Anybody NOT thrilled with Curves??

[KimRaye]

Originally posted by Lynda Silk
I'm 5' 2 1/2" and 141 lbs.

That doesn't sound bad to ME!

Maybe you only have a few pounds to lose? If so, many people say those last few pounds can be a torture.

And, you're right, it's only been two weeks. You'll probably notice more in the next two weeks!

Onward and downward!

 

[Debbie]

Originally posted by Lynda Silk
I know too that I've probably lost inches .....I know I'm being very impatient ...

Yep, to the impatient part, Linda! At 5'2½", 141 pounds and 46 years, I'd say try hard to relax and enjoy. Wait until your measure day and if you haven't lost inches, then we'll talk. lol

One thing that you CAN do, though, is, when you are using the machines and jogging on the recovery boards, is to consciously tighten your tummy. That will help. I personally also double up on the leg/thigh/tummy machines, too.

I think Kim is probably right about the little weight that you have to lose and how it DOES take a lot more time to lose. Don't get discouraged, though! You are getting healthier and you can do what your body needs!

 

[Denise W]

I can help a little with how Curves works. I have belonged for 1 1/2 years. I go 4-5 days a week. The machines (we have 11 now, all Curves start with 8 and then can buy more (I think there are 4-6 more). The machines are set in a circle usually with a jogging platform in between each machine. For one 30 minute workout with 11 machines, we go around the circle twice plus 8 more stations. So no matter where you start in the circle you finish your workout in order. You are allowed to go around as many times as you want, and some people I know do 3 full circles. Our Curves is open 6 days a week and you can go whatever days you want, as many times as you want. You start wherever you want (or wherever there is an open station) and use the machine for 30 seconds, and then the voice on the recording says "change stations now" and you move to the jogging station next to it. There, you do whatever you want to keep your heart rate up. Some people walk in place, some jog, some dance, some do arm movements, etc. etc. Every 6 minutes or so the voice on the recording will tell you to take a 10 second heart rate, so you can see if you are keeping in the target range for your age. The people who work there go around the circuit with you the first time to teach you the machines, and will watch you for the next few weeks to be sure you are using them correctly. Once a month you can be weighed and measured (only if you want to) and they keep track of your loss for you. I really enjoy it and have met a lot of very nice women who go at the same time I go. Because these are resistance machines, I still feel I am getting a good workout even after 1 1/2 years. I find I am stronger so I can do faster and more reps in the 30 seconds I am on the machine and keep my heart rate up so I feel I am getting a good cardio workout also. Luckily I have never had to wait for a station to be open, like some posters mentioned, but I go at about 7:15 am after I drop my daughter at school. It probably gets more crowded later, but at that time there are usually only about 12 people there.

I hope this helps, and I'll try to answer any other questions you might have!

Denise

 

[Texan]

Okay guys, excuse my ignorance, but what are WATP tapes? I hate going anywhere to exercise and any advice on tapes is welcome.

 

[moocow35]

WATP = Walk away the pounds by Leslie Sansone. I have the tapes and I love them! I have a couple of the sets (1mile to 3mile) to keep it varied.

I personally did not enjoy curves, they aren't open the hours that I need them, you are very limited to when you can go. (mine did not even open on time) I do believe though that some are different than the others. (hours as well as pricing) They are all franchised and privately owned. The lady that owns the one near me, also owns several in the area. In my opinion she does not have the business sense to do what she is doing. So unfortunately I also had some bad experiences at my local curves, and would not consider going back. I would ask for free day passes first to see what you are getting yourself into before committing to a year of monthly withdrawals from your checking that you can not get out of.

Robin

 

[Lynda Silk]

Dear Debbie and KimRaye,
Thanks for the words of encouragement! I really felt down yesterday and I felt better after reading your posts today! I know it doesn't seem like I have a lot to lose, but when you're kind of short like me, every pound seems to show, especially when you're in your forties!

I'll hang in there and try to quell my impatience! I'm going on a cruise in 2 weeks and when I pulled out my summer clothes, everything felt tight and that's when I started feeling blue!

Thanks again! No more whining from me, I promise!

 

[KimRaye]

You gave me a good laugh, Lynda...

Originally posted by Lynda Silk
but when you're kind of short like me, every pound seems to show, especially when you're in your forties!

I'm 5'1", a looonnggg way from the 140's AND, I'm 41.

 

[Debbie]

lol Kim I'm 5'3" (if I stretch my neck!) 50, and I started this journey about 100 pounds from 141....so still have a weighs to go! Lynda, have a fabulous time on your cruise. (Green with envy here!) Oh, and I didn't think you were whining....just impatient.

 

[Lynda Silk]

Thanks guys, you are so great!!!!!

I might have been panicking too because of the cruise! I know I'll gain a few extra pounds there so I'm hoping I lose some weight before I go!

I'm still hanging in and still going to Curves! And I didn't do too badly as far as eating over the Easter weekend so I'm feeling more positive!

Thanks again! Your support is just wonderful and really keeps me going!