Curves has potential, but know yourself!
Written: May 04 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Non-threatening atmosphere. Time goes by very quickly. Machines made to fit people of all sizes.
Cons: Staff is not very knowledgeable. The workout can feel rushed.
The Bottom Line: Curves is a great alternative to traditional gyms, but don't think it's a quick and easy fix.
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| jenbug101's Full Review: Curves For Women |
This review refers to the Curves at the Pikesville, Maryland location, of which I've been a member for about month now. I have not yet had my "measurement day", so I can't comment on any pounds or inches lost, but I comment about the facility itself.
Before joining Curves I had been a member of three different "traditional" gyms--two Golds and a Fitness First. I found that these gyms gave me great results when I actually went, however it was very difficult to convince myself to go. I am an extremely shy person, so it was very difficult for me to be around so many fit people who obviously know what they are doing, and I am also an extremely short person (4'8"), and it wastes a lot of workout time having to constantly adjust every machine (both setting and weight-wise) before I can use it--not to mention having to wait for the 6'4" guy to finish his five sets of thirty reps in the first place. Some of the machines I couldn't use at all because I am simply too small to use them properly and safely. Basically the thought of going to the gym tended to cause me more stress than relieve it. I decided to check out the Curves facility because it seemed like it would be a more comfortable environment (thus making me want to attend more often), and I liked the idea of finishing a workout in 30 minutes, not having to waste time adjusting machinery, etc. At 25 years of age I don't yet have any serious weight or health issues, but I do want to get into shape and maybe lose 10-15 lbs or so.
Anyways, the basics: as mentioned in the many other reviews, Curves is a women-only fitness/weight loss circuit workout facility. The Pikesville location currently has 13 machines (from what I can gather this is quite a few compared to the average) set up in a circle, along with 13 "recovery" stations where you let your muscles rest while keeping your heart rate up by jogging and such, for a total of 26 stations. At 30 seconds each, twice around the circuit takes a little less than half hour, followed by at least a good ten minutes of stretching (that's how much I do, at least, I notice many women half-heartedly breezing through this very important step, and the staff either doesn't notice or doesn't care to encourage them to do it longer).
Curves is very no-frill, which keeps the costs low (I pay $29 a month). There is no day care (they justify this by saying you need "you" time, and a kid will distract you from your workout), no tanning beds, herbal wraps, massages, yoga balls, TV's, etc., although at the Pikesville location there is a shower located in one of the bathrooms, which from what I gather is pretty rare. They do not offer any classes or personal training (although a member of the staff can accompany you along the circuit, if you require assistance). They offer much merchandise for sale with the Curves logo on it--shirts, hats, etc., as well as protein shakes and other health supplements. I believe there is also a diet program for those looking to lose a great deal of weight, but I have not looked into it as I joined purely for maintanence reasons.
As for my personal opinion, I think the concept of Curves is great for someone like me (shy, petite, not looking for hardcore fitness but just general health), with a couple caveats. The most important thing to me is that I actually do enjoy working out at Curves--sometimes, when the day requires me to sit at my desk for a long time, I even find myself looking forward to it. When I am there, instead of worrying about how I look to the other members, or obsessively watching the "calories burned" meter on the cardio machine, I actually can concentrate on giving the workout my all and enjoying the feeling of moving and working my muscles. Everybody smiles at each other across the machines, and is very encouraging. Sometimes I even find myself going out of my way to get in my workout for the day, which is something altogether unheard of for me. I feel more energetic these days, and my pants do feel looser. In general I have that overall "sexy" feeling you get when you are more active, regardless of whether you've actually lost weight or not. These things are very important to me, and for that I'm very glad that I joined because I don't think I ever would have made it this far at the other gyms.
Now for the bad. There are many reviews here that have said that Curves is only good for beginners, those new to exercise, etc. I would say almost the opposite is true. In order to get a good results at Curves (and to avoid injury), you need to be very familiar with your body, and the principles of exercise. The only reason I think I have gotten results from Curves is because of my experience at the other gyms mentioned above, where trained fitness technicians taught me how to safely use each machine, proper alignment of the body, proper positioning, breathing, weight distribution, etc. This previous knowledge has allowed me to get the most out of each machine I use. I see MANY women around me, though, that are using the machines improperly, either because of their positioning, breathing, or even which muscle groups they are using (for example, pulling with their hands instead of their forearms at one of the pectoral stations). It is for this reason that I think some people are not getting the sort of effects they are looking for. This problem can be exaggerated by the time limits imposed (women are rushing between stations, and not taking the time to properly align themselves so they can get in as many reps as possible within the 30 seconds), and even the staff itself--although it is nice that they are encouraging and supportive, the games and contests they hold can be distracting from the workout itself. The staff sometimes recognize improper use of the machines and sometimes not. I really don't rely on them to show me anything. Bottom line is, if you want to get results at Curves, I would do your research into some basic theories of exercise, maybe even have a couple training sessions at a traditional gym with qualified staff in order become familiar with the way the various machines work.
The only other thing I can say is: don't let this be the only place you get exercise! I see Curves as a very effective way to get in a "baseline" exercise--it at least makes sure I am moving at least three days a week, which is better than nothing--particularly when it is very cold outside, or you are really tired or stressed one week. But it is no substitute for being generally active in your life. In addition to working out at Curves, I try to take walks, play backyard sports, do an occasional jog or exercise video, take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. It is this sort of lifestyle change, in addition to eating healthier, that will make you a healthier person--if you do a thirty-minute, three-day-a-week workout but still eat at McDonald's and watch tv for the rest of the week, you will not see results. In addition, if you make conversation or get distracted while making your way around the circuit, or don't use the equipment properly, you will not see results. Curves is not a quick and easy fix--it requires the same amount of dedication and practice as any exercise program. It is simply an alternative way of doing things for those of us that don't feel entirely comfortable going to traditional gyms.
Finally, don't go to Curves if you:
-like to "blank out" while exercising--listen to headphones, watch tv, daydream, etc.
-don't consider yourself "worked out" enough unless you've burned 500 calories in a session
-like a variety of classes, or machines
-want a very tailored or specific exercise or training program
-like to be left alone while exercising--no one talking to you, distracting you, etc.
Other than that, I think I will have a long and prosperous future at Curves. I may update once I actually get some measurement results in, but for the reasons stated above I feel like I've already gotten my money's worth, regardless of if I've lost pounds and inches.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
jenbug101
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Member: Jennifer
Location: Pikesville, MD, USA
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
I am 25, recently married, new homeowner, and working for a Baltimore insect lab.
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