Question:
Curves For Women, Exercise Program.

I just currently found out that we have a Curves for Women facility in the city I live in here in NY. I am not familiar with it. Can anyone tell me about this program and the prices? Thanks.    — Shavonne P. (posted on July 18, 2002)

July 18, 2002
Curves is WONDERFUL!! I have been going to a facility in my town since I was one month post-op. In a nutshell Curves is considered a circuit work-out. There are several machines set up in a circle...in between each machine is a recovery station (a padded board used for cardiovascular moves such as walking/jogging in place, dancing, etc.). They have music playing and another "timed" voice telling you when to change stations. Basically you are on each machine/recovery station for approximately 30 seconds...and usually make 3 rounds around the room (depending on how many machines your facility has). The machines themselves use hydraulic pressure, so you're working against yourself instead of a certain weight. You push yourself as hard as you think you can go. Also, Curves has wonderful trainers on-hand in case you have any questions or concerns. I'm not sure about the prices in your area, but I pay $30/month for my membership. Oh...and I almost forgot the best part!!! The trainers there weigh and measure you once a month & they also have a machine that guages your body fat. After they've weighed and measured, they can give you a print out of your progress. It's great to see your accompishments on paper!! Lots of Luck!!!
   — Amy A.

July 18, 2002
We have a Curves for Women and I've been a member for about 4 months. I think it's wonderful! You really do see women of all ages, sizes, shapes and abilities there, so imo, it's a very casual & non-threatening environment. I think the workout is easily adjusted to individual ability level, and the "trainers" are always willing to help. At $30/month, I think it's well worth the money. Our Curves offers a free trial visit, that includes discussing weight loss/fitness goals and you get to do the workout. You might call to see if the Curves in your area offers something similar.
   — Laurie A.

July 18, 2002
Shavonne, Thought I would post my answer, I went ahead and after reading the board about the curves for women. I went ahead and like you went down and browsed. I wasn't very enthusiastic about it. The place is a big as my master bedroom, with about 8 machines in it. The only cardio equipment that I saw was the walking mats, (no bikes no treadmills) and then it runs $30 a month. I thought it was a pure waste of money. Very little equipment, limited hours in which exercising can be done. To top it off they also want a 12-month contract on a membership. I took my money else where to 24 hour fitness, it cost allot more to join $300 initiation fee and then $50 a month, but it's well worth it, there are so many of them out here in Nevada, they give you the variety that our body needs. It's working really good I'm 7 weeks post op and down 53 pounds...
   — tannedtigress

July 18, 2002
Make sure WHICHEVER fitness facility you join, you negotiate like you would to buy a car. I just joined one -- $149 initiation and $44 a month. I toured the place, said I liked it, but found the initiation cost unreasonable and the monthly cost was $10 higher than my friend was paying there. I signed on for $1 initiation, and $34 a month dues. NEGOTIATE!!!
   — Karen F.

July 18, 2002
I have been a member of curves for 6 months and I love it. I do my cardio by walking to and from curves each day. The equipment is all hydrolic so it is designed to tone muscle rather that bulk up muscle like lifting wieghts. I don't know about you, but I don't want to bulk up! It is a much more intense work out that it looks like. There is not that many peices of equipment, but if you use each peice properly, you WILL work every part of your body. As far as the price, they ussually run a summer special of a $59 sign up fee and then $29 per month. This is a good deal because it is normally a sign up fee of $175. Just go in and ask them if they are running and summer special. They will also let you go in once and go thru the routine to see if you like it.
   — Ammy T.

July 18, 2002
Shhhhhh! Don't tell anyone- but I ALMOST enjoy exercising at Curves. I have been a member to a "real" gym before Curves- and it had EVERYTHING, I still hated to go- I felt lost, dazed and confused. With Curves, I show up, turn my mind off (I am in no way intimidated to go either!) hop on the circuit and do my 30 mins. I also do not have to look at anyone's thong, their Britney low-cut sweats or the guy's (and some gal's!) hairy sweaty armpits.
   — Karen R.