Curves

Regardless of the efficacy, I would not give Curves my money as the owner ACTIVELY FUNDS Pro-Life organizations with the profits from Curves.
I see this as, if you support Curves, you support denying women a right to their bodies.

Sorry to get political, but when I found out I was mad. Just thought people should know where their money is going.

I do strongly recommend finding a local, small-business circuit training business to give your hard earned dollars to. I've heard many many success stories from circuit training, and have had small successes with it myself.

I've never been a member but my sister was at one point. I used to sometimes go along with her if we were going out shopping or whatever and just sit in and watch her workout before we went to the shops. I don't know if it was just her Curves because we live in a small town but it was tiny. Actually looked more like someone's living room than a gym.

I also don't like the fact that it is only a 30 minute workout and is on a circuit. I prefer to be able to go to my gym and think, "Right, I want to work on my running so I'll spend 30 mins on a treadmill and I want to work on my strength so then I'll go do some weights". Don't get me wrong, I like going to circuits classes now and again but I wouldn't want to ONLY have that option.

My sister loved it while she was there as there were challenges and you could earn t-shirts the more you worked out etc. but it was quite expensive for what it was and she eventually realised that and went elsewhere.

Love Curves! I used to be a member but didn't lose any weight at the time because I did not change my eating habits at all. I did enjoy the workout and people there though. I thought about joining again once I lost 40 pounds, but I decided to do the home gym thing to save money.

I was part of Curves for a while, and it just didn't do it for me. The weights aren't adjustable, the treadmills are mine were horrific and probably the first treadmills ever manufactured, and I'm going to be completely honest - I love looking at hot men while I work out too :embarassed: (sorry hubby!)

Planet Fitness has a 30 minute circuit which is similar to Curves, but more challenging and adjustable.

Before you join Curves, I suggest you also sample Jazzercise, if possible. Then you can compare and make the choice that suits you. Or maybe try Zumba...

I would advise you to try it. I worked at a local curves and in my time there, i lost only 5 lbs, but 17 inches overall. I burnt 500 calories/ 30 minutes, according to the Curves Smart system. I'm not entirely sure it's accurate, but even if not, i was burning lots, and it was effective.

It is geared towards the older population, so you're find lots of retirees there, but it can be fun. The one thing i would say to anyone who's not had ANY success would be that you can make the workout as hard as you need. it works gently for the retirees, but can be equally as effective for a fit 24 year old, as i was at the time. the harder you work (push/pull/whatever the machine requires), the harder it is. It's a piston essentially, so the faster it goes, the more resistance there will be. Good luck!

Maybe check to see if there is a Planet Fitness in your area. They have a circuit training area and plenty of other machines; plus they are pretty cheap. I only pay $10/month where I live. Hope this helps.

I love Curves! It works for me. And despite some people thinking it's only for the old or obese, I was neither when I started. I joined at age 32 and weighed 150 lbs at the time (I'm 5'7"). While I didn't lose weight, I lost 15 inches the first 6 months! Sadly, I took my daughter roller-skating for her birthday and fell on my tailbone so those 15 inches (and more) came back on during my recovery. And then...life happened and I sort of got out of the habit of working out and eating right so I gained some extra poundage these last couple years. BUT, I'm back at Curves and I've already lost a few inches in the two months back.

That said, though, I really do think it depends on the owner/facility. My Curves is really well kept, clean, and big enough for all the machines and moving around. Also, the owner stays up on the newest in training and nutrition and often holds classes for us. She also helps us to set new goals all the time and encourages us with different challenges and what-not. But, since Curves is a franchise, I know that this type of quality is not always consistent.

Aside from the workout and facility, I've also done the Curves diet, and it worked for me. It's very healthy and realistic, and I really love how they zig-zag the calories over a months time so your body will adjust to eating more than 1200 calories for the rest of your life. However, I stopped doing it cause of the planning. Life just got too busy, so mfp works better for me right now, but I do incorporate its basic premise.

So, there you go. That's my experience with Curves. Hope it helps you make a decision that's right for you. Have a happy day!

They give you a free week. Go for a test drive. I love it when I can afford the time & $$

I used to attend Curves, and I loved it! Even if you don't lose tons of weight right away, you lose inches. After the first week or two, my husband said that he could tell a difference in the shape of my body.