For those of you who are frustrated with trying to lose weight and having a hard time, I would like to share my story.

I have PCOS so weight loss is very slow for me. I worked out at the YMCA 3-4 days a week for a year and lost a grand total of 20 pounds. Excersise kept my insulin levels in normal range but it was very frustrating to work so hard to see such little results.

My doctor then suggested that I try "Curves" which is a franchised boutique health club for women only. They have them all over the US and Canada. I have been working out at Curves (30 minutes, 3 times a week) for one month and have already lost

8 1/2 inches!

I did not change my diet at all and I enjoy the workout so much that I sometimes go more than three times per week just for fun. I find the environment at Curves to be supportive and comfortable because the women are a lot like me and we understand each other.

So, if your thinking about it trying excersise as part of your treatment plan and are afraid or don't know where to go, check it out.

BTW, I don't work for Curves or anything. I am just pleased with my results and wanted to share.

WOW! Congrats on the 8 1/2 inches that you lost!

I have heard many great things about Curves and the workouts they offer. I went to their website and did a search for my zipcode, and found a Curves only 30 minutes from me!

There are a bunch of Curves popping up all over my neighborhood. I was wondering though, how much does it cost?
Steph

Bobsgal - from what I've read, they are all independent franchises so they set their own prices and terms for the most part. A lot probably depends on their operating costs (leasing/insurance/utilities, etc).

Curves sounds like a great idea for those women who don't feel 'ready' for a 'real gym'. The main problem I can see - judging from the one that opened in our town - is the hours - most women these days work full time and the one here is only open from 8:30 am - 7:00 pm, and closed during the lunch hour. That can make it pretty unfeasible for women who have a 9-to-5 job.

I’ve always hated to exercise, but now, I love it! Curves has changed my whole attitude about getting fit. It’s a great work-out (I really sweat), and it only takes 30 minutes. The Curves that I go to costs $31.23 per month (that includes tax), and they take it out of my checking account automatically. The franchise here charges $149.00 to join, but they’re ALWAYS having ‘specials’ where the joining fee is dropped. I’ve been going since the end of October, and in that time, I’ve have lost 10 ½ inches, and about 17 pounds (I’m also doing WW …my total weight loss is 96 pounds …I have 20 to go!). It’s been a couple of months since I’ve been measured, so I’m sure that I’ve lost even more inches by now.

Curves will let you try the program …all you have to do is ask them for the free trial week …see if you like it!

I went to a "real gym" nearly every day for about a year and saw very little results. I was bored, too.

My Curves costs about 29.00 a month. Each one is slightly different but not by much.

The one I go to does have funky hours (closed for lunch, open until 7 pm--only open till noon on Saturday) but I work a 9-5 day job and never found it created a problem. I just drop by on my way home from work. It's only 3 times a week so it has not been a hassle for me to get there and since you get the equivalent of a 1 1/2 hour workout in only 30 minutes, I am out of there in a jiffy.

i dont mean to be rude but i was somewhat offended by mrsjim's comment about curves being a substitute for women who are not ready for a real gym. i am 16 and i go to curves and i love it. it is organized and fun as well as effective. it's personal and you get to know people at my age and older. i know everyone who works there and a ton of the members. it is all women so you dont have to feel uncomfortable in front of a bunch of macho guys and it also lets you set your on pace. it gives me a chance to do something at least three times a week with my mom and my sister. my mom has also lost 30 pounds there in the past couple of months! i am so proud of her and she looks awesome. as far as i am concerned, curves is as real as it gets as long as it is allowing people to comfortably reach their ideal size. thats just my opinion.

Hi all!

I'm so glad this thread popped up. I've been hearing and wondering myself about Curves. All I've heard is wonderful results. I'm very big on doing the 'E' word (exercise) but am finding it difficult to get back in the swing of weightloss without something else to kick my rear in gear.

I've actually got a 60% off the sign up fee coupon on my fridge right now. You've actually answered some of my questions (because they're franchised) as to why only certain locations are included on the coupon. As it happens, the one nearest me is NOT included. As a matter of fact, I don't think I've ever been in the parking lot there when it's been open, so therefore it must have 'funky' hours too.

Anyhow, I'm glad to have the opportunity to hear other opinions on Curves and I do believe I'll be checking them out real soon.

BTW Shady: Where abouts are you from? I'm in the Detroit area too.

I won't join because of the hours it doesn't work for me.

I think that each Curves is very individual.

I did try out the free week with my 11 year old daughter. The staff were friendly. I did find a number of things that didn't work for me though. The atmosphere was less than adequate in our local one, the hours were terrible, and I didn't find them very clean....I never once saw a machine washed down and people do sweat...some a lot and there is no time to clean between turns. I also found the music old and the entire week a real bore.

I do believe that each Curves is as good as its owner and the staff she hires. I went in with an open attitude and was disappointed.

I am very happy for those of you that have found Curves to be a place where you can find success...



I think the "real" gym comment was not a helpful one and that we all need to be tolerant of what one another are doing to try and make ourselves healthy and happy.

I am going to a local gym where I am doing about 60 mins cardio at a level one pace (very slowly) and then doing some floor and curcuit work. I am enjoying it but have a long way to go to get in shape and I am hoping with the support of the great people here I will get it done.

Keep up the great work everyone and congrats on your succes!

Elizabeth in Canada

I looked into Curves as one just opened up across the street from where I live. I'm sure each Curves varies and depends on its individual managment, but below is what I found from reading Curves member reviews on another site.

* Curves management are not always certified (either as a personal trainer, instructor, etc.). So double check your local branch.

* Most women said it was great for someone just starting to work out and for someone not wanting to be in the standard gym environment (working out with barbies and muscle guys I guess .. lol). However, many reviews I read noted that as you progress in your work out that you eventually outgrow the equipment and types of workout options at Curves.


So I say, if you are just starting out in your exercise program, go check one out but be sure to ask questions about certification, etc.

I myself just started working at a place where we have access to an employee gym with a very discounted membership, so I think I am going to give that a try.

HTH

Kmg's right. The Curves in my area offer no NO qualified employees, in the sense of being certified as fitness experts. I checked this out and that, along w/the lousy hours convinced me that I'd be wasting money.

What I don't understand is that if Curves is truly for women, why they don't get some open hours that women actually can use? I don't even have kids, but I work and commute and I can't get to one during a 9-5 weekday shift and the ones in my area are NOT open on weekends!!!

Plus, not one of the Curves employees in my local area can boost any sort of fitness certification whatsoever, not even any actual training about the body, muscle groups, etc. I think I could easily get a job there and I'm no expert and that concerns me as well. I don't feel comfortable working in a place where no one knows more than I do. I'm better off to continue to work out at home until I find the right gym.

As for Mrs. J, she was merely offering all of us an educated opinion, since she's an experienced exerciser and a truly nice person, I don't believe she was trying to dis anyone's choice of program, but only offering informed advice.

I too recently joined Curves and so far I love it. Finally I feel comfortable in a "real gym" where I'm getting REAL results. One thing I particuliarly like about Curves is that for once I'm not the "Fat One" who stands out at the gym among all the muscle heads and barbie dolls in their thongs. My only concern is that I'm worried my body will build up a resistance to the machines-I'm getting mixed messages on this. I applaud everyone who's out there exercising and for those afraid or overwhelmed by the idea of going to a gym...I highly recommend Curves!! Good luck everyone!!

The Curves near me is open from 7am to 3pm, and til noon on Saturday, never on Sunday. Not real flexible. None of the employees have any fitness certifications. However, I do have several friends who would never set foot in what I will again call a real gym for whom it has been helpful. They were total beginners with weights, and afraid of a gym environemnt. They are very close to "outgrowing" it in the sense that Cosmogirl mentioned. Their bodies have adapted to the specific exercises, and they are not going to make any more progress. However, none of these women are overweight or want to be bodybuilders. They are there because they are menopausal and their doctors have told them they must do resistance exercise to maintain the health of their bones. For them it works.
I work out a a muscle head gym. I'm 48 years old, will never complete, and love it. I will certainly never wear a thong! Everyone who works there is certified, and willing to help out, answer questions or offer a quick spot. Every one I've met there, including the hard-core muscle heads, is friendly, encouraging, and quick to rush to the aid of the klutzy lady who is stuck under the barbell (that be me).

I'd like to encourage you all to venture out beyond Curves. No one is laughing at you, most people want to help. Anybody who walks through the door is treated with the respect they deserve: they are trying to do something good for their body and improve their life.

mel

Mel - my sentiments exactly! And I agree with Mindi as well...

Hey - didn't mean to step on toes...MY introduction with weights was when my Jazzercise instructor decided to add a program that was called (at the time) Jazzercise Plus...where we used wraparound weights that could be adjusted in 1/4 pound increments up to 5 pounds max...(this was back in 1991-1993).

I do believe that Curves is a great place for folks to get started on weights if they feel uncomfortable in a TRADITIONAL GYM ENVIRONMENT. (how's that?) They do have some major issues to work on IMO: the inconvenient hours; the lack of day care (at least at the Curves in my town; my gym has daycare for $3.00 per child per day available); and the lack of certification (according to their website, franchisees are not required to have any background in fitness or weight control - they only need to attend a five-day seminar at the Curves' HQ and pony up $25,000). When you have clients who are dealing with major health issues such as extreme obesity, osteoperosis, arthritis, etc., etc., I feel it is DEFINITELY necessary for a franchisee to have SOME background in the business they intend to open...but that's just IMO.

With Mel, I would like to encourage ALL of you to suck up your courage and visit an actual gym. I'm sure you will find that you will NOT be laughed at or made fun of...no one will be staring at you...generally people are there to work out, not to gab and gossip. (besides, working out with a variety of weights and machines is FUN!)

In fact at the gym I belong to (24 Hour Fitness) while we do have a few dedicated 'musclehead' guys and a couple gals who look like they could be on the cover of Oxygen...the vast majority run the gamut to 'just average' to supersized, with quite a few senior citizens mixed in (my town has a large senior population). We all use the same locker room...the same showers (the guys have their own of course ) and NO ONE is making fun or pointing fingers...like Mel said so eloquently...anyone who walks through the door is treated with the respect they deserve...and the great thing is that I can pick my own hours to go work out - since they're open 24/7!

In closing - I'd like to recommend a book by the great old bodybuilder, Dave Draper - called "Your Body Revival - Weight Loss Straight Talk". I think you'll find it inspiring...he also has a great website at www.davedraper.com.

Take care and stay well