What's YOUR experience with Curves?

[maslex]

I used to go to Curves WAY BACK in the day. I'm talking years ago. But WHEN I decided to go, I know that I didn't really give it my all. But I have a friend that is re-joining in about a week or so and I'm really thinking of trying it again. Is it basically the same thing as before with the circut or has there been changes. Do they have different machines? And I can't remember, is there a scale? And how much is it a month now? Thanks!!!

 

[disneychick0412]

I pay $34/month. I joined in January, but I haven't been going religiously (ok, so I haven't been in a few months, I've been slacking).

Anyway, it is pretty much the same set up as when I was a member about 10 years ago, except that our Curves has the 'curvessmart' keys that you put into the machines. I didn't start using mine, so I can't really explain them in any detail, except to say that I think it keeps track of your intensity level and shows you that you are working below that, to encourage you to work harder (or something like that).

Back 10 years ago, I worked really hard losing weight. Curves EVERY day, except Sundays, and that was only because they were closed, and I watched what I ate really closely. I lost from 232 pounds to around 180. (Then life got crazy, and I got off track)

I know it works...if you work it! Good luck, whatever you decide!!

Oh yeah, there is a scale, and body fat machine, and they use a tape measure to check your measurements, and they check them monthly (if you want them too)

 

[laurie31]

I have also been a member for years. I have found that CurvesSmart makes a HUGE difference in how I work out. I used to go and just...do the machines. Now, I have to go home and take a shower afterwards, I'm dripping with sweat.

I had no idea that I wasn't working out better before, but with CurvesSmart, you know, and it tells you how many calories you burn too, which is a big help to me. I can't bear to eat something like a Krispie Kreme when I know how hard I worked just to burn 400 calories. It seems like I should have burned 10 pounds - lol. I think about how long and hard I'd have to exercise to burn off that doughnut and sudddenly it doesn't look so great.

 

[nmrgrl55]

I REALLY loved Curves! I paid I think $35/mo and it was totally worth it for me. Right now I am going to the YMCA (and pay more) but the only reason is I get childcare for my kids for when I am working out. I would be back to curves in a heartbeat if they offered childcare! I only need it for Summer and vacations but I don't want to miss months of working out because my kiddos are home.

I started after the Curvesmart program so I don't know how it was prior but it was really great. It tracked how many calories I burned and it really pushed me. Once a month I was weighed and measured and I consistantly lost inches and pounds! I really miss Curves

 

[Seahunt]

First you might read this article by the Wall St Journal about the many Curves franchises closing, which was recently featured on Yahoo Finance.

Curves International Inc., whose 30-minute workout for women once made it among the world's fastest-growing franchises, seems to be running out of steam.

Over the past three years its U.S. franchisees have been closing outlets at a rapid rate, shrinking the chain by about a third: to 5,208 U.S. sites at the end of last year from 7,748 at the beginning of 2007, according to a recent franchise disclosure document the company filed with state regulators. More than 1,000 Curves vanished across the country in 2009, while just 35 new locations opened.

Rest of article here:
http://finance.yahoo.com/career-wor...a-closing-fitness-clubs?mod=career-leadership

JMO but I would make sure the club you're looking at is financially sound before joining.