For all thinking of joining CURVES

I read on another post of some people thinking of joining CURVES... this is just my experiance... I tried CURVES for 1 year. Here are the problems... they do close early, their hours do not really work all that well if you have kids, a job... The other is that they do not allow kids in at all, not even in waiting room at the few of them by me. If you have kids, a job, and no help or a husband that works, when do you have time to go to CURVES? I did try for 1 year (cuz that is the contracted time you HAVE TO join) and it really did not fit into my schedule at all. Don't think you will be able to change YOUR routine to fit their hours because that won't work either... also tried it. In the end you are paying the monthly fee and not finding the chance to go. Oh, the other is that they are not all owned by one big company, if you join the one by your house, you can't really go to the one by your work or whatever sometimes. You can get a guest pass for vacations but (at least in my experiences) they don't make it easy. All in all, I don't recommend CURVES to anyone that works, with kids, or just a life that does not allow you the flexibility that you need for their hours. I just joined a gym that is associated with a local hospital. Pool (water aerobics), weight training, track (indoor and out), kid's club (free), swimming lessons for kids (extra $ but minimal), the works... it is open at 5am and closes at 10, 7 days a week. You can't beat it. Oh and when joining ask for a month to month contract... the good places should give you that, or at least a try-out period. It will save you TONS of money in the end.

Thanks for your post. I've decided not to join Curves. The cons outweigh the pros. I called them this morning to ask about rates again to make sure I understood it right and the person that answered the phone this time said they want people to come into the gym first, take a look around, try out the equipment and then hear about the different kinds of memberships. So I told her what I already knew - the summer special, monthly fee, etc. She then said - oh....well, yeah, but I can't give you any more information unless you come in here first. I told her I wanted to come in today and she said they were closed today for corporate training. CLOSED ON A SATURDAY????? And you are right - their hours don't work well with people like me that work and have a life. I usually work out after 8pm and on weekends and they close at 7:30pm during the week and at 12:30 on Saturdays. Not sure why they aren't open later or even on Sundays. Too weird. Then she told me that even though I don't pay for the summer months because of their special, I still have to pay the $74.50 initiation fee and you are right - it's a contract for a full year even though you pay-month-to-month. The way they word it makes it sounds like it's mont-to-month-but it's really not. So the search continues. I want a place that is open early and closes late, open on weekends, easy to get into, has pool, jacuzzi, showers, etc. I think my decision is down to LA Fitness and YMCA. I'll keep you posted. I might start some strength training here at home. I have resistance bands I bought through www.obesityhelpstore.com, and I'm searching online for how to use them. (I told ObesityHelp that they should include instructions with the bands they sell on this site.) Anyway, need to see how my finances are and what I can afford each month for a gym. Trisha -89 lbs

You are right, for some people Curves does not work, but for many of us it does. It is all about finding someplace that fits your schedule. I do wish they would stay open alittle bit later, but that is the only problem I have with them. I have been going 3-5 times a week for 2 months now...and have seen a world of difference in my energy level and sizes. As far as the kids, I can understand their point since they dont have people to watch them and they have machines, the children are a liability on them. IF the children were to get hurt, they could be sued, which would not be a good thing. I am glad you found someplace to work out that works well with your schedule and children, but in my small town, Curves works best for most of us. Good luck and keep up the progress. D'Lynn 232/178.5

Yes, CURVES worked wonderfuly for my mother who had the flexibility in her daily schedule to go.

i agree, several women at my work go, but they're all management and won't get in trouble if they come in late from lunch or leave a little early to go work out. i was really hesitant when my husband decided to buy our bowflex, (i was pre-op) it was rather expensive and considering that we can go on base and use the gym for free but we never do, i worried that it would become a clotheshanger. thankfully, i'm MUCH more motivated to work out post-op, and was even disappointed when i had to stop for a month b/c of my gallbladder surgery! i can do all sorts of stuff with it, like aerobic rowing and leg exercises, as well as the usual weight lifting exercises. it's nice to be able to work out at home, i fix dinner and then let my son do whatever while i work out. usually i'm pretty energized afterwards, it gives me the boost i need to get motivated to tackle the chores, hehe.

I canceled my Curves membership last month for the exact reasons you listed. When I was able to go I enjoyed it but the hours are terrible!! Terri

HI folks... Just thought I would give my Opinion....I joined curves after my surgery and started working out there about 1 month later. Curves in my opinion was a great starting point for me...someone that had never worked out in her life...and was scared to death of showing up at a "regular" gym only to be stared at or ridiculed. Curves got me started. I lost 81 pounds since March 1st, and have decided to cancel my membership with Curves now (a $50.00 fee), and have now joined a "real" gym that offers so much more...(pool, jacuzzi, sauna, weights, tread mills, other equipment and lots of classes). I am now saving 10 dollars a month, and have gained a 24 hr service gym. 6 days a week. I work steady night shift and love going to work out at 3 am when I cant sleep on my days off!. I have gained so much more stamina...But I do have to admit...Curves for me was a great place to start. I just felt I needed more than what they were offering after I got used to working out and am actually enjoying it now. Lorrie Loosing in London (310/229/-81) AKA BluEyedVixen