Do you do Curves?

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I am considering joining curves, and I am wondering how it is working for you. I have access to a gym, but at this time I am not going because honestly the time that it takes me to get to the gym, do the workout and get back is a long time frame and I like that curves has their 30 minute program. Is it really 30 minutes, or does it end up longer? any info would be appreciated!

 

[NCRedding]

I have a membership to Curves. I like that it is a short workout--for me it runs slightly more than 30 minutes if I also do the cool-down. My curves also has treadmills, ellipticals and bikes for us. Its a good workout for me because I am easing into exercising, so I will do curves when I wouldn't do something else. I also like that it is all women and mostly older than I. I don't feel like everyone is looking at me and thinking "why is that fat woman here"

I know some people son't feel it is a good workout, after you're used to exercising, but it works for me (or at least it does when I get my lazy butt there).

 

[3DisneyKids]

Not sure what you are age/weight are, but that may make a difference as to whether or not you feel comfortable there.

I did curves for a very short time in my area. I was the youngest woman there by 20+ years (in my mid-30's) and the smallest person there by 100 pounds (and at that time I was about 30 pounds heavy).

I had a very hard time relating to people and getting motivated when there. I initially joined b/c I also didn't feel comfortable at the "skinny gym" ...thinking, as you said, "what is the fat girl doing here?"

My solution was to back to the skinny gym and work out during non-peak times when I wouldn't run into the snobby types. Funny thing was...once I got on my program and lost just a few pounds, I stopped caring what other people thought and went during times that were best for ME. Now, a lot of those skinny-minnies come to me with their questions! Seriously, it is amazing how fast I got comfortable there and felt "in the know."

As for time commitment, I can't help you there. Yes, it is definitely a chunk out of my day. And one that I really didn't have to part with in the first place. Honestly, I feel like it is a part time job...between planning my food, checking in with my WISH team, and working out...it is about 2 hours each day. BUT...this is also the first time I am truly successful and losing weight and maintaining an exercise program. So, I am willing to put the time in. I have learned that there are no short cuts.

Good luck...and whatever you decide, keep moving! It makes all the difference!

 

[minniecarousel]

I'm a Curves fan. But - I AM an old broad, so I fit in with the other old broads. (just a guess, but I think the median age at our Curves is probably 45-50). It's a good work-out for people who haven't been working out, or are a lot overweight, or are older.

I do the circuit for 1/2 hour, then a few stretches for a few minutes.

You should be able to try it for free.

 

[tiggerlover]

Vija! Up until two weeks ago I attended Curves 3-4 times a week for the past 10 months; I am currently on a medical leave. I am 41 and noticed that the average age of folks at my club was from 30-50, but there are younger members and there are older members. I could get in and out of Curves in about 35-40 minutes, that included my circuit and stretching. It was a great exercise routine in the beginning, but since I am at goal there was no room for me to go further, it actually got boring a bit, but I hung in. My physical therapist has me on a four month hold and I have joined our local rec center where I have access to lots of equipment and a pool. I think if you are not a hard core exerciser at this point than a year membership to Curves would be great, especially if time is restricted. If you are a pretty regular exerciser right now than you probably wouldn't like it over the long haul. A lot of times Curves will give you a one week trial, you may want to check with your local club to see if this is an option so you can check out their facilites.

 

[goldengourd]

I really like Curves. Though I'm not currently a member (mostly because of money). Yes, you can get in & out in 30 mins, but you might short change yourself on cool down. That does not include getting cleaned up aftewards, and of course travel time. Consider Curves your strength training part of your exercise program only, despite what they claim, so you'll need to have something else that is the aerobics exercise.
Yep, like others said, being 45 and pretty overweight, I fit right in. What I like about Curves is the companionship, the support, it is a clean/not gym stinky environment, the staff are friendly and supportive, the music is usually fun and upbeat (you know, the oldies). I like their resitant machines, rather than the stack weight machines you find at regular gyms. You don't have to constantly change the weights, or remember your own settings. If you are feeling more tired, but still want to do something, you can do a softer/slower push, and conversly push faster/harder for heavier workout.
If you go relatively the same time you'll begin to get to know the other ladies. Often the Curves places around here do games and promotion things, just helps make this ugly thing called exercise fun. If you are a power exerciser, it is not the place for you. If you need something that feels more like a chance to visit with friends then exercise, then I recommend it.

 

[DawnM]

Wow, that is a completely different Curves than the one I went to!!!!

I would say some women were in their 50's, but there were plenty of us in our 30's and 40's.

And, most of the women were actually fairly thin. I was more overweight than most at 40 pounds overweight.

Dawn

Not sure what you are age/weight are, but that may make a difference as to whether or not you feel comfortable there.

I did curves for a very short time in my area. I was the youngest woman there by 20+ years (in my mid-30's) and the smallest person there by 100 pounds (and at that time I was about 30 pounds heavy).

I had a very hard time relating to people and getting motivated when there. I initially joined b/c I also didn't feel comfortable at the "skinny gym" ...thinking, as you said, "what is the fat girl doing here?"

My solution was to back to the skinny gym and work out during non-peak times when I wouldn't run into the snobby types. Funny thing was...once I got on my program and lost just a few pounds, I stopped caring what other people thought and went during times that were best for ME. Now, a lot of those skinny-minnies come to me with their questions! Seriously, it is amazing how fast I got comfortable there and felt "in the know."

As for time commitment, I can't help you there. Yes, it is definitely a chunk out of my day. And one that I really didn't have to part with in the first place. Honestly, I feel like it is a part time job...between planning my food, checking in with my WISH team, and working out...it is about 2 hours each day. BUT...this is also the first time I am truly successful and losing weight and maintaining an exercise program. So, I am willing to put the time in. I have learned that there are no short cuts.

Good luck...and whatever you decide, keep moving! It makes all the difference!

 

[DawnM]

I really liked our Curves, but it closed!

There is a new gym, not a Curves, that opened up and many went there instead, but it doesn't work as well for me, so I have started working out at home.

Dawn