Curves For Women

Pros: 30 mins,you can travel to all 10,000 locations, no brainer total body workout
Cons: no daycare

I joined Curves in 2002. I had just turned 50 and everything was heading south and getting flabby. I had never been a heavy person, 7/8 to 9/10 but now I was 11/12 and very uncomfortable at that size. Shopping for clothes wasn't fun anymore, forget bathing suits! My self esteem was diminishing. I wasn't eating more but I was gaining weight...why? Out of disgust I joined Curves while I was still a member at LA Fitness where I didnt' go of course. I loved the non-intimidating atmosphere and the positive people there. The workout was a no brainer, simple but not easy and even fun! I followed their 3x per week recommendation and changed the way I ate (didn't diet though) as they instructed me and after about 3 months, everything changed. My body shape changed drastically and i was hooked. 5 years later, at 55, I am a size 4 (never been that before) and i feel awesome!

Pros: 30 minutes
Cons: gets boring fast, not worth the money, not there for social hour!

I needed to get active and my husband liked the idea of a gym for only women lol. But seriously it gets very boring and repetitive. I am ok if the workers want to talk but after you get into a work out I dont want to make small talk. I am here to work out and once you get to a good level you cant progress. My review is to say I regret signing up not worth the money you pay for the equipment. You would be better off buying something to use at home.

Pros: It's Fun, Fast safe and efficient and it gives me the fat burn I need!
Cons: It's hard to think of a con, it's a great regiment for all women.

I joined Curves in Cumming, GA in 2004 Feb. I am still participating in the circuit routine today just down the road at the Roswell, Ga Curves. My workouts have exceeded 400 and With it's fun, fast & safe motto, I can't tell you how the 3 workouts a week regiment has changed my body and my mind. I have gone from 239 lbs down to 180 with a vision of 150 as my goal. It's amazing how fun the experience is and how fit I feel. The regiment has helped me make better choices in all areas of my life and it has given me the stamina I need to live day to day. Participating in the 6 week solution that is held 3 times a year has taught me how to make better choices nutritionally and given me the confidence that I will never gain that old weight back. I'll never be a skinny woman but at my age as long as I am fit and feel great I am happy to share my success with others who need to stop thinking and get started.

Pros: nice facility
Cons: credit card fraud

I went to Palm Desert Curves on a "trial" membership and decided not to continue after the free trial month. They continued to charge my credit card for 16 months even though our bookkeeper called every month and the bank reversed the charges.
I just finished talking to Todie the manager and she says they have no record of my name or any charges. Chase Visa has is now invesitigating fraud.

Pros: machines are made just for women, fast workout
Cons: not enough cardio

I love curves!! Being an Exercise Science major, I know how to work out. I have been a member twice, I joined before my wedding and recently joined again in a different location.I'm 5'4 and weigh 122. I joined to tone up. Curves is as hard as you make it, every time I go in I make sure I break a sweat! There is not enough cardio, so you do have to add in cardio somewhere else, but for toning curves is great!

Pros: The instructor I spoke with was very fit and seemed knowledgeable.
Cons: they don't offer a shower!! Bad for working out before going to work.

I just stopped in to a Curves in my local area and visited with the lady there and she told me about nutrition classes and a book that they offer. Has a protein and carb option. I like the idea of combining the workout with the nutrition counsel. The teacher is a former nurse who has lost 100 lbs and kept it off for many years.
Their web site shows all these major success stories but I haven't seen anything close to that being talked about here. Am I missing some?

Pros: women only, 30-minute workout with results, friendly and motivational staff, convenient hours, convenient location
Cons: None - I LOVE Curves!!!

I joined Curves 18 months ago. I tried it with a free 2-week pass and saw results within the 2 weeks so I decided to join. My reason for joining was to become physically active. However, within just 2 weeks, I lost pounds and inches. When I started Curves, I was an average weight for my height and age but I knew I could improve upon my body. Well, 18 months later, I am still going to Curves 3 times a week and seeing results. My body fat is at the lower end of the average range, my body has become firmer and toned, and the cellulite has almost vanished. I love my Curves body!

You get out of the workout what you put into it. You must remain committed and go 3 times a week for 30 minutes every week. You must also push yourself to your fullest capacity as you use the equipment. After 18 months, Curves still works for me. My body changed from a size 10 to a size 6 and I feel healthy and much more energetic.

Pros: Good for toning
Cons: 30 day cancellation policy

I belonged to Curves for two years. I expected to lose weight but found that their machines are good for toning only. You must still be careful with your diet as the exercises alone won't do it. I had a family issue come up so I asked if there was any kind of leave. I was told that I could take a two month medical leave but check with them at least once a month to let them know my status. After a month I decided that it would be better for me to quit. The friend that I joined with decided to quit also and she was told that there is a 30 day cancellation policy. Since I (supposedly) had the the two month leave I assumed that I would not be billed but that wasn't the case. I took a letter of resignation in and four days later I was billed again. When I called I was told that there is a 30 day cancellation policy so it didn't matter that I was already on a leave they were going to get their money no matter what.

Pros: All woman gender specific.  In and out in 30 to 40 minutes.
Cons: Please read above...INJURY! Be very careful if you are considering joining. 

Please use caution when joining curves.  If you are in top physical shape you may be ok.  I have suffered 2 injuries and now can't continue going although I am being charged every month for my contract terms of one full year.  I am reading about a lot of doctors reporting increase injuries from curves machines.  I hurt my knee first...stayed away for a month, went back and injured my shoulder.  They are using old equipment and the women who work there are not properly trained for specific issues...it's all 'cookie cutter'!  Just use caution.  In hindsight I would have saved my money, went outside walking everyday and did free weights at home along with some yoga stretching...hmmm, could have taken a well needed vacation for the money i've wasted at Curves. I am 53 and always considered in moderate physical shape.  I can only imagine someone who has never worked out before and not getting the proper help they need. 

Pros: None.
Cons: My local curves closed. No other local Curve will honor my prepaid membership.

Joni in VIrigina

My local curves closed. I paid a year membership and no other Curve will honor my prepaid membership.

Joni in VIrigina

Pros: Workout works for me
Cons: No showers, can't go on my lunch

I can't believe some of the negative comments!!  The work out is as hard or challenging as you make it.  If 30 minutes isn't enough, do 45-60 minutes, like I do.  Also,  you are not restricted to 3x a week.  I go 5 times every week, for at least 45 minutes. 

In 7 wks, I have lost 8 1/2 " around my body, and put on 1/2" of muscle to my arms, where there was none before.

Hours at our local Curves are very convenient 6:30 am to 7 pm.
The workers are not professional trainers, but all know the proper way to use the machines, and actively watch.  If someone is doing something wrong, they correct you on the proper way to use the machine.
I am not super chatty and social, but am not bothered by the other women if they chat.  There are a variety of ages and sizes to the women who attend.
All in all, one of the best things I have done for my overall health.

Pros: Really good for women who are just starting out
Supportive environment
Cons: No room for improvement
Same thing every day can get boring

I've been at both ends of the fitness spectrum…from 80 pounds overweight (five years ago) to super fit and trim (today). I found that Curves was a great start for me, but I had to move on to another workout regimen after a while. Curves got me moving, introduced me to weight training, helped me with some healthy eating tips and had a really supportive environment to encourage me. After a while, though, the same old thing day after day got boring, I couldn't improve substantially on the weight training or the cardio, and I realized that certain important aspects of fitness, especially flexibility, were not emphasized. Curves is great for getting women on the road to fitness, but at some point you need to move on.

Pros: easy and quick, convenient location
Cons: sneaky "rollover" contract, annoying religious music, poorly trained employees, minimal effectiveness of workout

I have read the reviews that mention the "one-year contract" and think it is important to clarify that if you choose the automatic payment method, which saves something like $10 a month, the automatic withdrawals will NOT stop at the end of the year of membership. I just got off the phone with my local Curves, and was told that the automated withdrawals will continue until I bring them a signed letter stating that I am ending my membership.

I went 2-3 times a week for 8 or 9 months, but grew really tired of the constant Christian music, and the sophomoric dress-up days ("wear green," "wear a hat," whatever). I expected the monthly withdrawals from my account to expire on the anniversary date of my joining, because that is how it was explained to me by the employee when I joined. Shame on me for not reading more thoroughly, but at least you will know going in what the deal is.

Pros: Not even a single thing good about this place.
Cons: Instructor very disinterested and impolite too
Old equipments.

I joined the curves facility at Van Houten,Clifton in NJ
The instructor of this gym is completely at disinterest at what she is doing. She is the worst instructor I have ever come across and throws off a lot of attitude.The place is stinky, old equpiments and location not that great.
I will never recommend this gym to anyone.

Pros: Nothing - it's depressing - staff could care less
Cons: everything...

Curves is out for your money any way they can even after you terminate membership.  Watch your statements carefully and if you stop going make sure your request to stop payments is honored.