Curves

Just recently joined Curves and looking for other feedback on this program? Did it work?  How long to reach goal?

I think Curves works for some, but I joined several years ago and was so disappointed.  I never saw any results and I went 5 days/wk. for six months.  I also felt the routine was easy and boring.  I especially didn't like how you had to prance around between each machine.  The machines also sucked.  Overall, I'm sorry I wasted my money. 

After my year was up, I joined a regular gym with group fitness classes, regular cardio machines and free weights and dropped 60 lbs.  I was getting bored with that, so I started running outside and participating in a boot camp class outdoors three nights/wk.  I haven't lost any more weight, but my body is getting leaner and stronger.

I hope you have a better experience.  Good luck!

I've seen a few posts on the Fitness forum asking if Curves was worth the money. Here it is... my Curves experience.

"Curves is worth the money, in a way. If you are overweight or out of shape (as in, you don't get a lot of physical exercise), it's an easy way to start a fitness routine. Unlike a conventional gym, it's a defined, planned workout that targets all muscles groups. It's recommended you go a minimum of 3 times a week, for 30 mins at a time but that didn't seem like enough to me so I usually went 4-6 times a week (they aren't open on Sundays, btw). Some people who are obese or inactive may be intimidated by a *real* gym because they don't know which machines to use, etc. The all-female atmosphere is comforting too. The staff is usually supportive and makes a point to know your name so they can congratulate you on your progress.

I was an inactive, overweight teen and I started going to a Curves-like gym in 1999. I lost 40 lbs but I did plateau because there's no variety in the workout. When I moved to a different city 7 years later, I joined the actual Curves after a year of not going to any gym and lost another 20. However, I was going to a real gym once a week as well. After a year, Curves just bored me so I quit and just went to the real gym. I am making progress in my overall physical fitness because I take part in a variety of activities (ie: strength training, cardio, spin class and pilates). As with any fitness program, you get out of it what you put in. I worked very hard during the 30 min circuit, keeping my heart rate up the entire time and watching my diet outside the gym. Some women who didn't work as hard, did the machines at a slower pace or didn't go as often, didn't have as much success in the same amount of time. In fact, I used to run on the recovery squares but the "trainer" who worked there said I would get better results if I just walked on them! I don't think so! So, short answer: it's worth it if you are a first time gym user, you are intimidated by real gyms or you need the support of an all-female staff. Otherwise, a real gym would be fine.

A few years ago, I convinced my mom (she's 59 years old) to go because she was always complaining about being fat but she never did any exercise (she was a little overweight, not obese). She lost 20 lbs and goes every day... but she seems to be plateaued and quit Curves.

 For me, Curves was a great starter gym. I ran on the recovery squares and did as many reps as I could on the stations. I saw some people just going through the motions and not really trying... they won't have the same amount of success. I'd suggest trying it, if you're not currently physically active, you're intimidated by men at the gym or you like the support of a group."

cellophane_star pretty much said it all.

I joined Curves last September and I absolutely love it.  It's a no-brainer for me - I don't have to worry or remember or figure out a work-out - I just do the circuit.  In December of last year, my Curves installed the Smart program and it has really stepped up the work-outs.  I'm working harder and harder and the computer and trainer urges me on and after each work-out I can see exactly what I progress I have made (or didn't make!). 

Since September 2008, I have lost 35.5 pounds and 38 inches.  Curves works for me.

Curves works for me as well, I have been a member off and on since 2005. It is great if you are someone who may feel self-conscious or lost in a regular gym or you are not comfortable using weights. The Curves Smart program will keep your routine varied, as it changes once you have maintained your fitness level for a certain number of workouts.  The program is fairly new and gives you  a much better workout.  I had quit for a period of time because after the initial results,  I wasn't seeing anything further. Then I heard about the Curves Smart program and rejoined. I also exercise for 40-60 minutes on 2-3 other days of the week as a supplement for the days I do not work out at Curves. I go around the circuit three times because I like to exercise for at least 40 minutes. Since June of last year I have lost 45 pounds and 33 inches. I usually burn about 600-800 calories per workout.

I have been a member of curves twice on two seperate occasions.  First time I joined I didn't stick with it very long, but I did see a small improvement in my body condition.  About 5 years later I joined again after gaining A LOT of weight.  I just didn't seem to lose.  I was going 3-5 times a week and gained weight and inches.  My diet hadn't really changed a whole lot so that may have been a huge part of my problem.  It does keep your heart rate up and you really have to work the machines to get the strength training benefit.  Talk to your curves trainer about how many reps you should aim for on each machine and they can set you up with a program once you get used to the circuit.  But I REALLY believe you should still do some other sort of exercise on your 'off days' in addition, whether it be walking, running or biking as well to burn more fat.  I recently joined an all women gym that has weight machines and cardio machines and started the Couch to 5k running program and have lost 20lbs in about 2 months.  I do cardio 3 times a week and weight train 2-3 days.  I think Curves is a great place to start especially if your new to working out or haven't been active for an extended period of time, but for me it just didn't work.

I joined Curves this January, and so far I really like it.  It's a pre-set workout that never changes, so it's good if you feel overwhelmed by regular gyms, but not so good if you like to create your own workout or change your workout routine regularly.  The woman who signed me up suggested doing cardio 3x a week as well as going to Curves, since while Curves is a full-body workout, I don't think it's a particularly intensive one.

The trainers will weigh you and take your measurements once a month (although you can refuse, if you don't want to do this), and they encourage members to come in 3x a week.  I've found the trainers and other members at my curves to  all bevery friendly and supportive, and I really like the atmosphere.  At my gym, the age and fitness level varies a lot - there are 20 somethings and 50 somethings, and there are super fit women and very heavy women.  (There's probably more out of shape people than super fit people, though.)

There are encouraging posters on the wall, and sometimes there are free goodies to pick up, such as samples of protein powders or hair conditioner.  That said, each Curves can vary quite a bit depending on the owner and location.  I went to a different Curves in my city this week, and I didn't like it half so much as my regular one - it was much smaller (my Curves has space to spread out, plus they have weighted hula hoops to use after your workout) and the women there were all chatty overweight 50-year-old women, rather than a mix of ages and fitness levels.  If you have more than one Curves in your area, it's worth checking them out to see if you prefer one more than the other(s).

Overall, I'm very pleased with Curves, since it's something that I can stick to, and I actually enjoy going to workout now.  I've also lost 15 pounds and reduced my body fat percentage by 4%, so I'm feeling good so far.  I think I may have to introduce more cardio into my workout, though, so I've bought Jillian Michaels "Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism" DVD in the hopes of burning more calories.  It is currently *killing* me, but had I not joined Curves I honestly never would have had the motivation to even try.

Anyway, apologies for the long winded response!  I don't think Curves is for everyone, but I really love it.  You can go in and have three free workouts before committing to anything, so if you're curious I would totally suggest going a couple times and seeing what you think.

hey there - i just wanted to say i love curves.

i like it because you can really control the intensity of your workout. when i first started a month ago, i was wiped out after taking two VERY slow placed/low intensity circuits. now i work out hard for two, sometimes three, circuits. if i am having an off day, i take it easy, but most of the time i work really hard and run whenever i can on the recovery pads. some people even do four circuits.

i have lost 20 lbs this year with a combination of diet change and exercise, and curves is a regular part of my exercise program (3x per week religiously). i have noticed a huge change in my fitness level since starting curves.

one warning  -  the trainers may be called trainers, but i would think of them more as a guide. unless they are actual certified trainers, just let them show you the basics about the machines but take everything else with a grain. ;)  i would study the posters in the gym and rely on any former knowledge you might have of proper form.