OT - Anyone here belong to Curves?

[Tinkerjane]

Hi All,
wondering if anyone on the boards is a members of Curves and if it has worked for them. Also what the cost is. I went on their website, gives lots of info except for cost. Also, if you have to join for a length of time or if you can cancel at anytime.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Scornelius]

I joined Curves a couple years ago under a promotion where you could donate 2 big bags of food to the food bank in lieu of a start-up cost, which I believe was about $250. The monthly cost was about $40. I had to sign a one year contract, and had to give them a month's notice in writing when I didn't wan't to renew the contract or else it would automatically continue on a month-to-month basis.
I didn't have that much luck with Curves, but I was already a pretty physical person. Half an hour, 3 times a week really isn't that much. But if you're starting at 0, it might help. And if you combine it with a sensible eating plan, you'll definitely do better.
Good luck!!

 

[starrzone]

***Disclaimer: Remember that this is only MY opinion and is based solely on MY experiences and from what I've heard from others.***

I have a friend who is big into the whole gym thing, and in his opinion Curves doesn't work very well. It works IF you stick with it, but it takes a long, long time to see results. On the other hand, if you just join a regular gym, you can see results much more quickly. At the beginning of February 2004 I was 186 pounds...by May, I was 160 and by July I was down to 150. There's no easy road to weight loss- if you want results, you have to work hard and sweat for them. Combine cardio with weight training and a healthy diet, and I will GUARANTEE that you will see results. If I showed you my before/ after pictures, you wouldn't recognize me!

Anyhow, I see you are in Toronto...I would suggest checking out a Goodlife near you. I searched the website for gyms in Toronto, and there are 9 in total, 3 of which are women’s. I started at a women’s gym because I felt extremely self-conscious, and even these days I go back and forth between coed and women only. I guess all this is to say that I think you'd have better luck with a regular gym- the Goodlife classes are a TON of fun (I am a bit biased, but it worked for me!).

JMO,

starrzone

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I tried it and hated it! The first week was fun, then it just got so boring and the music drove me insane. BUT....the biggest reason I quit was I was constantly SICK! First a bad cold that wouldn't quit, then a flu, then another cold....and I realized that everyone is using this equiptment in a continuous circle and its not being cleaned or wiped down between women using it - the ladies are sweating and touching and its just gross....you end up in their sweat and there is NO time to wipe it down - its 30 secs (I think) on each machine and you keep going around and around until your 30 mins are up. Well I was picking up everyone's cold and flu germs off the machines and was so sick. I am the type of person who rarely gets ill. My daughter can have a horrible cold, and if I am careful, I won't get it. Yet that winter (this was 2 years ago now), I was so ill and couldn't shake the cold and flu for 2 months - I realized it was from Curves! All the women there were wiping thier noses, coughing, sneezing,etc..... I quit after 2 months but was locked into the contract for a year. I put a stop payment on all the checks and they never bothered me. I told them I was quitting because it was gross, and didn't plan on paying any more, contract or no contract!

 

[Lynda Silk]

I joined Curves about 3 years ago and I really liked it! It took me about 3-4 months to lose about 15 pounds (started at 142 lbs), and that was what my goal was. The first month, I don't think I lost too many pounds, but I did lose inches. Then the weight started dropping off. I also watched what I ate. I'm back up to around 135 lbs but I haven't been too careful about what I eat and I have slacked off going to Curves. I think Curves is great initially but you do get bored with the same routine after 2-3 years or so. But I found it worked very well for me in the first 2 years.

The best thing about Curves is the warm, welcoming atmosphere, and the support you get from the other members and the trainers. I found that the trainers were very good about ensuring that you used the equipment correctly and were really nice too. It's certainly not for people who want to be super fit but I think it's best for busy women who just want to slim down and tone up, feel more energetic and want to be healthier.

 

[Disney_Mama]

I just joined Curves in January. So far no weight loss, but I have lost inches. I can feel that the core of my body is stronger. I can understand how some people might think it is gross. I just make sure that I don't touch my face while I am there. I wash my hands then us that gel stuff too.(Lollipop's Mom this is in no way saying that you did not do this) I just thought that this is my way of getting started with exercise. If I keep it up my next step will be Goodlife. I paid $150 one time initiation fee and then got two months free. Then $50 a month. I also am looking into Pilates classes. I don't need to loose much weight. I just need to get ride of the jiggle. Good luck with your choice. I think any exercice is better than none.

 

[BraMax]

I will add my two cents in here too. I am also a member of Curves. I pay $42.00 a month but I am on a contract with them (it's usually $5.00 more for non contracts). The sign up fees here are $199.00 but if you watch for promotions you can get in with donations of money, money and referals from friends you can get a reduced or free sign up fee. The thing I like about Curves is you don't have to think about what to do next. You just go in and do the circut. No wandering around going what do I do next. Plus it's only 30 minutes a day. We don't have Goodlife out here in Edmonton (at least I don't think never heard of them). Curves is a good introduction to working out if you've never done it before and the fact that no men are allowed is nice no one is judgemental on your size because we are all there for the same reason. I myself in conjuction with LAWL have lost 60 lbs and 62 inches. So anyways just my two cents. If you do have any more questions about it feel free to ask me.

Jennifer

 

[Tinkerjane]

Thanks so much everyone.
I think I'll pass on the Curves and rejoin my gym that I gave up a year ago. It is right across the street from my home. Its an all womens gym Fitness one. When I first joined I lost 50 pounds with eating properly and only doing the treadmill. I was going to add in other things later and then stopped going. I have regained about 15 pounds. Need to lose about 50-60 total.