Curves Work Out

I didn't try it but I looked into it when it was new. I know people who've liked it.

For me, the pros were it's pre-planned and short, so it's mindless and easy to fit in. And it's nearby and it's resistance training, which is important.

The cons were it's very beginnerish and half that time (if I understood my tour right) you're doing your own 'cardio' thing on a platform, which to me is awkward and not really worth me paying someone for, for 15 minutes of my 30 minute workout. I mean, I can march on a platform at home and do weights exercises in between.

I think people burn around 170-200 calories on average at Curves, which you can also burn by walking a couple miles. But if having a group to exercise with and a membership helps you do it, that can be priceless. But a full service gym might offer a lot more options and should also be fine for beginners.

Hi there - I did try curves a number of years ago and was not a big fan. My biggest complaints are you can't listen to your own music, and theirs was horrible, the machines are VERY repetitive, so it gets boring quick, and the one I attended did not have showers. I did have to sign a one year contact and I maybe used 3 months total of it. Hope this information helps you to make an informed decision.

I tried them when I was in junior high. I wasn't active, I was overweight and I was not very strong.

I almost lifted their machines off the ground entirely trying to get more resistance out of them. This was me when I couldn't do 10 push ups in a row.

I went three times before I got so intensely bored. In all honesty, I find it to be a waste of time and money. 30 minutes spent getting my sweat on even at home doing a fully bodyweight workout would give me more resistance, training and satisfaction than going through a random circle of "machines" with old ladies who wear pink wristbands and smile absently at me.

I want to be a strong woman, not a woman who is scared to lift more than 5lbs. I would recommend looking for other gyms - and also do your own reading and research. Be cautious of any sales pitches and don't fall for bad trainers who don't really listen to you.

I can't remember where to find any guides on how to pick a gym, but Google it and try to find some ideas about what to look for and what to avoid. Educate yourself and be a discerning consumer - you're taking the first step. It's nice to get it right the first time, but no matter what - no matter what you read here, or what you find, or who tells you what - take that first step and keep on stepping.

I went to curves for quite a few years. I did like it, however, you really need to work the machines. Plus when I joined they said just three times a week, ended up going at least five days a week. I found a friend there and we pushed each other to work hard, otherwise probably would have left sooner. Plus if they still use the smart key, I wouldn't rely on their calorie burn.

Personally you could save your money and go to like a planet fitness
they have the 30 min workout thing there in the corner usually...

but I wouldnt waste my time on it
its boring
awkward
I felt like i did more walking around my block then i did there

but if you say get a membership at planet fitness what $10 a month you can use machines weights etc and throw in a 30min workout there in that section if you feel like it

i feel like a gym sales person now sorry... but Curves bothers me

You should be able to get a week tryout for free. There are often specials on for limited times so you don't have to sign up for a year just to try things for a bit to see if it fits your schedule. You DO have to work hard at it and really use the machines, but they also have the Jillian Michaels workout going on there and Zumba as well. Most of the people I've seen who didn't lose weight at Curves - also didn't eat properly or even work out very hard on the machines... I've done it as you can customize your workout for your health level at the time ie arthritis - bad days easy, work harder on good days, etc. You can even get a good HIIT session going so 30 minutes is not a downside.

Definitely do the tryout at first and go at a time you would normally like to workout as the social aspect can be important - you may want less people there so you can concentrate, or you might meet a bunch of ladies that you can become friends with.

edit: You do need to make sure you have a motivating coach who is helpful and knows her physiology. Not just some poor drudge who has been hired to man the desk. That's why I say try it out at a time you would normally go, or just go in & watch for 15 minutes to see how people interact with one another. If you are in a big town there may be more than one location. The good part is you can get a travel pass and your membership counts at any Curves around the world & there are a lot!

I don't go to Curves, but my sister works at one. They changed things up this year. They still have the machines, which are similar to gym machines, but instead of just walking on the platform, there is a Jillian Michaels video demonstrating fairly intense body weight and cardio exercises for in-between. The exercises are supposed to change every month. So they are making an attempt to be more modern, but it is still 30 minutes and not a whole lot of variety. Some Curves locations do classes as well.

My take on any exercise is that you need to find what you like. If you like it and will DO it, then you will get results.

Good luck!

I feel a bit more qualified to tell you about Curves than some here as I have been a member for the past 8 years. Like any gym, Curves has strengths and weaknesses. Some strong points are:

It can be very social if your open to that. I have made friends with a group there and now we get together for brunch about once per month.

They have just redesigned and stocked all new machines at my club and they are much more challenging.

They have started having Julian Michaels (DVD) lead classes. So that inbetween using the machines you can follow her very tough moves like planks, pushups, burpees and jumping jacks. They offer about 4 of these sessions/day.

They also offer a "body basics" class which is mostly yoga and stretching. All classes are optional.

They have private dressing rooms available.

They spend time teaching new members how to use the machines and also correct our form when we do the JM workouts.

There are all age groups there. There are not "little old ladies with pink wrist bands staring blankly at me".

You are not limited to a 30 minute session you can do as much time as you want. Nobody would care if you wanted to do a 2 hour session. It's up to you. And you can go 3 - 6 days a week, your choice.


The weak points:

Maybe its not a good fit for everyone, but that can be true of any gym.

I can't think of any others at least for me.


I walk there 3 days a week with a friend do the JM class and walk home for a round trip of 3 miles. I find the walk and class to be extremely challenging... My advise to you is at least check it out.