Curves for women

I just joined too. I plan on making my 1st day there this Thursday... They're having a Zumba class then.

I enjoyed Curves because the workout was layed out in an understandable way. I did 2 circles, got my cardio, got my strength training, stretched and went home. I wasn't chit chatty, just liked to workout and be done. And the computer program was great because it made me push. (Not sure if they are still doing that, I was a member over 2 years ago). If you have the money and want a nice, layed out, easy to understand and maintain workout, Curves is great!

I would highly recommend it for woman 55 and older or very overweight woman that need to start slow...I don't think it really works you hard enough to burn the calories needed! The machines are all set at one resistance. I tried it for a month and I enjoyed going but i ended feeling like it wasn't a good work out for what i was looking for! Some people do really well..so i would just do a trial before you sign on! MOst place will give you a week free if you ask!
Good luck!

I did it for about 6-7 months after having baby #2. I agree with the above post about it being great for older women, or those who need to start a little slower. I never felt like I got a really great workout, and never got "tired" like I do with other workouts. I know if I went back now, after having quite a bit of stamina from running, I wouldn't like it at all. It was somewhat slow paced, and because all of the equipment was hydrolic (sp?), you couldn't really adjust the amount of resistance very well. BUT, if it's what will get you moving, I'd do it for sure.

I was a member of Curves for a while and it is a great workout system. You alternate between cardio and the resistance machines to upbeat music and the "announcer" tells everyone when to switch. You do the circuit three times and you're done! It's a very supportive atmosphere with other like-minded women. I've seen mostly older women there but some new moms, too. It's a great way to stay active and get your heart pumping.

Curves can be a pretty decent workout. It has its ups and downs though. If you're looking for a great workout, circuit training is awesome, which is what Curves offers. You have the ability to work as hard as you want and you get in and out in about 30 minutes with a full body workout. The downfalls to Curves is that you are using the same machines over and over, and it's important to change the exercise you're doing for different muscle groups every 5-7 times so that you hit the muscle at different angles and keep it working to avoid adaptation. The other downfall to Curves is that typically, you can only do circuit training there. I've been in several of the Curves gyms and they don't usually have the space to offer any sort of aerobics class....that doesn't mean that the one that is local to you doesn't offer classes, but that has just been my personal experience. Since you shouldn't strength train the same muscle group two days in a row, it makes it harder to have one gym membership to go to daily for cardio (ACSM recommends 30 min of cardio 5-7 days a week...which if you're not familiar with them, in the fitness world, they are the organization to listen to). However, if you don't mind getting your cardio days in with outdoor activities like walking, running, biking, rollerblading, etc. then joining Curves might be the way to go for you.

Hope this helps!

I go to curves right now. I love it! I don't agree that it is only for the very over weight or old crowd. I will admit that I am very over weight right now, but it is a great workout. Before I was over weight I worked out at curves, I was 165 lbs, 19 years old and I loved it! I just rejoined about 4 months ago, and the curves smart program is great. It keeps track of your workouts, your intensity and your calories burned. Today I worked out for 30 mins, I got in all of my cardio and my strength training and I burned 543 calories.

I started going in Jan and was great to start the excercise but it doesn't challenges me anymore and now I go with a trainner, still paying curves and not going I would never do a contract for a gym. But they are good if you want to start.

I just started curves after Thanksgiving - not going to do my weigh in until after the new year as they are closed for a 3 day period over the Christmas holiday. Hopefully i will hear I've lost inches and lbs

I've been a member of Curves for almost 3 years and I've noticed a big difference. I was thinking of changing to a regular gym because I wanted more of a challenge on the machines to build more muscle and get more toned. After talking with the staff, they changed my fitness plan to a muscle and strength program. The first day after my workout I didn't feel a difference, however, I was really sore the next day and wanted to skip my workout. I workout 6 days a week and enjoy that I don't have to spend hours in a gym and can burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories in just 30 minutes.

As far as the price, the local gym charges you the same for the first 3 months and then it increases and you're locked in for 3 years. Curves' contract is only for 1 year. They do run specials where you can give them a try for 30 days for free to see if it works for you. This is how I became a member and I love it.