Exercise - Curves
I am almost 6 months post op. I have got to either join a gym or something.
I just keep thinking about it and not doing anything.
I was wondering if anyone has joined Curves and what their experience is with them?
I have heard you only go 3 times a week? And that they are not open on weekends? I don't think I would like that but looking for some feedback.
Donna B.
Donna, I am in the same boat as you. I am 9 months out and just joined the gym at the YMCA after not exercising like I'm supposed to during the last several months. I am guilty of doing the exact same thing you have been doing...thinking about it, but not doing anything. I joined the YMCA because they are open 7days a week, and I like the fact that I can do cardio a few days, lift weights a few days, and take some classes like yoga, pilates, water aerobics, etc. if I want to. I've only known a few people who went to Curves and they really liked it, but got bored with it after a while. This is one of the reasons I didn't choose Curves. I think it depends on your need for variety and how their hours fit around your schedule. Maybe you should visit several gyms and see what they have to offer and how they fit into your lifestyle and schedule. If you already think that you wouldn't like the schedule at Curves, you might consider other options. Just my humble opinion. Good luck with your exercise! I hope you find something that you really like that will keep you motivated!
The main reason I would discourage you from joining Curves is the fact that their exercise/weight machines are hydraulic. To obtain proper resistance training you should weight based machine where you can adjust the amount of weight.
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MM~ 415/154
We write our own destiny; we become what we do. ~ Madame Chiang Kai-Shek
I belonged to Curves a few years ago when I was doing Weigh****chers again. I loved it at the time but did get a bit bored with it after a year. I then joined a regular gym for more variety. However, we moved a little over a year ago and the distance to the gym is just too much now. I am 5 weeks post RNY and my nut encouraged joining something like Curves (or doing the same activity elsewhere) because the concept behind Curves is the building of lean muscle mass. This is good for bariatric patients because we are actually breaking down our own muscle during this rapid weight loss phase and the more lean muscle you have, the more calories you burn. There is a Curves about 5 miles away from our new house so I am thinking about joining. Some Curves are open on at least Saturday mornings. I guess it comes down to what is near you that is convenient and affordable. I would much prefer to go to a bigger gym with more variety but that is just not possible where we live.
I was a member of Curves for a year or two in 2000-2001. I LOVED it because it was only women and they were all shapes and sizes. It was an excellent starting point because it helped me burn calories, build lean muscle, and do a routine without having to think about it alot. I went in, did my 30 minutes, and left. I always lost inches and weight if I kept to it 3-5 times a week. 3 times is the minimum they'd like you to go if you want to see results. You can go every day if you want to. I found it much less intimidating than the gyms with all kinds of hard bodies and men. I was there to work out - not look pretty or find a date!!
My suggestion is this: Find a local Curves and go talk to them. They will likely let you try it out a time or two without paying so you can see if you like it. If you like it, join it for a year and get some experience under your belt and build up some muscle mass. If after a year you are bored and would like to try something different, go to a local YMCA or regular gym and find a personal trainer.
After my surgery next month, I am going to recover, then start off 2007 w/a membership to Curves for the first year. I am also going to use some hand weights to build up muscle mass on days I don't go to the gym.
Good luck in your weight loss journey!! You are already on the losers bench and that is a huge step!!
Delana
SW/CW/GW
334/240/175