Unique and Compelling
Written: May 16 '09 (Updated May 17 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Moderate workout
Supportive and diverse environment
Cons: Blueberry Hill with a backbeat (music can get tiresome)
One can make it too easy
The Bottom Line: Curves is right for women who would like a consistent moderate workout in a supportive environment.
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| kewpiepowers's Full Review: Curves For Women |
About 7 years ago as I was slowly working my way up to 300 pounds of couch potato. I joined Curves for Women. I had no confidence I could do the circuit and negotiated a month-long exit to my contract with the owner. I tried it and began coming daily. I also dieted - reasonably, using Weight-Watchers on-line. The pounds began to come off. I COULD DO the circuit! The hydrolic machines respond to the efforts that the user puts in and help one keep good form. I didn't get sore and I visited almost daily. I got measured. I went from a couch potato who could barely carry in a two-liter bottle of soda to a person who didn't drink soda and could carry bags of cat litter.
The support was compelling - one of the proudest moments in my life came when a group of women were facing each other on the Curves apparatus and the facilitator held her hand to her head, making an "L" with her thumb and index finger to announce that I was a LOSER. The entire group followed suit. This is before the Biggest Loser phenomenon so you could say I was an original Loser! At the time, I had lost more pounds than any other local member (a 3 Curves area).
People didn't recognize me. I have weighed about 200 pounds for a while now. NO - I'm not thin - but I'm barely plus-sized. I am more fit and active than I was before Curves and I have the Curves workout routine to thank for showing me what was possible. It gave me the confidence to develop an active life. Just like every diet and exercise disclaimer, I add - the results are not typical. They are up to the individual but they ARE possible. I left Curves to go on to local gyms with weights and cardio equipment. I got a bicycle, I walked outside, I lifted and did crunches on the ball. I tried new things.
Seven years later, I've moved to a new town and I am about to join Curves again. WHY? Because I need to have something I can do when I first get up in the morning that will fulfill a full-body moderate workout. I would like to take it to the next level and lose 50 more pounds. I ride my bike to work on nice days, I walk with nordic walking poles, I swing kettlebells but I would like the consistency and the weigh-ins and measuring I can get at Curves which is close by. The price has not gone up since then - it is still about $37 in my location.
I like that it is all women - old women and disabled women and young women and very fat and thin women. It is safe and welcoming.
It can be easy. I know I will have to focus to make it challenging.
I hate the music! (*sigh*)
Also, I have MS (multiple sclerosis) and a 30 minute workout is still manageable as it is a combination of standing and sitting and different movements. I CAN DO IT. Yes, it is somewhat boring but it is predictable and effective. I don't have to be entertained ALL the time!
Sooo I will be getting up most Mondays through Fridays and going to Curves with bed-head and working out before I go to work. I will still do the other things like biking and so on but I know then, that I've gotten some activity to start my day and can feel good about it. I'm a 42 year old woman with MS who currently weighs about 200 pounds. I probably will not be participating in any triathalons. I just need to be active and burn some calories in a supportive environment where I CAN do it and I can encourage others. Curves is a good place for that.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
kewpiepowers
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Member: Kay P.
Location: Moberly, MO, USA
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
I'm a 42 year old woman who likes to enjoy life and pursue her dreams...
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