Curves????

Does anyone have a membership with Curves? I am thinking about joining one. I have a appoinment to visit one today. I like the 30 min workout but I also hear that it is not that great. Let me know before I spend the money.. Thanks Mo

Hey Mo. I did curves pre op and didn't really like it then. I didn't feel like I was getting enough of a work out but that could also be what I was putting into it. I have known a lot of people who have done curves after surgery and been happy with it. A few have mentioned that once theey got to a certain point they felt like they needed more. Some joined different gyms and others added more intense cardio to their workout at home. It really has to be your choice. Definitely go to your appointment and check it out. It may be what you need to get started. Courtney

Thanks Courtney, I have one friend that did not have surgery was not happy with it. I mean, I could walk on the treadmill at home but I get bored with stuff real easy. I will check it out tonight...

Mo - I think Curves is a good starting point if you have never had any exercise or are very unfit - it does get you moving. However after a few months you will probably need a much more intense work out with weight training as well as cardio and should think about perhaps joining a differentl gym that can give you a better workout and work the muscles you want. I used to go to Contours (a woman's gym) and thought I was having a decent workout until I joined the gym I am in now and realised I never really was having much of a workout. But when I was 260lbs and above I would never have dreamt of going to a mixed gym - I was so self conscoius - but now I feel better about myself and love the mixed gym and my workout! Jackie

Hi Mo- Let me start by saying that i am SO proud of you for considering Curves - it's a step in a positive direction. BRAVO!!!! Now, let me add - I had a Curves membership before surgery and found that while it helped me exercise, I quickly outgrew the "30 minutes" concept. Which is what I hear from a lot of people who join Curves. How did they outgrown it? Simple....they exercised and got stronger. Curves does not have the ability to challenge you after you reach a certain point, and unfortunately that is what your body requires each day.....challenges. This means, that after a few months of consistently going, your body will become use to the workout and you will need to change it up (look to the outside) to get the challenge your body will need to push forward. My suggestion? Save your money, buy a cute workout outfit and walk outside or join the local YMCA. There is SO much that you can do to make exercising fun and effective without spending the money each month. PS: Places like Curves also bank on the fact that the average person signs up for a 1 year membership and drops out after a few weeks. Jill 263/136/135

Jill, I agree with you to the fullest. I do like walking outside and doing different things. I like water aerobics. I am going to see what it is about.

Water Aerobics is AWESOME! Especially when first starting out, because it is low impact to your joints. Defiantely check witht he local YMCA - you will be surprised by what they offer and the pricing. i want to join, but ours is kinda far from the house and would creat too many excuses to NOT go. So, instead, I use a personl trainer and have built up a decent gym in my house - ellipticle trainer, treadmill w/tv on it, total gym, weights, yoga balls, dvds, etc. Now, hubby and I can work out at the same time without issues. Good luck! Jill 263/136/135

Hey, I am about three weeks Post Op and spoke with my doctor about exercising, which he has approved. I asked him about curves and he said that it is an okay concept, but it does not give you the intense work out that your body needs after surgery or to lose weight period. He recommends getting a personal trainer to help you set realistic goals for yoursel. I know the YMCA has this as a part of their program. I was a member of the local Y and dropped the membership due to none use before surgery. I, however am going to rejoin.

Mo, I'm not a Curves babe, but know those who are, and the feelings are much what's been said already...they're a good "jump start" if you're really not been active at all before and need a good way to ease yourself into fitness. From what I'm told, after a short while you "outgrow" (in a good way!!) their program and need a greater challenge to keep yourself on track with fitness, and motivated to continue. I looked into it, and the main downside for me was the hours of my location...they're not open until 7am, they close for 90 minutes at lunchtime and are closed at 7pm. Saturday is only until noon and they're closed on Sunday. With my work hours early mornings, late evenings and lunchtime is my prime workout time...so this didn't fit my world. I've gotten a decent pedometer and hit the roads in my neighborhood. Now that the weather is getting nicer I find it's a good way to get started with some form of activity so that I'm ready for my surgery next month. Hope you find something that works for you! Take care, Chele

Well from somebody who has paid Curves hundreds I would not waste the money. It was good in the beginning, but after about 2 months you stop going because your tired of the same thing over and over. It will soon be warm enough for us to get outside and walk, ride bikes, whatever. I have joined curves twice, paid them, let's see about $360 per year so about $720 not counting the initial fee. And I only went about 5 months total in all that time. Just think about what else you could buy with that much money when you can walk around the block for free.