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Archive through March 16, 2004

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions: 2004 May - July: Health Center (ARCHIVES): "Curves" for Women centers: Archive through March 16, 2004 users admin

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Eliz87
Member

07-30-2001

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 8:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I've seen these places popping up all over the place. Has anyone tried their program? What is it all about? It is expensive?

Hermione69
Member

07-24-2002

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 8:43 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Eliz, my mom and one of my good friends both love it. It is a circuit program, from what I understand, in which you spend a minute or so at each station and the stations alternate weights and cardio. One might be a thigh curl and the next a stair stepper, etc. I go to Victory Lady which has a smaller version of a weight/cardio circuit system and I do enjoy it a lot, but I would get bored if it was all I did. I'm not sure if Curves offers things like classes and treadmills which I love. I don't know how much it costs. You should check one out to see if you think it is for you. Like I said, my mom belongs and so does a good friend (last I talked to her anyway, we don't live closeby anymore) and both love it and have lost weight during the Curves workout.

Sia
Member

03-11-2002

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 9:14 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
A month ago I joined my local "Curves" and am enjoying it and am feeling better, which is important to my overall health and my emotional well-being, too. The workout takes half an hour and is a good cardio/strength-training combination. There are ten work stations and ten "recovery stations" on which you alternate as you work your way around the room, completing 2 1/2 total circuits. You can begin on any piece of equipment and know on which one to stop by consulting a chart on the wall. Thirty seconds (yes, SECONDS!!) are spent at each spot, so it's not enough to just kill you, and it changes frequently enough that you certainly don't get bored.

You use a piece of equipment that works the upper body, then spend 30 sec running in place on a recovery board, then go to a machine that works the lower body, then to the next recovery board for 30 seconds of free-style low-impact aerobics, and keep going till you've completed your 2 1/2 circuits around the room.

It's fun, the music is annoying (naturally), but upbeat and positive, the trainers are great, and everyone is extremely friendly. I live near a village of about 200 people and drive 10 miles to Curves, which is located in a village of about 2000 people. 400 local women have joined, so that says something for the program!!

It's a franchise, and our local Curves is owned by the wife of one of the dentists in town. Everyone knows everyone else. My sister-in-law belongs, my best friend, my cousin, mothers of my kids' friends, just lots of women I've known for years--even a few with whom I've worked over the years. I think it's a great program.

When I joined I paid $75 as a membership fee (half-off the regular $150 price; it was a special at the time) and the cost is $31-something per month, which is deducted from my checking account. Easy-peasy!

So far I've lost a few pounds and I can tell that I've lost an inch or so around my hips. I will be weighed and measured again in the middle of this month--this week, in fact. One of the machines isn't doing any favors for my abdominal hernia, but I think I'll say something to the doctor on my next visit and that I'll avoid that machine in future, just working behind it rather than on it, which is perfectly acceptable to the trainers.

Good luck. I say join, have fun, and lose weight and feel better.

Teachmichigan
Member

07-22-2001

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 9:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I, too, joined about a week ago. There is one 6 miles away and one 15 miles. The one that is farther away actually has 15 different machines, so you only do 2 "laps"...and I like it a lot! The closer one has 10 stations...3 laps...30 minutes...I'm outa' there!

I LOVE it! The cost here is $29 a month if you sign up for a year and they automatically deduct from checking. The local ones run a "free" membership drive every 3 - 4 months or so...this time around if you bring in a bag of food for the hunger drive, your membership fee is waived.

Two gals at school have joined...one has lost 25 pounds and both have lost 5 - 8 inches! Neither was very overweight to being with (they've both reached "goal"), and IMHO, those last 20 lbs. or so are the hardest to lose. The fact that Curves helped them do it is impressive. One girl didn't change eating habits at all...the other did the South Beach diet along w/ Curves.

I agree...it's easy, it's not boring, it's ONLY women, you see many "normal" size women, and therefore, I'll probably keep going. That seems to be the point, eh?

Egbok
Member

07-13-2000

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 9:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Hi Eliz, I've been a Curves member since August 2003 and I love it! It's what the others posted and have described, but I'll add that I had to commit to a 1 year subscription which is put on my charge card every month. Also, I feel it's important that the franchise is operated by the owners...they have a vested interest to care more about the equipment and how you are doing with your program as an individual.

My Curves has 12 circuits and we go around twice. It still takes 30 minutes. Then after I'm through with the circuits, I do 20-30 minutes of stretching every muscle possible on my body, I do more than the wall poster/diagrams suggest.

I love going there because it's my special "me" time and the plus side is I see alot of former acquaintances from years past when my kids were smaller and we would all hang out at the local park and rec. Some have become friends to hang with once again! The best part is that I have now reached the point where I can carry on a conversation while exercising and believe me, when I started, I had problems with just breathing...LOL!! Good luck with your decision!!




Sunshyne4u
Member

06-17-2003

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 10:12 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Interesting how your perspectives are so different than mine. I used to actively go to a regular guy gym then had an injury and put on weight. I was no longer able to use the Weighttraining resistance Machines.

A CURVES opened up in town and sounded good. Women only, 1/2 hr circuit and out you go! Affordable.

I happily went there to check out the place. ALL the stations were in a circle placed in a room about the size of my living room. As you 'worked out' you were facing directly at the person a short distance across the room from you, Staring at them cause there was nothing else to look at.....and THEY stared at you. All the while people are visiting by hollaring across the room at each other.

Now you to understand my discomfort you must realize that I concentrate on correct position and technique when I work out. I found it completely unnerving to be stared at when I am trying to 'get into' a safe NON REINJURING work routine.
CURVES would be wonderful for those who are wanting a 'social outing' and ....and a nice workout..but if you are shy or need to be careful about positioning, it may not be for you, IMHO.

Egbok
Member

07-13-2000

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 10:24 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I agree with you Sunshyne. There certainly are some franchises as you describe. Luckily for my situation, there is lots of room to move around and it's a very popular Curves in our area where there are probably 6 other Curves within a 15 mile radius.

And when July/August 2004 comes 'round, I'll be re-evaluating weather I need to seek out another type of exercising facility as I feel I'll probably outgrow what Curves has to offer. Hope that makes sense.


Teachmichigan
Member

07-22-2001

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 10:32 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Sunshyne...I can see where that would be difficult. The 10 circuit one nearby is a bit more "cozy" than the 15 circuit one...but both have enough room that it isn't "required" to stare at the person across from you. I usually find a focus point on the wall or ceiling...and unless I go w/ my friend, I speak to no one.

Exercise, to me, just doesn't go w/ socializing...I don't work as hard if I'm chatting!

One of my other pals has gone for 2 years...and she just "ups" her "recovery station" aerobics and goes for more reps to make her workout harder and keep it challenging.

Sia
Member

03-11-2002

Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 11:14 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
The Curves where I belong has its equipment in a living-room-sized area and it is totally a social, welcome, fun atmosphere. We do talk and visit freely, and it doesn't bother anyone that we're all looking across at one another. I guess I'm not a shy person (meaning I talk easily with strangers as well as with people I already know), although I am big and self-conscious about my weight. Some machines are a tad difficult to get onto, but we all just encourage one another, and the trainers have told us to feel free to ask for help from anyone around if someone needs assistance getting off one of the machines.

Many of the women where I belong are upwards of 60 and have joined at their doctors' suggestion (weight-bearing exercise to combat the effects of osteoporosis). A handful of women are in their 80s, and they all enjoy it very much. There are only two or three teenagers who are members (track team members working out to get ready for the running season), and the rest are 20s to 50s. Both career women and homemakers can be found at the local Curves center.

Most of the women have 20 or more pounds to lose, and only a small percentage of women here are actually at goal weight and are what you'd consider totally physically fit. Most of the women I've asked wouldn't have joined Curves if men were allowed into the facility. Include me in that number!

The trainers tell us when someone's lost a significant number of pounds/inches, and we applaud cheerfully for the member. Our weight/measurements are kept confidential. (The trainer says "Sia's lost 5 pounds and two inches so far," or something to that effect, not "Sia weighs X-number pounds," so you don't have to worry that anything is being disclosed that you'd not rather have discussed.)

Everyone has different preferences as far as working out goes; I personally like the encouragement I get from my friends at Curves, while others might prefer a traditional gym with a personal trainer. My sister-in-law and I call each other and nag (if necessary) to get the other to meet her three times per week at Curves. It's understood when she calls me that I will whine and complain, but then I haul my butt out of bed, take a shower, meet her at Curves, then go for a salad with her afterward. A week ago we took salads to sis-in-law's house, where I got to visit with my Mom (who was babysitting my niece) and Dad and sis-in-law after our workout. I am going to keep going to Curves. This is something I've told myself that I can do, I need to do, and that's good for me and makes me feel better.

It's thirty bucks per month: I can afford it. I can't afford NOT to do it.

Ginger1218
Member

08-31-2001

Monday, March 15, 2004 - 6:06 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I love Curves. Unfortunately, I have not been able to go since mid January (because of the fire) and the problems with my neck and back. But, I will be going back very soon. I think it is a great place. If you are a hard core exercise person, you probably won't like it, but if you want to exercise, and can make one and a half hours per week, it is wonderful, and not difficult to do.
Also, as an aside here, the woman that owns my Curves and 2 others in the area, ran a raffle and gave away a membership and the proceeds went to me and 4 other women who were members and who lived in my building. We each got $300 and a free membership. I thought that was incredible nice.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Monday, March 15, 2004 - 6:36 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I've belonged to Curves since July 2002. I absolutely LOVE the workout, and am even happier now that one has opened up across the street from my office. For a half-hour workout, you really DO get a good workout. After 6 months, I quit measuring and weighing myself. I'd lost 7 lbs, and inches all over the place. And remember, I've not been overweight, so things just got really toned up.

My mom has just joined in Colorado Springs. She is overweight, and I'm very glad that she is committed to working out at Curves. I think the half-hour commitment three days a week is easily do-able.

I like the noncompetitive environment, and have never felt awkward with being watched. Then again, I'm a bit of a rogue -- when we do the stretches, I always incorporate some yoga moves (and get comments that I'm showing off my flexibility, which isn't true but yeah, I'm more flexible than 90% of the women there).

If you don't like the group of women working out when you are there, switch times. I've noticed that the early afternoon (right after reopening) times seem to be filled with mostly older women. Early morning and right before lunch seems to be more "working" women.

If you have a workout plan that is working for you, there's no reason to switch. But if you are not working out, and want to improve your health, lose weight and/or inches, gain energy... then I think this is a very viable solution.

Plus! Well, I travel a lot. And there are Curves everywhere! Get a travel pass from the location where you signed up, and you can work out anywhere!

March
Member

10-02-2003

Monday, March 15, 2004 - 9:59 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Sunshyne4u,
You are going to the wrong Curves. Come to the one I go to. The women that run it have filled the ceiling with various pictures of HUNKS. So instead of having to stare at the person across from you, you can have a lovely view by just looking up.
I have been going for over a year now and love it. Not only for the exercise factor but I find it is a great stress release after a hard days work.


Egbok
Member

07-13-2000

Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:50 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
March! What a great suggestion!! I'm going to go buy a few of those "hunkie" posters and donate them to my Curves. Anything to help the cause....LOL!!

Djgirl
Member

07-17-2002

Monday, March 15, 2004 - 11:36 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I will be the other detractor here. I signed up with Curves Jan'03. Unfortuneatly, the trainers at our Curves didn't know how to use the equipment properly and I ended up doing more damage to my knees than was already there. I have specific exercises that I'm supposed to do, and they are all encompassed at Curves, so I thought it would be a great place... NOPE. Sorry, you couldn't pay me to go back.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Monday, March 15, 2004 - 4:13 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Sorry you had such a bad experience, DJ. My mom, who also has bad knees, worked thru the set of equipment last week, and there's one that she can't do at all. So she is probably gonna modify that one and use the bouncy ball instead.

The woman who owns the two Curves where I work out is VERY particular about how the equipment is used. I don't know about her staff, but SHE does a good job of training people to use the equipment properly.

Remember, everyone... it's like a mammogram. It isn't supposed to hurt. If it does, something's wrong! (You should feel your muscles, though! <grin>)

I worked out today at lunch. I feel great! I love it... I can dash out, run across the street, work out, and I'm back in my office before most folks realize I've been gone!!!!

Yankee_in_ca
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, March 15, 2004 - 4:19 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
That's the problem with franchises, unfortunately.

I think in theory that Curves is an excellent idea, particularly for those women who don't prefer to go to a big, often-overwhelming facility.

But like any franchise, there are some that are great, well-trained, etc., and unfortunately some that aren't. I agree with Costa -- if it hurts (pain, not soreness pain) or if you sense the trainers don't know what they're doing, stay away!

A Curves just opened in my building (about 50 steps from my front door, in fact). Whenever I walk past there, I'm happy to see women of all ages, shapes and sizes, working out and laughing together.

(I should say that I have never worked out at a Curves ... I've been very happy with my gym for years ... so my comments are based on what I know about them and not a personal experience.)

Jhezzie
Member

07-05-2001

Monday, March 15, 2004 - 6:57 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Can you pay as you go, or do you have to let them deduct monthly?

Egbok
Member

07-13-2000

Monday, March 15, 2004 - 7:56 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Jhezzie, you have to let them deduct monthly.

Also, I just read DJgirl's post about her bad experience with her Curves franchise and her knee problems.

I've got a torn medial something-or-other ligament in my right knee and I was put through PT to strengthen the muscles in that knee, with the hopes of avoiding knee surgery for a few more years. Well, Curves offered alot of the same PT exercises and when I started at Curves, I did the knee exercises at my own pace. When I felt a twinge, I slowed it down to the minimum. I do have to admit that in the beginning I felt that my knee wouldn't be able to take what Curves offered. However, I've got to tell you, my knee has never felt better! I do not have any pain in that area anymore and I believe it's because I have absolutely strengthened those targeted muscles around the torn ligament. I've been exercising at Curves for 7 months now.

And don't ask me how I tore my ligament....I'll never tell that story...LOL!!


Lancecrossfire
Moderator

07-13-2000

Monday, March 15, 2004 - 8:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Sia!! Great to see you posting agin! Please stick around!

It's wonderful that you found something you can enjoy so much--and actually have fun! That always help to be able to stick with it over the long haul.:-)

Your posts has a lot of excitement in it--that is good to see. Hang in there and keep us informed of how it's going. The starting off part is usually the toughest for most people--both physically and emotionally. Having supportive people around while you are actually doing the work out is something that can be a huge help. It sounds like they would be genuine with their support.

No one program works for everyone as far as how much they enjoy it and the potential for staying with it. Once you find something you like, it makes it a heck of a lot better.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 9:45 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Jhezzie, you CAN pay monthly, although I believe you'll pay $10 a month more. Also, if you go the monthly route, you are subject to a rate increase if prices go up. I think signing up when I did, and going the auto deduction route, my rates are locked in for something like 10 years!! <grin> The fees are different depending on the state in which you live (current fees for monthly auto deductions are $39 in California; $29 in Colorado).

And um, Eggie, hon? Now you've GOTTA explain the story behind that torn ligament! I mean, you opened the door! <hint hint> <snicker>

Readonly
Member

04-16-2003

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 11:41 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I'm so happy to find this thread. I joined my local Curves last Saturday morning. They were having a special enrollment. All you had to do was bring in a bag of groceries that will be given to a local charitable organization, and the $75 fee was waived. Last night was my first workout. I felt comfortable there. The instructor went through both circuits (12 machines) with me and corrected my positions when needed. She also went through the stretching exercises with me at the end. It took a total of 45 minutes from the time I left my house to to the time I returned home. And I really felt that I had a good workout. I'm going to go Mondays, Wednesdays (Thursday this week because of Survivor!!) and Saturday mornings. Only my husband and one of my sisters knows I'm doing this. We're having a large family reunion at the end of May and I hope everyone can see a difference. Wish me luck.

Djgirl
Member

07-17-2002

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 12:24 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Eggie - you are just one of the lucky ones... and I'll bet my torn anterior crucient ligament story is even better than yours!!!! I'll share mine if you share yours!!! :-) I am the queen of the clutzes!!!

As for the exercises - I took them at my own pace, but I didn't trust the trainers since they each seemed to have their own way of utilizing the machines and everytime I would see them training someone, it would be different from the way that I was shown. I returned to my doctor after having been at Curves for a month, and she pulled me away - I had damaged my ligament again just by not doing something properly. Oh Well!

Lancecrossfire
Moderator

07-13-2000

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 12:32 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Read, it sounds like you have a good instructor or group of instructors. That is so important to have when exercising. It sounds like they are taking the time to get know each person in class.

Dj, I think you made a god point about checking with you doctor after starting an exercise program after you've had an injury. Let them know what you do in class and have them evaluate the affectiveness. It could save some aches later on--or worse.

March
Member

10-02-2003

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 12:32 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
DJ, that is too bad about the experience you had but if there is another Curves in your area you should try that one, they may be better trained.
The stafff at the one where I go is wonderful. There is usually someone out on the floor encouraging people as they work out and making sure people are using the machines correctly. We do also have some women that cannot use all the machines because of an injury etc. We have even had pregnant women working out (as much as they can) and I have seen the staff go over with them which machines they should stay away from and which ones they can safely do. I guess it all comes down to how well the owners train their staff.
They also try to make things fun for the women by have different contests. For example tomorrow if we wear something green we can put our name in for a draw.


Reader234
Member

08-13-2000

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 2:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
hanging my head, and posting

I joined, but I dont like the hours!! I need the intensity, but you do have to be careful... Also, it takes me between 10 - 25 seconds to change machines, some machines I need to put a raiser/lowerer pillow thingy on it... so I started to keep track of how long I was on a machine, sometimes it was less than 30 seconds, so I try and go when it is "off peak" and stay at the machine 30 seconds. I am overweight, and underexercised, so I cant "jog" or move fast at the between stations, I keep track of my heart rate and try and stay in the "target heart rate"... I keep hoping that I will get better and then I can move up to a regular gym. There are 2 close by my home, and I suggest you look at each, they have different owners, so they have different feels... and some franchises have fewer machines, mine is adding a new machine, and also changes the order of the machines to break it up a bit...

I have lots of videos, but dont work them, I bought a 10 day pass for the gym, and still have 5 days left, I'm hoping to be motivated by my monetary investmet, and invest in "ME"... }