Curves

We have no local gym except Curves for women, so I joined it. Has anyone else gone there, and if so, what are your results. I don't like their ab machines - very if-y.

tia

I was hoping for some replies…. There is a curves up the road from my work and I am interested. What about the abs portion do you not like? How has this week been for you there? I need to stop by one and visit. The gym has turned into a freaking MEAT MARKET… I don’t want to go to the gym to get a date I wanna be makeup free and sweaty with no one to care!!!!

I do go to Curves. I joined in November. And, so far, honestly I have no results. But that could--most likely, is--my own fault. With the holidays and my back being injured and all, I got way off track, and have not been going the recommended three times a week.

I like the exercise; the time goes very quickly, and just when you get bored, it's time to move again. And a half hour isn't that bad.

As for the machines themselves, and if they work: I think it depends on a few things. Number one, how much effort you put into it. Since it is all resisitence based, there are times when I go at it full throttle--and I feel that muscle-tingling-soreness feeling that tells me I did something. Other times I walk out feeling like I did not do much of anything--and I realize that I went at it lazily.

The other thing is this: I went to the one branch by my sister's place one night, instead of my regular place, and the machines felt tighter. They were adjusted differently enough that I could notice it. Ask your Curves advisors when the machines were last adjusted.

I'll keep you updated...my back has healed and I actually went three times this week--or will have, in the morning. So, I'll be a more accurate judge once I stick to the program.:D

thanks for your replies! Overall I like the whole concept and feel very good. My arms and legs are a LOT tighter with only two weeks under my belt.

I think it is great. Not a lot of hyped-up pressure and buff guys and gals strutting their stuff. Just some women that want to get in shape. At the store in my town we have 10 machines that work all different parts of your body. Between each machine is a padded platform affair to step on and keep your heartbeat up - I guess that is the aerobic workout part. They play music and at the end of a few minutes you move to the next machine. Three times during the workout you are asked to step away from your machine and take your pulse and the instructor teaches us what range to keep it in, depending on your age and fitness level.

God bless those women! No superstars there, but real women, many older, working out. I guess they really are superstars. I am sure that many of them are there for health reasons and not just to tone up to get into some low riser jeans and a midriff top to show off their tattoos! I have to confess, I AM VAIN! I am there to look good. I’m fairly lazy about my health. I’m glad that strong bones and a healthier body are the side effects of trying to look good.

What I Don’t Like:
1) No warm-up stretching. They have areas to stretch after the work-out but I believe the workout would be safer and more effective if we could stretch a little pre-workout.
2) Ab machines- I think they could do a lot better in their choice. I will still do my crunches here on my living room floor.
3) You can see in the storefront and watch us workout. We are beside the local bar and that annoys me. I go there because I DON'T want to be on display.
4) You have to join for a full year. The fee to join is quite high(around 150.00) and they take $29.00 out of your checking account every month.
5) No one gets down! I would like to dance on those mats in-between the machines. It may just be my little town’s problem, but I wish the gals would loosen up!

But, if I had to do it over again, I would join. The fact that I AM commited for a year will probably be a kick in my arse to keep going!

later

At my place, you can use the streching rooms before working out. I only live five minutes away, so I stretch, then go.

And some of the women DO get really high energy...arms and legs and kicks and punches...lol...I can't, however, I'm so clumsy I would fall off the recovery board!

Is your place going to get more equipment, obsessing? My place has 13 machines.

And as for the fee--I joined under a deal, my initial fee was very low. Still had to sign up for a year though...it's a good thing, because since that money is going out, I'm going to be sure it's being put to use!