Curves Question

Hi, I'm just wondering if anyone on the board goes to Curves? If so, what has your experience been with them? Curves is exactly what I need - "exercise for dummys" (you've heard of Microsoft for dummys, Excel for dummys, etc. ), and I am a dummy -- so it seems like it would work for me! Seriously, I really don't have much expertise with exercise, so a regular club might be too much for me at this time. I'm going tonight to sign up for a year, so any input would be appreciated before I shell out the $$$. Thanks in advance, Kathy Bilodeau

Kathy: I belong to Curves and I love it. I have been slacking off lately and I can really feel the difference. It is great for me because I know I am in & out in about 30 minutes and the machines are easy to use. I always felt lost at the "gym" but at Curves you know what to do with the machines and how they work. I find the people there very friendly as well. Chryssie

Kathy, make some phone calls, I think they have a promotion for a free week! I'm not sure if it depends on what location, but it might be worth it to see how you like it. I used to go a year ago and loved the exercise program but the hours weren't that convenient. It was a pleasure meeting you last week!

Yes, I have the free week - and I have free enrollment (because my company signed on as a corporate account). But - I still have 12 mos. of $30 -- and I'm curious if people still love it after they've been doing it for a while. Thanks for both of your inputs! I appreciate it! Kathy

Kathy, What is your job title? Just curious O I am full time Computer Specialist for network . Good Luck with curves Sounds like alot of people like curves better than join Gold Gym excerise like fitness center. Kathy K.

I was a member of Curves for 2 years. It was great. The only reason why I quit was that my arthritis in my knees got so bad this past winter that I was having a hard time just getting in and out of the car. And I was so slow. They are great. I'm sure you know this already but they have a seriers of machines. They are in a circle and you go from one to the next. Theres great music playing. In between your on a board where you can walk or jog in place. I've seen some people do kick boxing type stuff. its easy to do and not that hard tho you get a fantastic workout and you will feel it too! Usually you will do the circle of machines about 3 times. Each time your on a machine your on it for about 30 seconds. Over the music there'll be a recording that tells you when its time to go to the next machine. I loved it cause I made some good friends there. It was always busy so I never got bored but the busy part of it was the ending for me. I am slow getting on and off the machines casue of the arthritis. Everyone was good about it but they are paying their money to work out too and no one wants to be behind a slow poke. I tryed to find a time that I could go when there weren't that many people but it just wasn't ment to be. I"m hopeing that after my surgery I'll be able to join again. ONE really great thing is that you can go to other curves without belonging to theirs. So if your someone like me who becuase of my job is in many towns throughout the day ask them for a travel pass. I had even used it when I visited family out of state. Good luck!!!!! and god bless

Kathy, I was all set to join up at a Curves near me before and right after surgery but when I actually went there I was very disappointed. As some one else said the hours just weren't convient for me and it looked very rinky dink to me (don't mean to offend anyone who goes). I know alot of people really swear by curves but I felt that I needed something more. Now the reason I joined the gym that I did was because of the pool and the water aerobics classes. That drew me in and I have been hooked on the whole gym thing (as I have said ad nauseim) I have learned alot about exercise since joining. I watch alot of the trainers and try different machines. I guess I feel comfortable at this gym because there are all kinds of people, ages, sizes and shapes. Several post ops from the area go (not just Dr. Bell's patients). I was afraid it would be all these young hard body people, but no..........there are out of shape people just like me there . You should try out Curves for that free week before you decide and check out what your local Y or local gyms have to offer. Good luck!! Linda

Kathy: I've been going since January, but have had a week of bad knee and a week of bad back slow me down. I DO like Curves, for several reasons. First, it's quick: 30 minutes or so on my way home from work, so I don't feel like it's a chore to find the time to go. Second, there are all kinds of women there: young and old, big and small, so I don't feel threatened by "the spandex crowd" that you get at some other gyms. Third, I find the exercises simple to do and easy to learn. And if I'm ever unsure about something, the other women who work out there will lend a hand or offer a suggestion. I've lost 23 inches since I started going.

Hi kathy! I joined Cruves post-op and went with a year membership. I chose not to renew after the year. But, for the year that I belonged, it fit the bill. I really don't like to exercise (as you probably have heard me say!) So, Cruves makes it simple and no-hassle to get the exercise in. It's convenient time wise, and if you choose the right location, convenient to get to and from. After the year, I felt I wanted to find something that I really enjoyed, rather than just 'had to do'. So I moved on. I would encourage you to join and enjoy it!