Curves

[Denine]

Does anyone know how much it costs to join? I have been wanting to join, but have been waiting till after the 1st of the year. Do they have different packages?
I am not interested in the weight loss, I just want to tone up. I only have 5-10 more pounds to lose and this will help.

 

[ChristmasElf]

I think the cost varies by location. Try www.curves.com and see if they post anything about it there.

 

[Stitchfans]

I really really need to do something about my weight. maybe I will look into this. I am way beyond being a cute pooh bear.

 

[Denine]

I checked out their website, but no price info. I need to call the nearest one to me, but I came here first.

 

[Stitchfans]

I checked out their website, but no price info. I need to call the nearest one to me, but I came here first.

Funny, that upset me too. I just emailed them asking them for a price. I don't like the idea of going there and then feeling like I have to/ since I should join even though it is real expensive. I have to do something that is within our budget.

 

[figment52]

I checked into it a couple years ago where I was living at the time and it was around a $200 initial fee and about $40/month. It is a franchise operation so the prices can vary.

Our local fitness center built a new room and equiped it similar equipment and charged less and no initiation fee to compete with them and keep the female clients so there were specials when the initial fees at curves were lowered.

 

[Denine]

I am afraid it will be too expensive, but I really need more than just the treadmill at home. We do not have a fitness center locally, but there are 3 Curves locations within 20 minutes of my house.

 

[jodifla]

I'm in Michigan. It was about $350 for a year.

 

[Tink's Pixieduster]

I joined Curves two years ago. I live in the DC suburbs and at that time they charged $30 a month at the franchise I went to. They insisted that the payment come directly out of my bank account, which is not something I normally would agree to. I'm a single Mom with a full time job outside the home and unfortunately the hours weren't always convenient for me (the location I went to was only open from 8 to noon and from 4 to 8 on weekdays and from 8 to 1 on Saturday, with no Sunday hours). By the time I got home from work I was usually too tired to turn around and visit Curves so for me this was a waste of money. I canceled my membership at the end of a year (if you leave before a year has passed you are charged a penalty fee). But I have a good friend who is retired and goes 3 to 4 times a week and has been a member where she lives for about 3 years now and loves it.

I suggest you talk to the local Curves and get ALL the details. Joining Curves is a little more detailed than they make it out to be. I'm not saying it would not work for you and be very beneficial; you just need to know all the facts before you sign a contract.

 

[antmaril]

I'm in Michigan and belonged to Curves for about 1.5 years. I paid $75 initially and $29 a month, which was deducted from my checking account.

It is a good program. Nothing fancy, but very a comfortable atmosphere. Not intimidating at all.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[mom2boys]

I joined my local curves last week. The normal initation fee for them is $174 but they were taking $75 off. The monthly fee is $29 with direct deposit or $39 without. SO my initial outlay was $103 with $29 per month deducted from the checking account.
So far I am doing it. It really is a non-threatening/non-competative envirnoment. I do feel better after only 3 workouts.

 

[DebbieB]

At mine, it's $29 per month if you sign a year contract and have it taken out of your checking. I think it's $39 if you want to go month to month. I think it was $49 to join but that was a long time ago. I think my location allows a 1 week free tryout.

 

[dmslush]

Wait until March before you join. They usually run a 'food for friends' campaign. It is where you bring in a bag of groceries that they will donate to a local charity. Our local curves will accept the bag of food in place of the sign up fees.

My curves runs specials all the time, no sign up, half price sign up, etc.. The fees are $29 per month taken directly out of your checking account. I have never had an issue with it being take out of my account. It is taken out on the same day each month and it is never more than it is supposed to be.

 

[tiggerlover]

Do they offer you a free trial so that you can try them out before signing up?

I also have been thinking about this, we have one not far from the house....I thought if I belonged to something it would motivate me to to do it since I always blow off the elliptical that is sitting in my 4th bedroom! I checked the website too and was diappointed that there wasn't too much information, not even the hours they are open. But I think I would like to go see for myself and at least try it once before commiting over $100 to something.

 

[Beth76]

I am not interested in the weight loss, I just want to tone up. I only have 5-10 more pounds to lose and this will help.

I hate to say this, but it probably won't help. Curves is very good for losing weight (if you have a lot to lose--like 25+). But, it really doesn't help tone that much. It all hydraulic machines which means you use your own weight and strength to determine how much you're actually lifting. You can't increase weight to gain strength. I mean, if you're doing nothing to begin with, it will definitely help some. But, you're likely to get to a point where it really will stop working for you. That's after you've lost you're initial weight (which you seem to have done already). Also there's no cardio. They say to march or run in place in between sets, but that's only for 30 seconds---that's not a cardio workout.

I know you said there are no other options in your area. What about getting a set of hand weights and maybe an exercise ball and exercise bands? I know it's difficult for me to work out at home, so that's easier said than done. But, from what you described, you're beyond what Curves can do for you.

 

[minniecarousel]

Remember that Curves are ALL franchises, so the initiation fee can vary from site to site. Call the one near you and ask about their first-of-the-year specials. I believe that mine is charging $75 fee with $39 per month, automatic debit. Also, hours can vary. I've never heard of a Curves being open on a Sunday or on Saturday afternoons. They are typically not open late in the evening either. Some are closed in the mid-afternoon. I hate this since I like to go in the afternoon. Each Curves owner will increase their hours and buy more equipment if membership increases.

It works for me (of course - that's only if I actually go!)

 

[newholidayx2]

I joined in Oct. The Curves I go to is only 2mins from work, 6mins from home.
Oct is Breast Cancer Awareness month so Curves waived the initiation fee w/proof of having a mammogram in the past year.
I signed up for a year but told them I want to pay the $29 monthly myself w/a check. This was agreed to.
Now that the winter is here Curves is replacing my 1/2hr walk after work.

I also do 30mins WATP 4-5 times per week for cardio.

 

[Denine]

WOW! Thanks for all the replies. I was really hoping to tone and lose the rest of my weight. I too, have a difficult time getting exercise in at home. That is interesting about March and the other specials. I will have to keep on the lookout in my newspaper.

 

[isyne4u]

Another satisfied Curves member. I joined in July and have lost 10 pounds and 15 inches!! I love it and I do some days that are more cardio. If you really push yourself on the machines you can make it a great cardio workout. When I go at 6 in the morning (only 2 around here that open that early) i get more of a toning and strengthening workout. I can't seem to get my heart rate too high that early in the morning...I think I'm usually still half a sleep!! But when I go in the evening I come out of there huffing and puffing! I try to vary the times I go so that I can do both.

I can't give you much on the prices b/c I signed up through the school system through our employee benefits program. But I believe ours is $39 / month. Mine doesn't allow you to do a check payment...it has to be direct withdrawl. I don't mind since that is one less bill I have to pay.

I say go in and check it out, take a look at the machines, talk to some of the people in there and get a feel for it. You might even try going into a couple of different ones since they are franchised you might find one that seems more friendly than another or the atmosphere might be a little different. I adore the one I go to so I won't even get a pass to go to another one closer to my school.

good luck!