Has anyone tried this? A CURVES just opened up about 2 minutes from my house, and it sounds really interesting. I was wondering if any of you have had any experience with it and what you thought? I am the one that HATES to work out, but it is only 30 mnutes 3 times a week. That's not bad. I have been walking lately, but now I want to do more.

By Reds9298 on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - 02:03 pm:

My mom has just started curves after being recommended by my MIL. She has been there for a month and just had her measurements/weight checked (I guess they do it every month) and she has lost 2 total inches and dropped her body mass index. She's really excited and really likes going there. I know that it's a set routine...like you do 'laps' as she calls them around the machines. My MIL and mom really like it. My MIL has been going for about a year. Hope that helps.

By Cat on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - 02:34 pm:

I was a member for a little over a year. I really liked it, but ended up quitting because I never had time to go when they were open. Their hours here are 7am-7pm, and they used to be closed from 1-3 or 2-4 or something like that. I think they are open those times now, but that still doesn't help me. For quite some time I had kids from 6am-6 or 7pm. On the nights all the kids were gone by 6pm by the time I got dinner for my family it was too late to go, and putting dinner off until 7 or 7:30 wasn't an option. So I ended up quitting. BUT, I will say it is a great place to exercise. Mine had contests that were fun and the people were great. I met several friends there. If you have time and can make it 2-4 times a week, go for it! Most of my kids now are gone by 5:30pm and I've actually contemplated joining again. We'll see...

By Palmbchprincess on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - 02:36 pm:

I know Cori (Tink) is a member, and seems to be enjoying it. I'm sure she can give you the scoop.

By Happynerdmom on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - 02:39 pm:

I go three times a week. I can't say I love it, because it IS still exercise, LOL, but I like the people there, and I feel good about doing something good for myself. I've been doing it for a couple of months and have lost a few pounds, and a few inches, and my BMI has dropped some. I guess that's pretty good, since I haven't changed my diet or anything. I didn't join to lose weight, but to feel better and have more energy...and I do!

By Mommmie on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - 03:00 pm:

It sounded interesting to me, too, but the limited hours turned me off. I would need it open later and on Sundays for me to get anything out of it since I work.

My co-workers used to go during lunch but the boss told them to stop bec they were gone longer than an hour each day. They stopped going all together, again bec of the limited hours.

By Cherie on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - 05:23 pm:

My issues were the same as many...the hours are horrible. I was a member about a year ago, I lost 9 total inches in the first week and felt great. I loved the atmosphere, as there are no little twinkies watching the fat chick exercise, and there are no mirrors either. I loved the place and the workout routine, but was forced to leave only because of the schedule they were open for business.

If you are able I say it is probably the best workout routine, that got results that I have ever been associated with. Good luck

By Tink on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 - 08:23 pm:

I'm also not a huge fan of the hours but, as a SAHM, I have a bit more flexibility. I've been a member for almost two months and am actually enjoying it. The atmosphere is sooo different from any other gym I've been to and I've made two new friendships through it. I don't worry about having the cutest workout gear or the tightest butt in the room. They've found some fun ways to mix up the exercise and motivate you to come. Right now, ours is challenging us to come three days a week, lose 5 lbs and bring in a bag of non-perishable food items for a food drive in order to win prizes. They offer a free workout before you sign up. Try it out and see how the vibe is. Make sure you go when you would most likely go on a regular basis to see how busy they are and what types of women are there. Early mornings is when the SAHMs seem to come in, mid-morning is the older ladies, and evenings are when the working women come in. Evenings are also MUCH busier. Email me if you have any specific questions. Addy's in my profile.

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 12:26 am:

I'm thinking about joining. The people I work with, who go, love it a lot and I like that people just wear ordinary clothes and not everything matching and coordinated. I'm not a fashion plate and would feel uncomfortable if everyone looked cute and perfect.

I have the flexibility to go in the morning, after kids are in school and I don't have to work at the clinic, so I could make time for it.

By Children03 on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 06:40 am:

I haven't done curves, but I did join another gym that was basically the same thing as curves. I did the 30 minute circuit training. I did the strength training and then the cardo back and forth and then finished up with the treadmill. I liked it a lot and I saw results quickly. I went three times a week too. Good luck if you join.

I like going to an all women gym. I am now a member of World's Gym, just bought out Gold's Gym and I like it okay, but I hate working out in front of men. There are some gross men up there sometimes.

By Rayanne on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 09:33 am:

The hours thing is what would keep me from going. The only time that I would be able to go is when Chris gets home and sometimes, it's not until 6:00/6:30. They close at 7:00. If I had someone to watch Rylee for an hour I could go. I don't know, we'll see. If I do end up joining, I will let you know

By Janet on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 12:10 pm:

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

I go about 2x per week, because I live pretty far from the nearest one. But if there were one closer, you bet I'd be there 3x per week. It's absolutely wonderful!

By Kym on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 - 12:18 pm:

I have been going for a month, with the last 8 days of Feb off w/ a chest cold. I had my weigh and measure today
Lost 3 pounds, ?? inches over all, but the best was 5 pounds body fat, which is what I need!
The circuit is OK, I find my local center is a bit too talky, I dont' like to chat while I workout, not a realy female trait I know But I like the fact that just when my muscles start wanting to whimp out, it's time to move on the next station, I don't feel like I'm going to quit any second like w/ tapes from home or workouts on my own.
The hours are bad but luckily my dh works retail so he doesn't leave until 8:30 or 9 AM so it's plenty of time for me to go.
BTW, I have not changed any eating and still lost, this month I am doing their food plan as well.

By Colette on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 07:03 am:

I am going to check it out today. There is one just down the street from me and the hours are perfect for me.

Do they require a long term commitment?

By Jackie on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 08:21 am:

Can I ask a question? Do they have childcare? I heard from some people the ones they do go to dont have childcare.I dont understand this. I mean I know its only a 30 minute workout, but if you have nobody to watch your child, then I couldnt go. My husband works fulltimeand goes to school at nite, so although it sounds like a great place, I wouldnt be able to do it unless they had childcare. That has always been what I looked for in a workout place. I go to Jazzercise in the morning as they have a babysitter there.

By Colette on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 08:33 am:

From everything I have seen, they do NOT provide childcare. I am leaving in a sec to check it out. I have also heard that each Curves is different and have different offers so I may check a couple out.

By Cat on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 08:40 am:

No, they do not have childcare. Ours here has a sign that says, "We love children, but this is YOUR time. Please leave your children home."

You can sign up and pay monthly, but you end up paying more than if you sign up for a year. They way ours worked was if you signed up for one year and paid for it directly from your checking account it was $29.99 a month. Any other way (monthly or not direct deposit) it was $39.99 a month. There's also a pretty heafty sign up fee, so your best bet is to either wait for a special promotion (they do them every so often) or just ask for their most recent promotion, even if it's over. It never hurts to ask and they might give you the discount to get your business.

I really did enjoy it when I had time to go. I just wish their hours were more accommedating.

By Rayanne on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 08:51 am:

It's a year contract.

By Colette on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 09:13 am:

I just got back. Like Cat said, it is $39.99 per month with no contract but if you sign up for one year and let them take the $$ out of yoru checking account it is $29.99. I read some reviews on epinions and it looks like you either love it or hate it. So, I decided to do the month to month for now and if I see results and stay interested I'll sign the year contract. They are also offering "butt and belly" classes but those are extra $$. It is very no frills, just a little circle of machines, a room out back for stretching, a large bathroom for changing and an office. The lady I spoke with was very nice, very low pressure and very down to earth. I am going in on Monday for my initial appointment. Also, they are offering a promotion 3/8-12 and waiving the $149 membership fee if you bring in a bag of nonperishables.

I would not join if they don't waive that membership fee.

By Paulas on Friday, March 4, 2005 - 10:42 am:

Wow! I can't believe the membership fee in the US is $149! Here in Canada, it is $49.95 and like Cat said..there is currently a promotion if you bring in a bag of nonperishables. I went through my cupboards and easily found a bag of stuff my family isn't eating.

I signed up yesterday and did my workout. I like it so far...already went this morning at 6:40am! I like the chatting b/c it makes the the time go by quickly.

By Janet on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 10:45 am:

I'm not a chatter either, when I'm working out. The one I go to has "Wacky Wednesdays" (a day I usually go) and they play games while working out (Trivial Pursuit, ring toss, etc) and I really, really don't like it. I just want to go, work out, and leave, LOL So now it's a joke with the owner, who knows I hate the games, and tries to get me to play anyway.
Oh, and another thing I like is the travel pass. If you're in another town, you can work out as a guest.

By Hol on Tuesday, April 26, 2005 - 02:29 am:

Does anyone have a "Healthy Inspirations" near them? It incorporates circuit training with a strict diet, and LOTS of water.

Some love it, some hate it. They are very pushy, and the local one here, is very unprofessional. They leave your records lying around, and discuss others weight problems in front of everyone.

It is very expensive. You can also get massages and facials, but it is extra. I have a friend who used to be way bigger than I, and now SHE'S the skinny one. She LOVES it!