Curves vs Gym

What kind of workout do you want? I'm not totally familiar with Curves, but I believe they mostly have machines and a circuit program of some sort that they advocate. Machines would be fine to start, but I would suggest learning compound barbell 9or dumbbell) lifts and doing a basic, full body compound lift program. You an use just bodyweight until you learn proper form. You could also look into a progressive body weight exercise program until you feel more comfortable in a gym. Definitely get in a mix of resistance/strength training and cardio.

Curves is fine to start if you are new to exercise or haven't done anything for quite some time. the problem with the program (my wife was involved some years ago) is that there is no progression. By that I mean you cannot increase the resistance of the machines (make it harder) and normally they don't like you staying longer to do more circuits (more volume of exercise) So once your body adapts to exercise you need to find ways to do more, or work harder, and it is difficult to do with the Curves program. Best of luck! Doing something is a good start :-)

I was a member of curves about 5 years ago. It helped me lose 50 lbs!

There are several machines in a circle, and you use each one for (if I remember right) 30 seconds, or maybe one minute. Sometimes they throw little games in there. I ended up transferring to a ladies workout express, which I liked better. More variety. I only quit that because the time of day that was best for me had this annoying girl working there that wouldn't ever stop running her dramatic little mouth at me through my whole workout!

My mom used curves and lost over a hundred pounds. But she did crazy fad diets too, and has since gained it all back. My grandma has been going for years, and hasn't lost anything. But she just gossips and never breaks a sweat. If you don't get your heart rate up, it's useless!

Personally, I chose a regular gym membership over Curves because I wanted somewhere that I could just go in on my own time and work out without having to socialize. I know someone who manages a Curves and the one here at least is very social. You do the workout circuit but they also throw in games to get everyone working together, call you if you miss X number of days in a row, etc. That combined with the fact that there was only one workout option AND that it was more expensive made me run for the anonymity of the gym membership.

If you are elderly Curves might be good - otherwise - I've been to Curves in the past and truthfully, you can get a basic gym membership for the same price with more variety. As the others have said, the machines are in a circle and you change stations at a prompt. The highest resistance on the machines was not a challenge even for me, which is saying a lot because I am not athletic. I sometimes didn't even break a sweat and I sweat when the temp is over 70 degrees F.. Also, at the Curve locations I went to, the ladies were more interested in gabbing than getting a workout in, so you sometimes had to wait for them to even notice that it was time to change stations before you could move on. You can't listen to your own music, etc. because you have to be able to hear the prompts - and - get this - you are WAY more on display there because you are all in a circle staring at each other. I was more self conscious there than at any gym I had been to. I know exactly what you mean about being self conscious at the gym. But, I promise, no one is watching us. There are ALL body types at my gym and the only staring that goes on is the young boys looking at the young girls. After being sized up by the Curves women for my entire workouts there, I couldn't care less about the crowd at the other gyms.

Edit: Also, the "trainers" at Curves are only Curves certified, which is limited. They aren't certified nutritionists, trainers, instructors. This is another benefit of a regular gym. The hours are limited too.

Good luck to you!!

i go to a 27/4 gym called Snap (may have a chain where you are) it's great. most people i've ever seen in there at PEAK times (6-8 am and 5-7 pm) has been ~15. usually it's just me and 2-3 other people. the door can only be unlocked with a key card, so i never fele unsafe

Gym. Curves will help you lose weight, but a real gym will actually get you FIT.

I encourage you to go to a gym. Get the assistance you need correctly and don't fret about being looked at. Like the real world, most people don't pay attention to their surroundings. They are mostly involved in their own thing. And trust when I say that everyone that's in a gym started is a tough place (bodyshape and physical fitness) which is why they are still there now. Part of success is improving confidence in yourself. Take that first step.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Maybe if I don't wear my glasses I won't be able to tell if anyone is looking at me or not!! :embarassed:

Honestly? People rarely pay each other any mind at the gym beyond a cursory glance.

My best advice would be to take them up on the complimentary introduction to the machines so you feel confident that you know how to safely use them. The only time I'm actually self-conscious at the gym is when I'm fumbling around trying to figure out what I'm doing.