Curves

Does anyone know anything about Curves?

From what I'v heard, you excersise in a group. Is that true, or can you excersice alone?

From what I understand, you exercise on your own within a gym setting. It is a circuit training workout, though - so it's set up with the machines cutlose so that you are finished in 30 min

It is set up as a circuit.  Everything is in a big circle, you go from lower body machine to recovery board (were you jog or march) and then upper body machine, recovery board and so on.  There's music and you are in a group setting.  An announcer comes on over the music to tell you when to switch places.  There is a stretch area for before or after workout.  And you have monthly weigh in's and measuring.  I really enjoyed Curves while I was there, unfortunately , my body just got used to the workouts (over 2 yrs) and wasn't responding anymore.

I love Curves!!  Just went on my lunch hour.  I can't explain it any better than stephmcarlo did.  You work at your pace, just like with any gym.  Like when I was there today... there was a young girl that was running in place like crazy on the recovery boards, one woman was marching, I was jogging, etc.  Somedays, I'm the only one in there.  It just depends. 

You can go to your local Curves and they will put you through a work out for free so you can see if you'll like it.  Many women like it becuz it is for women only... and many women there aren't in the best of shape. So it's not like being at a large gym with half naked, in shape, beautiful women prancing around.  It's more "real". 

I can go there for 4 months for only $99 because of my college. Thats why I was wondering.

I would just rather do it by myself. At least starting. Im thinking about dragging a friend with me. I doubt she has time though.

I've been doing Curves for about two months.  I really like it.  What I like is that people of all shapes and ages are there.  My location has quite a few elderly women.  It's a nice non-judgemental atmosphere.  I like that you can find your pace and work up from there.  I would say that it's best for people who need to lose a good amount of weight, or who have little muscle tone.  If you want a gym to train for running or the like, then it's not for you.

 Good luck!

I did the trial workout once at Curves. It isn't very intense... no matter what I did I could hardly sweat or get out of breath or anything. I thought it was rather ridiculously easy. Unless you are severely out of shape (and don't get me wrong, some people can really use and enjoy what Curves offers) I would suggest just going to a regular gym, where you can increase your strength and pace with a little more intensity. Many collages have gym equipment to use for free or nearly free on campus, and despite what some people think, when you are working out in a gym nobody else is really looking at you or judging you; they are too busy working on themselves.

I disagree with the above comment because if you really work hard for the 30 seconds you're at each station, you can get your heart rate up.

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 see 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.