Curves

Curves Basics

The Curves chain of women-only health clubs caters to beginning exercisers and those who want to lose weight.

Curves has special equipment that's easy to use and requires no complicated adjustments. The basic 30-minute routine combines strength training and aerobic exercise; it's designed to up your overall fitness level and help melt away excess pounds.

This is a form of circuit training. You use a resistance machine for about 30 seconds, do a little aerobic exercise to music, then go on the next machine until completing the circuit. An instructor provides supervision.

The machines tone muscle and promote some flexibility. The aerobic activity benefits the cardiovascular system and burns calories. Both of these weight-bearing routines strengthen bone and help prevent osteoporosis – and burn calories.

Curves International bills itself as the largest fitness franchise in the world, with locations from North America to South Africa to Japan, and more than 4 million customers.

Upside of Curves

Curves’ system of exercise is simple to learn and doesn't require a huge time commitment.
The extensive staff support is a real plus.
Unlike many workouts, this addresses cardio and strengthening as well as some flexibility.
Women who would feel uncomfortable in a meat-market gym should feel at ease here.
You can get an annual membership or pay month to month, and you can work out at more than one facility.

Downside of Curves

Not for the advanced exerciser. Once you build up a certain amount of fitness, move on to something more strenuous.
Not for women who prefer co-ed commingling.
Because the franchises are independently owned and operated, the quality of staff and instruction may vary from one to another. (The company designates its elite centers, which provide members an “optimal experience,” as Shining Star clubs.)
You certainly won’t experience the level of expertise and instruction you’d get from a certified personal trainer.

Is Curves for You?

This chart can help you see how Curves fits your goals and lifestyle concerns.

Body Parts Worked	Just about everything.
Calories Burned	In a study conducted by Baylor University, the fittest test subjects burned 522 calories and the least fit burned 164 to 238 calories in Curves’ 30-minute workout.
Gear	Comfortable workout clothing is all you'll need.
Instruction/Facilities	Curves has more than 10,000 locations worldwide.
Time	Typically 30 minutes, three or more times a week.
Schedule/Flexibility	Fits most schedules. Ask about hours at your nearby facility.

Curves Tips

Check with your friends and relatives about Curves – chances are you know someone who has worked out there.
Before joining, ask at your neighborhood Curves for a free trial workout session.
Curves also offers women a six-week weight management program at some of its locations. The program promises to increase metabolism, promote good nutrition and satisfy hunger, allowing “permanent results without permanent dieting.”

Liz Neporent, MA on Curves

Curves is a great alternative for women who are new to the exercise game or don't feel comfortable walking into a co-ed gym. It may not be a great choice if you're looking for advanced training advice or have a certain amount of baseline fitness.

Curves is the most popular circuit training gym franchise, but there are others that follow a similar concept. Circuit training is a concise, fast-paced workout that strengthens your cardiovascular system as well as your muscles and bones.

Circuit training isn’t as good for you aerobically as walking, running or cycling – nor is it going to build as much strength as a more traditional, higher intensity weight workout. However, it provides enough of the benefits of everything to make it the ideal way to bridge from very little activity to an active, fit lifestyle.

Curves International has helped many women improve their health. The company has participated in university research projects, and it offers weight-management counseling and even a magazine in addition to its fitness classes.

iVillagers on Curves

"I've just recently joined Curves and I love it! The facilitators were all very well trained, some were overweight and using the program themselves while some were very much in shape from already succeeding on this program. It's a quick and simple workout, it's fun, it's nonthreatening, and it works!" -- iVillager flossieme

"I found the Curves staff to be rude, inattentive and incredibly poorly trained. You pay higher dues than full service fitness centers and you receive none of the benefits. And their hours are so limited!" -- iVillager leaveuhindry

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