The TRUTH about Curves

[DVC Daisy]

I need your help - I want to jump back on the WISH bandwagon and I have a question:

I am thinking about joining Curves but I wanted some info that I just knew my fellow WISHers would have. I visited both Curves and 24 Hour for my (ugh) 40th birthday yesterday - I figured I have to do something!

So, what is the truth about Curves? I did a search on this board and it seems like it is fun, a big plus in my book. If you go and do the program, it would have to have some results I would assume, but what I want are success stories! I do walk most days for around an hour. Will Curves do more than walking?

Does it really work? How much can you/do you lose? Do you actually get firm, and how long would that take? Everyone there working out when I popped in looked like ME or worse. Where are the trim, tight bodies? Do you quit Curves, and go on to a 24 hour type place when you get firm and tight, OR do you not ever get to that point when doing the Curves workout? The people at 24 hour seemed to range from me-looking to very in shape people. I was not comfortable there however, and the people did not look like they were having fun. I do want results though!

It does seem like a fun, comfortable, supportive environment. I just want to know if it actually WORKS? I would plan on going 3X a week.

Please help me make a decision WISHers! THANKS

 

[tiggerlover]

Hi Deb....another Deb here! Great question, I have been thinking about joining curves when I move this summer and I was wondering some of the same things you are asking. I will be anxious to check back and see what kind of responses you get. In the mean time I just wanted to say .

 

[DVC Daisy]

Deb,

Wow - nice clippie! Looks good on you.

My DH was in the Navy too when we were first married. Navy Wife is not an easy job. Glad you get to move back to the US.

Hope we get some good info on Curves from our WISH friends! "The Debs" need you!

 

[camper]

Hi, I just got back from curves. I have lost 4.50 lbs in a month! That brings it to a total of 9 lbs in three months. Since I only needed to loose 25 lbs, I figure that is pretty good. Especially at my age, 43, where it is hard just to maintain.

There are plenty of women in all shapes that go there. Lots of people are loosing a few lbs a month. It does take a while to get that lean body. And yes, there are some thin women who go there.

What is 24 hour like? Is it similar curves? Is it open 24 hours?

"slow and steady wins the race" , that's what my family dr said.

 

[DVC Daisy]

Hi Camper

That info helps. Your Dr. sounds like mine! 9 lbs is great! Did that include any dieting, or just Curves? How often do you go? Do you FEEL slimmer? Sorry for all of the questions, I just want to make a decision soon.

24 Hours IS open 24 hours. It is nothing like Curves. Sweaty men are there for one thing. It is Co-ed, very large, no music. You are on your own as far as how you work out. Unless you pay big bucks. VERY high pressure sales (IMO). The guy kept looking at me and saying he had seen worse and had success with them so he is sure he could do something with me. I wanted to say, "Yeah but you are bald, so neener, neener, neener." I need to lose 30 lbs, 35 would be better! Plus, the cost was much, much more than Curves. I do want results, but I am thinking you have to be comfortable in an environment to actually Go! I don't want to waste my time though.

 

[wtpclc]

I love Curves! I've been going 3 months (including a week for WDW/Cruise followed by a week of high-stress eating while may father had bypass surgery, so not an optimal couple of weeks by any means). Anyway, I have lost 9.5 inches and 4 pounds. The pound are not spectacular, but the inches are great. Part of that is the whole muscle weighing more than fat thing.

The important thing is that I have lost the inches, my pants are a little looser and people have noticed the diference in only 3 months at 3 times a week. I have been doing the low-carb thing in addition, but am not stringent iwth it to say the least (weekends revert because I'm usually visiting someone who makes it impossible to go low carb, etc.) I digress again, sorry.

Another point - The have weight loss challenge programs that offer a low carb strategy along with a support group. Very effective frm what I've seen.

Anyway, I love it and I have seen results even in a short time period.

PS - We have skinny people at ours too!

 

[wtpclc]

It's not pounds and inches, but I have TONS more energy! I used to get home from work, eat dinner and veg after that for the most part. I work out on my way home now and actually accomplish things after dinner (my husband will back me up on this one!).

 

[wiskband]

HI....I can only tell you my experience.........
I was a member for one year......... I lost 40 pounds ( I did not go faithfully the whole year) I also did low carb.............
I loved it..........
I loved the people there, i made friends, I felt completely comfortable........I have nothing bad to say excpet that after a year, the workout wasnt enough............
I think the Curves people will soon figure thisi out and possibly come out with a second year program.........
Thing is, I wasnt sweating anymore when I was done, I know I know you may say well do another time around cucuit, I dont have time for that.........What I have done is take my second years membership, and bought a treadmill.........
Now I can exercise when I want...........

Anyway, I have nothing bad to say about it, it was a great start for me, I do miss the woman there but quite happy with my treadmill..............
I guess to sum it all up, if your just now starting to exercise curves is a great place to start..if you have been excercising and your body is used to it then it may not be for you.........
good luck whatever you may decide....renee

 

[DVC Daisy]

Renee,

Thanks! That is exactly what I suspected with Curves, that after some amount of time, it would not be "enough". I kinda of suspect that is where the "skinny" people are, like you, they have moved on. Not that some of the women I saw don't look good, just not the really toned, buffed look that I saw at 24 hours.

Nice clippie BTW! Wow!

I think I may try it and see.

Thanks everyone for all of your input. It was exactly what I needed

 

[AlreadyexcitedGrammy]

Tonight I report that I really like Curves - now tomorrow after my first "measuring" we'll see if I change my tune

I think I am the "reverse" story. I have been tmilling for 2 years actually - but "really serious" with WW dieting and working out since March 2003. Lost 39 lbs to date.

I joined Curves a month ago to give me a change to something a bit different and hopefully a metabolism boost at the end of the day. I still walk and do some WATP, strength training videos, etc. but so far, I like the Curves workout.

sometimes I have trouble getting and keeping my heart rate up to the level I need, so I have to work a bit harder at that. (I think it is because I do so much walking that my resting rate is a bit lower)

I did not have to sign a contract and still only pay $30 per month. that really was the clincher for me - for the same reasons stated by others. I don't know that it will be "enough" for me and I am thinking maybe 6 mos and then time to move on.

I recommend reading the hardback book by the founder/owner - there is some good info - (well okay mho) but I really did get my "eyes opened to some new info"

Ladies are friendly - staff is helpful and it just is a nice place to stop by after work. Also, they want YOU to succeed and I think that is important too.

I'll be back tomorrow to post my results

 

[camper]

Finally getting back to you ,Deb.
I have been dieting some. Just cutting back on the carbs. I stay away from white bread, pasta, potatoes, sweets. I do cheat some. And I have been having a couple of drinks on the weekends.
I try to go three times a week, but don't always make it. A friend passed away last month and a I missed a whole week.
I do feel stronger, which is great.

 

[tmfranlk]

Deb- I don't know much about Curves, but would you be willing to share the pricing info that you got from 24hour? I was thinking about talking to them, but also don't really want to go sit through the sales thing when I probably can't afford it. I am most interested in what the cheapest plan offers and whether there are any registrations/membership fees up front.

Thanks!
Tia

 

[AlreadyexcitedGrammy]

I said last post that today was my first month WI/measuring - YES, YES, YES - I really like the place, thumbs up (can you tell what's coming?)

by their scales......................... I lost 9.5 pounds and 5 inches this past month. Let me tell you that is awesome for me!!

I say go for it - especially if you don't have to sign a contract!

 

[LUVDSNY04]

Hi,
I have been going to Curves since Feb. and I am really enjoying this place! My first month I lost 17 pounds! The next weigh in I lost 10 inches and 4 pounds so I am quite happy with the results. Everyone is telling me I look great. My blood pressure has really come down from 140/80 to 120/68. I go right after school and then come home and walk the two dogs. I have always walked the dogs and walking maintained my weight but I really never lost any weight so Curves is helping there. I am seeing firmness this month and my next weigh in will be on the 25th of this month.

 

[DVC Daisy]

camper - sounds like you are doing well. So kinda dieting, but not totally. That sounds like what I will be doing. GREAT RESULTS, I would be thrilled if I do that well.

Sorry to hear about your friend. What a difficult thing to go through.

tmfranlk - 24 was nice, very large facility and seems like nice people. Very, very high sales pitch. They take you in a room in the back to talk to you. Very similar to a timeshare sales presentation (not DVC though ). Expect to spend over an hour there while they talk to you about the "plans". Basically, it seemed like the cheapest was around $289.00 sign up fee and then $40.00 per month or $60.00 for a couple if you sign up with a friend. There were many, many options from there. There was one I liked over $1000.00 Included a personal trainer and complete menu planning, etc. for 5 weeks. Nice, but quite a bit of money. I may eventually sign up for 24 hours (I have some friends that go there) but I think I will start out with Curves. PM me if you need more details on 24 hours.

AlreadyexcitedGrammy and LUVDSNY04- YOU GUYS ROCK! Wow, nice work and nice results! Amazing.

AlreadyexcitedGrammy - how did you not have to sign a contract? When I popped in to ask questions mine said $74.00 sign up fee (1 year contract) and $39.00/month. Sounds high. Do you negoatiate? Maybe mine is just more expensive. Everything else is.. Still sounds higher than others have posted. Any advice?

Thanks to all of you great WISHers for your help. You guys are the best!

 

[wiskband]

Hey DVC, you should look into just joining on a monthly basis.........
I can tell ya that I now the owner of my Curves and although, they are a franchise, they make up there own prices so you can actually haggle with them............
Here at my old Curves, it was 40 a month or 50 if you pay monthly (no contract) BUT and this makes no sense, they also had a 3 months for 99 dollar deal too..............Which would be the best deal no contract and that only comes out to 33 dollars a month!

Anywa, ask at your Curves.............. they may have something similar thatis not long term..
good luck
renee

 

[DVC Daisy]

Renee,

Thank you! That really helps. I will ask about the monthly plan. I guess it cannot hurt. I really would rather go month to month since I am not sure how much I will like it. Wow, I would love that 3 month deal.

THANKS again!