Curves?

[pooks]

Does anybody here do Curves, or have you?

I joined a few years ago and I think it may have helped my energy levels and it was probably good cardio, but I never felt like I was really getting my muscles the kind of workout that I needed. Even though I was horribly out of shape, I never once had a muscle ache or felt any kind of even mild burn that made me think I was doing myself any good.

I let it slide.

I know a lot of women who love Curves, and I would have kept it up if I really was sure it was helping. (As far as that goes, I know it was in general; I just didn't feel like it was doing enough.)

Do you do Curves? Have you? What do you think?

I've considered joining again because it's an easy bike ride away and it would be another way to move, but then I think the 30 minutes would be better spent riding!

[Pax]

I had an old co-worker who decided to buy a Curves franchise, she asked me to donate my time to certify her staff in First Aid & CPR. When I showed up to do the training we had to start out with a prayer, I explained that I'm not a christian and wasn't comfortable with that, she took me aside and explained that Curves is a company founded by conservative christians and she wants to support their ideals. We agreed to disagree and I told her I would train her staff once they were done praying. She offered me a free membership and I declined, I choose not to give the illusion that I support the ideals espoused by the founders.

As far as the workout goes, it's a fine (well structured) 30 minute program for those so inclined.

[pooks]

Ouch.

I think the woman was going a bit overboard, as I have been in more than one Curves facility and never once did I see anything like that, nor did I get the feeling that the owner/managers were emphasizing anything like that. In fact I recall hearing a discussion in which they joked about not being open on Sunday so they could sleep late on Sunday morning!

One woman talked about bringing her daughter to Curves, but her daughter didn't think it was enough of a workout, which made me wonder if Curves is aimed at people who are very much out of shape, but once people start to get in better shape they need to switch to a regular gym....

[SouthernBelle]

Most women who are serious about physical training outgrow Curves rather quickly.

I too have heard unpleasant things about the political philosophy of the CEO. Ot at least things that I strongly disagree with.

[FreshNewbie]

Pooks, I am not a certified trainer (although always wanted to get certified) however I been working out for over 7 years in the gym. All I can tell you that if you don't feel challenged enough then it's not worth it. What's the point of doing a 30min workout where you don't feel like you worked your muscle? You can do a more productive work in just 15 minutes that can wear you out. I am in the gym about 3-4 times a week and like to work with weights and also take spin classes. If you don't have gym membership I suggest picking up couple of sets of weights and at least do basic exercises for all major muscle groups like biceps, triceps, shoulders, your quads and hamstrings, buttocks,etc. Try to eliminated as many isolated exercises as possible, meaning exercise that targets only one group of muscles. I do this at home on weekends and I still managed to be sore next day.

[KnottedYet]

My mom was a very enthusiastic Curves member, until she found out about the founder's political/social bent, and what happens to the $$ earned by the company.

So she didn't continue.

Her daughter is more important to her than a workout.

And so far in the U.S., customers have the freedom to make that choice. My brother is serving in the military to protect your freedom to make your choices. Do your part to protect your freedoms, too. Educate yourself about where your money goes and how it is spent after it leaves your hand. And please thank a veteran, even if you don't agree with the politics that put him or her in harm's way. Memorial day isn't just about barbeques and sales at the mall.