Curves calories

Just wanted to get some opinions.

On this site, circuit training clocks in at over 300 calories burned in 30 minutes for me. But I've read in reports that Curves, which is essentially circuit training, only burns 180-250 calories per session. Should I go with the computer since it takes my height & weight into account? Or should I halve my workout time in the activity log so it matches more to what the studies show?

I can't help you with your question, but I was wondering how you like Curves.  We have one down the street from where I live, and I've wanted to check it out, but I haven't taken the time.  Do you find that you feel like you had a good workout??  I've heard that sometimes you stand around waiting for machines longer than you work out.  Any opion would help.  Thanks

I really like it. I've been going for almost a month now.

I've been sedentary for a while so it is a good start. The workout is tough for me because I'm not used to working out pretty much at all! It is also fun - I get bored easily on one machine. I like the circuit and it makes it more lively to move around. Every time we move I think to myself "Change places!" like the Mad Hatter :)

My mom goes with me now and that is really fun. I am certainly starting to see definition in my arms more than anything. It is way easy to fit into my schedule because it is only 30 minutes. I go every monday, wednesday and friday right after work.

I've never had to wait for a machine in the one I go to. I guess it just depends on what times are busy for a particular location. If I did have to wait for some reason it wouldn't be long, I imagine, because everyone starts at a different time and finish at different times.

tracymarie, there have been some independent studies (very small ones) that show people burn less than advertised at curves, however, because of the design of the machines, it depends so much on how much effort you put out.  if you really keep up your pace on the recovery boards, and put the maximum effort at each machine, i think the circuit training cals on this site are accurate.  it really does give you a good cardio workout if your heart rate stays in the "green zone" on their wall chart.   

debcowan:  it's definitely worth checking out.  it's a comfortable place for women of all sizes and builds, and at least at my curves, there are games and challenges to participate in, and it's starting to feel like my "club." 

one thing you will find out is that there can be major differences between one location and another.  i have a sort of "check list" of things that make mine the best in this area. but in order to exercise with a friend, i sometimes visit other locations which get a thumbs up or down depending on:

1. open all day every day?
2. nicely decorated?
3. machines well maintained?
4. parking free? (change for parking meters is a nuisance)
5. music turned off during heart rate check?
6. lots of windows?
7. occasional games/challenges?
8. friendly staff?

there are other smaller differences, but these are the most important to me.  and deb, i've never had to wait for a machine, in over two years that i've been going.

I'm a CURVES member for over two years now. I agree that the amount of calories burned has a lot to do with how hard you work at keeping your heart rate up.

First, you have to really work the resistance of each machine. Give a full range extension and push/pull hard and fast. Most women are pretty slow in using them, and we are taught that you should try really hard to work out during the 30 seconds on a machine.

Then, on the recovery station, be lively. If you can't seem to keep your heartrate up, do movements that have your arms moving above your shoulders and head...that brings the heartrate up!

Finally, work out for 30 minutes, then stretch out completely. Stretching adds up to 19% effort (according to our owner's info)

I've lost a few pounds, but dozens of inches over the years. It can become "routine" but if you work out with a buddy and talk, it really is fun. I agree with Elin in post #3. IF you have choices of which Curves to join, find one where the staff is friendly and interested in your success. My Curves has daily activities as part of the fun, and the staff always greets us and comes out to the activity floor to check on us and just chat for a while. I mentioned that I work out harder when someone talks to me - and one staff member remembered that and comes out to talk when I'm alone.

Hope this is helpful.

Thanks for all the info guys.  Maybe I'll check it out sometime.  It would be so convenient for me cause it's about a three min. walk.  I wanted to try to find a friend to go with.  We'll see what happens, but thanks!!

Anyone know how much it costs to joing Curves?

Thanks!

Before you join Curves, you may want to look at where your money is going to.  The owner/founder gives a ton of his money to a certain political party (to charities too, which is good, but the political affiliation was a bad one for me.)  For some of you, this may be a wonderful thing, but for me it wasn't and so I had to quit Curves.

I try to work really hard because like eveyone else said because of the type of machine they use you really do get out what you put in.

I have a hard time keeping my heart rate down so once or twice a circuit I will have to slow down on the rest stations to bring it down a little.

My curves is pretty bare-bones but I like the people who work there and my mom goes with me. I don't really care where my money goes - as far as I'm concerned it goes to a healthy body. What they do with it when I give it to them doesn't really bother me unless it's killing puppies or something cruel like that.

My activation fee was halved, so it was $75 for me plus $32.00 or so per month. My mom is a hardass so she got her activation fee waived. I don't really have the desire to haggle - just want to get some exercise in because I know I can't trust myself to do it at home.

dustyrose: how would i go about finding something like that out?

To find out about the Curves issue, I did a google search of curves, then looked under controversy in search within results and there was an article in the NOW site. 

I think it's admirable to stand up for what you believe in, it's just kind of hard to do that with all the companies we deal with on a daily basis.

I go to a local Curves with a co-worker or two.  I try to put everything I can into it.  In 3 months I lost 2 inches on most measurements, but no weight yet.  Trying to get my un-disciplined diet under control.

After trying different gyms, I found out about a wellness program at local rehab facility. It is owned and run by a group of physical therapists. They develop your program and are available when you need help. No contracts to sign. One can pay by the day, week, or month. The fee for one month is $25. Gold's and Curves can't beat that. I suggest you check around your community. You might ask your doctor or call rehab facilities and ask if they have a wellness program.

I tell people it is the best kept secret in town.

thanks for the info, i wont be joining curves now... no matter what my politics, blowing people up isnt part of it.

I've been going to Curves for about 2 months now and have lost lots of inches. I wear my heart rate monitior which counts the actual calories I've burned during a session. The most I have burned is 280 calories and the least is 220, so I guess it depends on your level of intensity. *By the way, after I found out about the controversy involving the Curves Developer it didn't deter me one bit. In fact I felt much better about going.

I lost over 75 lbs in sevenish months with Curves and a radically changed diet. I now work for them. HOWEVER, I have MAJOR issues with the aforementioned contoversies. So each day I work out and/or go to work is a struggle for me. Right now Curves is what my body needs and the job is what my family needs. I figure my fairly sixable contriution to the Dem party and the ACLU offsets the Curves philosophy just a teeny bit, lol.

Louise.

It's really a hard call how to deal with it.  Maybe I'm being a hypocrite, but Curves is working for me right now as well.  Rainbownine, that's great progress, very inspiring.  Maybe you have the solution there - contribute to our preferred causes.