Joining a gym???

[tbstein]

I was considering joining Curves. It's a gym for women only. I haven't checked into prices yet, but thought I would see if anyone else here has joined, go to a gym, etc. Is it a hassle, does it help, is it worth the cost? I need to get to work on my loose areas, such as arms and stomach. The walking has helped my legs, but not all the areas that are showing signs of needing attention.

I would love any info, whether positive or negitive to help me with this decision. My DH says to do whatever I feel I need to get where I want to be. He's so sweet.

Thanks for all the help in advance!


Wendy

 

[LdyFaile]

I've been a member of Curves for a little over a year now. I like the resistance machines and when I had them measure me regularly it seemed to be making a difference. The best thing to do really is just go and try it out. They'll show you the ropes and you can see if it's what you want to do. I don't know if the prices differ by region but I know here in Portland, OR it's about $10 cheaper per month if you have them automatically take it out of your account. However I did have to initially sign a one year contract. I didn't have to pay the start up fee because I signed up in January when they were running a special. I'm thinking about dropping it though, not because I don't think it works just because I'm trying to cut down on expenses. I have aerobic tapes that I can do at home that won't cost me anything, they'll take less time since I don't have to walk out to my car, drive to Curves, change shoes, workout, stretch, change shoes and then drive home. All of which seems to take an hour even with only living possibly 5 minutes away. Instead I could roll out of bed, dress, and workout. I'm also trying to cut down on my gas consumption and while I could walk to Curves each morning, I just don't have the time. Anyway..may not have been what you were looking for but there you go.

 

[tbstein]

Thanks Amber. No, that's cool on the info. I will look into it more, it is on my way to work, but sometimes I think the hours aren't all what I need.

Thanks again!

Wendy

 

[DisDee]

I'm a Curves member also. Its a good basic workout , but tends to get a little boring. I need to really motivate myself mentally to give it my all. My club is located just 2 blocks from my house, and I go there on my way home from work, cause if I didn't do that, I wouldn't go back out in the evening. Haven't been there in a few weeks since I hurt my knee, but I plan on starting back on Monday. Another great feature is that its for women only . Feel free to ask me any questions!

 

[momrek06]

I joined Curves in Sept 2001. I LOVED it!! It was a great basic workout. I went mon-fri at 6am and did my 30 minutes...it was great being done by 6:30am. At the end of the first year I had lost a total (overall) of 14 inches!!! Wow, I thought that was wonderful but I did not lose really any weight at all.
I decided (Sept 2002) that after my 30 minutes at Curves I would go to our local walking track here in town and do another 30 minutes around the track. I needed MORE than just Curves. So for the next solid year I did 30 min at Curves and 30 min at the track...and this was summer/fall/winter/spring. I brought all my winter layers with me to Curves. Hey, after all I was still done by 7:30am. Now as we advance into (Sept 2003) and there is a brand new gym opening up in my town with a great deal...early sign up...$29.00pp, per month...so I signed up DH & I and LOVE EVERY MINUTE of all the awesome equipment they have to offer from treadmills to elipiticals to arc trainers to all the bikes and then the classes from spin to body pump etc and I also have a professional trainer that I have hired to work with me privately.

BASICALLY, OP: Curves is a very good starting point. I would definitely start there and then after a year, evaluate the w/o and yourself and decide if you are happy with the results or will it be time that you advance.

GOOD LUCK

 

[TomB'sWidow]

I did Curves two years ago as previously stated great starting point, but after awhile it is not challenging enough and I switched to Gold's gym which really gave me a great workout but of course my motivation didn't last my emotions got the better of me. I am hoping to get started again this week

 

[tbstein]

Thanks girls! Sounds like I will take the advice on using it as a starting point. What I like about it that my DD who is 10 can go with me, since she is tall enough to use machines. I think that the 2 of us starting together will help to motivate each other. I have lost enough weight that I really need to work on toning or I will run into some problems later on down the line. There is also another gym, similars to a 'GOLD' just a few blocks from Curves, so I could work myself up to that. I am loosing weight, just need some 'spring' in my body.


Once again, Thanks for the info! It has encouraged me to join to get a start on things!

Wendy

 

[Beastlover]

Hey! I am a Jazzercise instructor and it sounds like you may benefit from aerobic exercise. Jazzercise will give you that, along with strength training for your arms, legs, glutes and abs...all in a quick 1 hour workout!

I have seen many of my students transform using Jazzercise and healthy eating habits...you can check it out on jazzercise.com and locate a class near you.

Whatever you do, you certainly seem very motivated, and that is the biggest hurdle!! Good luck in whatever you do!!

 

[tbstein]

Thanks Michelle. Our local gym offers those classes, and it is something they will let my daughter do with me (checked it out). She is very excited too, so it really helps doing it with someone else.

Thanks again!

Wendy