographics like? What is the expereince like? Is it a group workout? Music? More?

[Anonymous]

The Curves I attended had women of all ages - but the majority were probably late 40's to early 50's. I was in my mid-30's tho and felt totally comfortable. The equipment is set up in a circle. You spend 30 seconds (or was it 60 seconds??) on a machine, then you move to a mat and do something aerobic for the next 30 (or 60, I can't remember) seconds, then move to the next machine, then the mat, etc. By the end of the workout, you've worked all your muscle groups and have gotten in aerobics. You can go around the circle once, twice, three times, etc. What you do with the aerobics depends on your level and what you like - some women walk in place, some jog, some do jumping jacks at one stand, lunges at another, etc. Whatever keeps the heartrate up.... All types of women are there - those in shape, those severely overweight and those in the middle.

I personally liked it because I am very self conscious and never felt like anyone was paying any attention to me. I was very comfortable working out at the facility.

The music depends on whoever is running the floor. Sometimes it was 80's, or 70's, or even 60's or current top-40 - but it was all upbeat. Every X seconds, someone will tell you to change stations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Curves I attended had women of all ages - but the majority were probably late 40's to early 50's. I was in my mid-30's tho and felt totally comfortable. The equipment is set up in a circle. You spend 30 seconds (or was it 60 seconds??) on a machine, then you move to a mat and do something aerobic for the next 30 (or 60, I can't remember) seconds, then move to the next machine, then the mat, etc. By the end of the workout, you've worked all your muscle groups and have gotten in aerobics. You can go around the circle once, twice, three times, etc. What you do with the aerobics depends on your level and what you like - some women walk in place, some jog, some do jumping jacks at one stand, lunges at another, etc. Whatever keeps the heartrate up.... All types of women are there - those in shape, those severely overweight and those in the middle.

I personally liked it because I am very self conscious and never felt like anyone was paying any attention to me. I was very comfortable working out at the facility.

The music depends on whoever is running the floor. Sometimes it was 80's, or 70's, or even 60's or current top-40 - but it was all upbeat. Every X seconds, someone will tell you to change stations.

Did you lose weight and tone-up?

[Anonymous]

Depends on your exercise regiment.

Curves is sorta aimed for older women - in fact my mom joined and she made all sorts of middle-aged friends. You rotate through stations, earn points to "buy" things (like water bottles, towels, key chains, etc.), and are guided by an instructor.

If that is your cup of tea, great. If not, maybe a gym is a better suit.

[Anonymous]

This may seem redundant but - if I HATE the idea of a gym, is Curves easier to take, so to speak? I just find people pissy in a gym.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The Curves I attended had women of all ages - but the majority were probably late 40's to early 50's. I was in my mid-30's tho and felt totally comfortable. The equipment is set up in a circle. You spend 30 seconds (or was it 60 seconds??) on a machine, then you move to a mat and do something aerobic for the next 30 (or 60, I can't remember) seconds, then move to the next machine, then the mat, etc. By the end of the workout, you've worked all your muscle groups and have gotten in aerobics. You can go around the circle once, twice, three times, etc. What you do with the aerobics depends on your level and what you like - some women walk in place, some jog, some do jumping jacks at one stand, lunges at another, etc. Whatever keeps the heartrate up.... All types of women are there - those in shape, those severely overweight and those in the middle.

I personally liked it because I am very self conscious and never felt like anyone was paying any attention to me. I was very comfortable working out at the facility.

The music depends on whoever is running the floor. Sometimes it was 80's, or 70's, or even 60's or current top-40 - but it was all upbeat. Every X seconds, someone will tell you to change stations.

Did you lose weight and tone-up?

Yes, I did lose weight and tone-up. I don't go any longer only because it doesn't fit my schedule. I hate the gym and really don't enjoy exercising, but I enjoyed going to Curves.