Curves?

How much does a monthly membership run?  Am I gonna have issues with not fitting in the machines?  Can I use my membership at more than one location (i.e., the one by my house, and the one by my work)?

Hi! I used to work at Curves for a year or so and at the time, the membership was about $30 a month. That was about 3 years ago though. I was a member for a year or so before I started working there and it was like $24 a month, but it went up while I was working there so I'd guess it's close to $40 a month now (and it's automatic debit from a bank account or credit card). I think there is a registration fee and I don't recall what it is ($20 or $40 maybe?) but they often run "no membership fee" trials and offers.

I dont think you will have any problem fitting on the machines. There were members of many sizes but everyone moves at the same pace because it's 30 seconds per station. I would go check it out first. I don't think they will let you do a trial workout because of liability, but that may have changed over time. You can get an idea of what you'd be working with though.

You can go to multiple Curves with your membership, but they are all independentaly owned (franchised), so the owner reserves the right to say that you can or cannot work out there. The owners tend to practice a certain level of reciprocity unless you are going to a location other than your home membership location on a very regular basis. They will then ask you to transfer. Some owners own more than one in the area and then you're fine to go to any of them. You should always do your monthly measurements at the same location though.

I really liked Curves while I was a member and while I worked there. After a while you may run into issues with needing to step up your workout and that's not really a viable option there. You can go around more than 3 circuits or various other little things to step it up but nothing major. Curves operates under the theory that you lose more inches/weight when you stay just below the aerobic zone (heart beat) and you combine weight training with low level cardio (cross-training maybe it's called). All the machines use air pressure, not weights, so it's always the same. You can go QUICKER, but you can't increase the weight.

Hope this is helpful. If you have more questions, you can PM me. My knowledge is not as fresh, but I did learn that place inside and out!  I loved that it was only women!!!

Laura

I am not sure what area you are in, however, if you are close to these locations I suggest you check out a gym called Transformations. Thats where I go and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. Its a womens only gym, however, unlike curves it isnt just a circuit. They provide everything from cardio to strength training and pretty much everything in between. The classes are based of a Natl program from Body Training Systems. When I first started going to this gym I was around 350 lbs and I felt totally comfortable there. They have locations in Catonsville, Pasadena, and Odenton (which is where I go). I only pay 35 a month and that includes my child care. Of course that was 3 years ago when I signed up so I am not sure of the fees now. But if you are near one of them, I suggest you check them out as well. :-)

Oh yes I did belong to curves for about 2 years. I paid $ 39.00 a month and they assured me I could travel and use a pass but that never seemed to work. I did not realize that all clubs had separate owners and they decided if members traveling could come in. I did  get in on a free membership fee due to a promotion they had going on. I was 300 pounds and fit on the machines but I felt very uncomfortable being the only obese woman there. I am sure their were others but I never saw them. I decided after a year that I had enough and had not seen real benefits. I spoke to a friend who worked at Golds and he told me a regular gym like Golds or Planet Fitness is better since you can work out other parts of the body. He also advised to start out doing water aerobics or even just walking laps in the pool. He told me it was easier on your body and joints. Good luck in your decision..

                                                                                                             Julie

I am a member of Curves in Green Belt for the last 2 years and my fee is $44.00/month.  There have  not been and increases in the fee.  I have no problems fitting in any of the machines.  You can ask for a travel pass to use at other location.  You just have to make sure that you don't use another club more 50% of the time.