Question:
SHOULD I JOIN CURVES OR NOT?
My 13 yr. old daughter is overweight and I want to join something that's really going to benefit her and myself, my main concern is her though. Do you think Curves is a good enough workout and do you think a 13 yr. old will like it? I'm torn between Curves and a regular gym. — Kelly* P. (posted on June 10, 2003)
June 9, 2003
I'm guessing that curves is an excerise program. I can't see paying for a
program at this time. Your daughter is 13. There are extra school
activities, dance classes, social, many volunteer programs. I highly
suggest you keep her in the lime light and busy. And make the quite times(
mom and daughter) hikes, bike ride, anything that moves. Take her for that
ice cream cone but eat it on the play ground. Please at age 13 get her
moving and learning the nutrition that her body needs. Not a program yet.
She would be mostly with our peers not hers. We all say we just want to be
normal.
— chubbygirl99
June 9, 2003
I was a Curves member for about 9 months. It is a good workout for someone
who hasn't been doing much exercise. There were a couple of ladies there
who brought their teenage daughters with them. I got the impression that
the teens weren't enjoying it too much, probably because there weren't too
many others in their age group. I suspected also that the workout wasn't
"enough" for them. I would try your local recreation board (if
there is one). They often offer programs designed for younger people,
where they can have fun and get fit together.
— Carlita
June 9, 2003
This weeks Woman's World which you can buy at the grocery store talks about
Curves. I have a 17-year old daughter who has a weight problem,this started
when she was 12 years old. My daughter is very laid back. I tried
everything from softball to volleyball to soccer to dancing classes. She
wouldn't do it or she would try it and not like it. It is just the person
she is. I am finding out now at the age of 17 the young lady she has beome.
She has a BIG HEART and is depressed about her weight. Kids are cruel at
school.They make fun her because of her size. My daughter has an
appointment with Curves this Thursday and starting Weight Watchers today. I
am soo proud of her. She refuses to have her Senior pictures taken because
of her weight. She is soo beatiful inside but she is soo unhappy outside. I
would recommend any young teenager to go too Curves, especially after
reading Woman's World. I feel that this issue of Woman's World came out the
same week my daughter and I sat down and really talked about her weight
problems. This was truly a sign from above. Good Luck from a Mom with an
Overweight daughter too.
— Sandy B.
June 9, 2003
My daughter is going to be 12 this summer, and I'm not sure if Curves would
allow them to be members - I think they'd have to be 16 or 18 due to the
machinery being designed for adult-sized women. Their liability insurance
probably wouldn't allow it. But, I think Curves is a great idea other than
that - I loved it and I think my preteen would too. How about water
aerobics? I think a regular gym might make her feel a little too self
conscious, but not sure. Depending on if you live in a large city, some
places actually have programs designed for overweight kids/teens - and
she'd be developing a peer group relationship, acceptance for where she's
at, etc. Maybe ask your pediatrician?
— bethybb
June 9, 2003
Read the Woman's World article. It was an eye opener about how great
Curves works. I have a gym membership, but am thinking about adding Curves
since it's suppose to be so much more effective... as effective in 30
minutes 3x a week as more time intensive aerobic and strenght training
seperately. Give it a try.
— mom2jtx3
June 9, 2003
Consider this as an option that, in my personal opinion, is MORE fun and
motivating than any gym, and never boring: getting a family membership to
a martial arts school. Nothing like building self-discipline, respect,
confidence and making new friends like many of these family oriented
organizations! Years ago I went to a tae-kwon-do school like that, and
although I have no kids, plenty of parents, kids, and even grandparents of
all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels worked together. It was wonderful! I
can't wait to find a place in my current area so I can start up with
something like that again myself! You may have to shop around and sit in on
a few sessions (most places allow this willingly with a call ahead) to get
a good feel for the instructors and school before you sign up. Good luck!
— Terry R.
June 10, 2003
May I suggest Jazzercise? It may be a lot more fun for a teenager because
it is based on dance and includes weight training. I love it and you may
love it too. You can check it out on jazzercise.com.
— Amber L.
June 10, 2003
I think you should check to see if curves will accept her as a member. I
understand what she is going through. Every since I had my surgery my
children and I exercise everyday. I told my daughter that she will always
have to stay active because she is predispose to my fat cells. I told her
that because she was getting heavy. So she runs track in school and has
lost a lot of weight. My son who doesn't have a weight problem I told him
he needs to exercise to stay in shape, just because you are skinny doesn't
mean you are in shape.
— Sharon T.
June 10, 2003
I have a membership at Curve's along with my mother. I had surgery in
December. I have decided to cancel my membership and pursue my own fitness
program walking at the park, on my treadmill and my stepper at home. I
have a 7 year old daughter who weighs 125 lbs. (too young for Curves) She
is a big girl. This way she can go to the park with me and run and play and
walk with me and Grandma and maybe this will influence her as well. I am
hoping.
— KIM C.
June 10, 2003
I joined Curves a month ago, after having RNY in January, today was my one
month weigh-in. I lost 10 pounds and 29 inches-in one month!! I am
content to follow their routine. I know some people don't like the
structure, but I do it because it is set up that way for a reason and it
works for me. I do 3 thirty minute sessions a week and I have to say that
I am very happy with the results. You don't have to workout so hard that
you pass out to burn calories and fat. In fact, if you work too hard and
raise your heart rate too high, you will not lose as much. You should call
and ask if there is an age limit. It would not hurt to take your daughter
there and let her try it out. Let her make the decision.
— Kristen S.
June 10, 2003
I love Curves! I had my LAP RNY in March and joined Curves at 6 weeks out.
It is great. Let your daughter watch people work out and see what she
thinks. My Curves offers FREE sign up fee to members of my WLS support
group!!! Saved me $149. It's only $29 per month!!!!
— Dixie Chick
June 10, 2003
I would suggest your local YMCA. Not only do they offer memberships to
anyone, even those who are unable to pay or pay full price, but they offer
programs geared for all age groups. The YMCA was invaluable to me as a
teenager, it actually helped me keep weight off...it was when I quit going
that the weight came back :( I now am so glad to have a good YMCA in our
small town!
— Anna L.
June 11, 2003
I would get her involved in a program with YMCA or a local college wellness
program - I join our college's program and its for all ages kids with their
parents to seniors- I almost joined Curves and so glad I didnt the work out
just isnt enough for me - I've lost 85 lb in five months I need experienced
educated instructors.
— debmi
June 11, 2003
Hi, I heard a science reporter, Gina Kolata, talk on the Diane Rhemes show
last week. She has researched and written a book on fitness and health. A
caller asked her about Curves and she said it depends on what you are
exercising for. If you are going to have fun and for enjoyment that Curves
would do that but that if you were going to loose weight and to change the
way your body looks, Curves would not provide enough intensity. I haven't
been to Curves but I would think that if you are out of shape and just
starting to work out it might be a good starting point. I personally
started with the Leslie Sanzone walking tapes and still enjoy them. I
think anything you do that gets you up and moving the better. Kathy
— kathleen S.
June 13, 2003
Hello Kelly,
I've had a membership since Jan. and recently my 13 y.o daughter joined,
and she LOVES it!, however, she's in really really good shape, she's been
playing competitive basketball for several years now, but I think the best
part is, she's learning a routine, and we get to spend time TOGETHER, just
she and I, we have a great time. She's even talked a couple of her friends
into, and they are excited about it as well.
it's only 10.00/month extra for them can't beat that deal.
— Tina L.
June 13, 2003
I am a great fan of Curves. No doubt you and your daughter will feel
stronger and closer if you do something physical together. I do wonder if
she would rather do something where there are more young people. I do
recommend Curves if you want a safe, supportive environment where you and
she can workout without attention or interruption from boys and all that
testosterone. You are a sweet mom to be thinking of her. Good luck no
matter what you decide about Curves. I lost 18.5 inches in my first three
weeks of going there. I started out at over 400lbs and working out was not
in my daily routine. Curves has allowed me to feel stronger and healthier.
It is a great way to support getting healthy cause the surgery is just the
beginning. And no, I don't work for Curves or get a toaster if you join.
I just believe in their program and women supporting other women.
— Ann B.
June 15, 2003
Hi, My daughter was going to curves faithfully for almost a year,&
dieted with it.Although she loved to do it she realized that it was not
working her out in the right way she was gaining weight & tightening up
in the wrong places.She also had a few others that had the same problem.Now
she does high impact arobics & fasts walks all the time & boy does
she look good now compared to then.
— Connie M.
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