After almost a year, I'm still going.
Written: Feb 21 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fast, straightforward and doable.
Cons: Limited hours, varied staff effectiveness.
The Bottom Line: I would recommend Curves to any woman who just wants a decent workout that can fit into her life.
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| lisah25's Full Review: Curves For Women |
The title says a lot for me. I like the idea of exercising and the results, but not actually doing it. So, to be still going after a year is pretty amazing.
I had a friend join, and she liked it, and more importantly she was looking better for it. So I went to my local Curves, and joined.
They are very no-frills, and women only. Both of which I love, because it makes them much less intimidating then a regular gym, esp. for those of us a little older and rounder. My location has a rest-room, and two small changing rooms. A cooler with water for $1 a bottle. No showers, no steam room, nothing like that. No mirrors on the wall. We just got 2 new machines, making our total I think 13.
The machines use hydraulic resistance to work specific muscle groups. You do each machine for 30 seconds, then spend 30 seconds on a recovery pad, jogging in place, or walking in place, or whatever you want. 30 seconds may not sound like a lot, but on some machines you can't wait for that voice telling you to "change stations". The workout takes about 30 minutes, and they suggest 3 times a week. You can do more if you want, and unfortunately, I've had too many weeks with less. You can start at any recovery pad along the circuit, I've never had to wait to start, at my location it's never totally full. After the circuit, you do a series of stretches.
I don't think it's the world's best workout, but as with anything, you get what you put into it. I know I can just coast through the motions, or I can really work to do as many reps as I can in that time. I've found too that the more I go, the harder I have to work to see results.
Some of the staff are better trained, and better at being trainers then others. They are all very nice, but some are more willing then others to correct your form, or tell you when you are doing something right.
You can request a travel pass that can be used for 30 days at any Curves location, nice if you are going to be traveling. I do wish they would connect their systems though, they give you a keytag you scan each visit at the Curves where you joined, seems like you should be able to just use that. I suppose it's because they don't all have the same owners.
Since I've been going, I've seen a difference in the shape of my body. I have more energy, and my blood pressure has dropped.
My main complaints are somewhat limited hours, and I think the trainers could do more to remind people what the rules are, and common courtesy. I've gotten behind someone who doesn't change stations when prompted, they want to get those last few reps in and that affects my workout.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
lisah25
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Reviews written: 35
Trusted by: 3 members
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