Question:
Will Curves for Women give me a progressively challenging workout ?
I am concerned that after I lose a chunk of my weight and my stamina and strength increase, that the workout at Curves will not meet my needs as the circuit looks fairly simple. Does anyone have long term experience with this?? — Fixnmyself (posted on January 22, 2003)
January 22, 2003
Yes. I am 6 1/2 months post op and have been going to curves for 5 months
now. I find that I am not getting a workout at all anymoe no matter how
hard I try. I plan to ask if I can cancel my membership(I singed a
contract for a year) early. I really doubt that they will let me. Another
thing I do not like the people that run the place that I have been going
to. They are rude and even though they knew that I have had WLS, they keep
coming up to me and asking me if I would be interested in their new diet
program. They even push it at me in front of others. I have told them
that I feel unconfortable with them trying to sell me something I don't
need, but they don't seem to care. Anyway, I feel that the workout is
definatley not worth my time and I would get more out of a workout video.
— DRutherford
January 22, 2003
I just finished a year long membership to Curves. It was especially great
in the beginning-easy to start with, less imtimidating, etc... They told
me that that I could challenge myself by working harder/faster on the
resistance machines, running or doing some type of aerobics on the pads,
& also by increasing the length of time that I was working out. She
suggested coming in twice during the day for two sessions. My year
memebership was up in Jan & this time I was ready for a
"real" gym. Now that I feel more self confident about my body, I
love the variety that it offers. Best wishes in your process.
— Heather N.
January 22, 2003
I agree with the previous poster. I don't think you can get enough out of
the Curves workout after 5 to 6 months. I tried it for that long last
year, and was disappointed with the results. I was working pretty hard,
too - doing the machines at a pretty fast clip as instructed, and on the
aerobic boards I was jumping and running at times, not just dancing or fast
marching. I think it is great for someone starting out new to exercise. I
usually did the regular 30-minute workout, and there were some women who
did 40 to 60 minutes. Perhaps that would help, I'm not sure as I didn't
try that. My husband wanted us to buy a Bowflex, which we did after I quit
Curves, and I lost more inches in 8 weeks using that than I did at Curves
for 6 months.
— Carlita
January 22, 2003
I took advantage of the 3 month special when they opened here about a year
ago. I really liked it because it helped me get into the swing of things,
but then it became very crowded and I had to wait to get into the circle.
After 2 months I did not feel challenged unless I went around another time
or two and with the big waits, that was not possible. Not worth it for
more than a shortterm thing in my opinion.
— susanje
January 22, 2003
Hi everyone, I tried out curves, went there 1 time, and just was not
thrilled as to what they had to offer. Plus the memebership for a year, I'm
so lucky that I tried it out first before doing anything. After doing so I
was out racing for a 24 hour fitness. Now they have all my business. I'm
truly challenged by what they offer. WEights, treadmills, bikes, swimming
and classes you name it they have it......
I've been using the free weights on the arms and ok I'm gonna ham it up !,
I have muscles in my arms !, I've never had before. I'm proud to show off
my arms.....
Curves works for basic cardio, but what we need is the challenge on our
bodies..
Good luck, Post op 8 months down 110 pounds
— tannedtigress
January 22, 2003
AG, I tried it, it wasn't very challenging, if you have never worked out
before or are just easing back into, thats fine, but, its a lot of money
for NO VARIETY! Heather (Open RNY 8/15/02 - 305/218/150)
— heathercross
January 22, 2003
I just finished my one week trial and I don't think I will be joining. I
am 13 weeks post op, in lousy shape, and it wasn't enough of a workout even
for me!! My pulse never went up, and I never broke a sweat. I also wasn't
crazy about the fact that none of the machines are adjustable....how can
someone 5 feet tall use the same machine in the same position as someone 8
inches taller? I think its a nice start for many newly post ops, but I
need something that can become more challenging as needed, and that
actually gets my heart pumping!
— Linda 1.
January 22, 2003
Thanks for the feedback. I had a feeling that I would outgrow Curves after
awhile. I have exercised in the past, and I think after I lose 40 pounds
or so, I'll be back at the point of a fairly substantial routine. I tend
to think Curves won't be enough. Thank you all again.
— Fixnmyself
January 22, 2003
I am a firm believer and supporter of using your local Y. The programs are
varied, costs are very low (financial assistance is available, their motto
is "no one is turned away for inability to pay"), the staff is
generally very friendly, personal trainers are offered at a reduced rate,
most Y's have childcare available in addition to classes for kids. My local
Y is building a pool in the next year or 2 and I can't wait! Also, I did go
for a free Curves session when ours first opened...didn't impress me at all
for the $$$ - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -106lbs.
— Anna L.
January 22, 2003
I've been going to Curves since July and although I absolutely LOVE it I
know that it's time for me to start incorporating more challenging things
into my routine. As a matter of fact, we had a personal trainer speak at
our Support Group Meeting last week and he told me that it's time that I
"graduate" from Curves and start doing some more intense cardio
and some light weight training. It made me feel so awesome to know that I
am finally at a point in my life where I am living healthy and getting
strong and the idea that professional trainers are recognizing this in me
as well is simply amazing!! :-)
— pam29922
January 22, 2003
I have several thoguhts for all of you out there who dont feel curves is
challenging enough. Perhaps you have not looked at it in this manner
before. The curves workout is designed to be generic so that each person
can customize the workout to their ability level. (regarding a 5 ft person
and a 5 ft 8 person using the same equipment- tht's what the cushions
beside the machines are for!)
If you are not as fit, you work less hard on the machines. As you get more
fit, you, with effort, increase the reps and the speed of use on the
machine, which in turn gives you a harder workout. Also, the platforms can
be used to slow down or speed up your heart rate depending on where your
hart rate should be according to the cardio chart each club has posted.
There is no way that a it matters wether you are fit or 'fat' either way
you can get a good workout at curves. It's about YOU not about the
machines. YOU have to work it. This principle is no different that if you
join a 'traditional gym and lift a five pound weight 5 times and call it
quits or if you spend more time and effort in getting in higher reps from
that 5 pound weight. You get what you put in.
I am surprised that the clubs dont do a better job of explaining this to
their members. I dont mean to sound like I've been brainwashed by curves,
but I hate to see people acting on assumptions with out the facts. Good
luck to you all.
— LMCLILLY
January 23, 2003
Just had to add my two-cents worth. I love curves! It may not be for
everyone, but the group of people there are what gets me up and going in
the morning. I have great muscle tone now and I've only been going for a
little over 3 months and have lost over 50 inches! The workout depends on
you. It may not be for everyone, but for those looking for a place to try
out that haven't been to a gym before or are not used to working out
everyday, this place is great, and you can modify it to your level. Curves
gets my vote!
— Dana B.
January 23, 2003
I quit going to a "real gym" as the other poster called it, and
started going to Curves 6 months ago. I love curves, and as for not
sweating, I always come out of there dripping wet. I work at it, I work
out hard and I don't stop to rest in between. I run, do jumping jacks sor
something to keep my heart rate up. The equipment works with you, the
harder you push the harder it is to push. You have to put something into
it to get something out of it. My 14 yo daughter has been going with me
and even though she's only lost 5lbs, she has went down one size and they
are getting big. So, for those who havent' tried it, you should. I don't
care the the "real gym", I find that having to stop and change
weights and having people stare at you because you're taking to long..etc..
it's just not for me..
— Gail M.
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