Curves gym for women - thoughts ?

You can burn a couple hundred calories in those 30 minutes.

I got very bored with Curves, though. You can't wear headphones because you have to listen for cues to change stations every 30 seconds and I HATED the music they played. I've also found that most gyms offer all the same equipment plus much more, classes and even sometimes a pool for the same price or less.

I suppose if you're very new to exercise and uncomfortable in a classic gym setting, Curves is a good place to start.

Honestly I wouldnt recommend it. I have a friend that went there and she felt it was a waste of money. I just buy effective Beachbody DVD programs, push play, sweat off the calories, and build lean muscle. Works for me! Good luck in your decision-making for what works for you.

Um, I just think it's really expensive for what they offer, which is not much. It's literally just a few machines and then a space for cardio in between each. I did one free drop in session once and was bored.

You could do a circuit at home - I think Jillian Michaels shred is actually a circuit DVD that a lot of people swear by. Circuits are a good way to burn calories and strength train though, so definitely try something. But I think save your money on curves.

Personally I LOVE IT!!!! I workout there 4-6 times a week. It is awesome. I can burn anywhere from 420-600 calories in 30 minutes. Go in and ask for a free week. It is pretty standard for them to give those out and you can try it for yourself!!!

You can burn a couple hundred calories in those 30 minutes.

I got very bored with Curves, though. You can't wear headphones because you have to listen for cues to change stations every 30 seconds and I HATED the music they played. I've also found that most gyms offer all the same equipment plus much more, classes and even sometimes a pool for the same price or less.

I suppose if you're very new to exercise and uncomfortable in a classic gym setting, Curves is a good place to start.

Totally agree!

I did a curves membership for about a year, i agree with the other posts that it is a great way to get started with exercise. The right leaders can be very motivating and the machines are very easy to use. I would recommend getting the smart card though because that helps you push even harder. I wouldn't commit to more than 6-12 months though.

Also, in my area, I was 38 when I joined and I was the baby of the group!

I would not give Curves my money for a lot of reasons. One being that the founder is, in my opinion, a pretty awful guy. I don't want him getting my money, even residually. The second is that it is not safe, according to most experts. The machines are built so that you don't need to change weights, but work on some sort of resistance. They can cause injury in a lot of people.

And of course, it would get incredibly boring doing the exact same 30 minute workout every day.

I've been a member of Curves for two months now and I have to say that I really enjoy it. The reasons are:
1) There is always a trainer watching as people work out and prepared to offer tips without charging an extra cent. For us seniors (I'm 61 years old) it's reassuring to know that someone is actually paying attention so we don't injure ourselves.
2) the vast majority of members have seen the backside of age 35 some time ago - so I'm not "competing" with a disdainful 20-year-old -- which is something that happened at another gym I used to go to. Nobody makes me feel stupid, or fat, or old.
3) Most of us work out in comfortable old clothes - unlike the gym I used to go to. My ancient shorts and T-shirt definitely did not fit with all that spandex around me.
4) It's women only -- that's getting harder and harder to find elsewhere.
5) If you don't show for a few sessions, someone calls you to encourage you to come back. At the gym I used to go to, the trainer told me I was coming too often (5 times a week) and discouraged me from coming: the result was that I got out of the rhythm and ended up paying the contract year without attending for the last several months.
6) The optional smartcard (offered at some of the locations) tells me when I'm not working to full capacity and gives me an analysis at the end of the workout.
7) I really like the idea of getting in there, doing a full workout in 30 minutes and getting back to my VERY busy life.

The cost? It's a heck of a lot less than Herbal Magic pills and a lot healthier - maybe when I've worked out there for a year, I'll feel more comfortable about going back to the first gym, but for now - it's really working for me. -- and , oh yeah: it was my trainer who told me about myfitnesspal.com.
It may not work for everyone, but it works for me and several other women in my age group, so I would suggest to anyone: try it at least once and then decide whether it's for you. There's a lid out there for every pot

I've been a member of Curves for two months now and I have to say that I really enjoy it. The reasons are:
1) There is always a trainer watching as people work out and prepared to offer tips without charging an extra cent. For us seniors (I'm 61 years old) it's reassuring to know that someone is actually paying attention so we don't injure ourselves.
2) the vast majority of members have seen the backside of age 35 some time ago - so I'm not "competing" with a disdainful 20-year-old -- which is something that happened at another gym I used to go to. Nobody makes me feel stupid, or fat, or old.
3) Most of us work out in comfortable old clothes - unlike the gym I used to go to. My ancient shorts and T-shirt definitely did not fit with all that spandex around me.
4) It's women only -- that's getting harder and harder to find elsewhere.
5) If you don't show for a few sessions, someone calls you to encourage you to come back. At the gym I used to go to, the trainer told me I was coming too often (5 times a week) and discouraged me from coming: the result was that I got out of the rhythm and ended up paying the contract year without attending for the last several months.
6) The optional smartcard (offered at some of the locations) tells me when I'm not working to full capacity and gives me an analysis at the end of the workout.
7) I really like the idea of getting in there, doing a full workout in 30 minutes and getting back to my VERY busy life.

The cost? It's a heck of a lot less than Herbal Magic pills and a lot healthier - maybe when I've worked out there for a year, I'll feel more comfortable about going back to the first gym, but for now - it's really working for me. -- and , oh yeah: it was my trainer who told me about myfitnesspal.com.
It may not work for everyone, but it works for me and several other women in my age group, so I would suggest to anyone: try it at least once and then decide whether it's for you. There's a lid out there for every pot

It sounds like you somehow found a REALLY bad gym. I've belonged to a few different full-service gyms and never had any of those experiences.

I'm sorry that happened to you, but please don't assume all gyms are that way.

I echo the responses you have gotten from others. You will find excuses not to go for you will get bored. Check into your local community center for a workout room,fitness classes,some offer swimming. Zumba Gold is a better work out than what you will get at Curves. Check out Leslie Samsone Walking tapes. Great for winter when you can't get out. Look into Meetup groups.com in your area for walking & fitness groups, hiking etc to find like minded people in your area. I find I forget I'm exercising when I'm working out with a new friend. The workout room in my community is 2.00 to use with weights, treadmill,stationary bike, stepper to name a few per usage. Good luck in your new journey toward a healthy lifestyle.