Curves?

[Zen]

I'm not a big fan of Curves.

They don't use weights, their machines use hydraulic resistance.
From what I've seen Curves is largely a social venue. Anyone who is truly serious and dedicated would soon outgrow it.

But any exercise is better than none.

[Flybye]

I have gone to Curves and very much liked the aspect of having a women's only fitness center. It was a very upbeat place and I can't say one negative thing about it. I made many friends, improved my self outlook, and it was the first step in fitness that I took after having kids. It was a great first step toward cycling.
As far as the founders beliefs in Christianity and what he does with his money - so what? I also shop at Fred Meyer, Wal-Mart, Chevron, Flying J, and the mom and pop stores. I am sure that by shopping there I pay wages of people who are Mormon, Buddhist, Atheist, Scientologist, etc and etc. They most likely use a portion of their wages to support their beliefs as well. You can't get away from this unless you live in a compound, grow your own food, and become a hermit. We are a diverse Nation. Embrace it. If you don't want to pray, don't. Christianity advocates free choice. I am sure that the owner would understand.
I hope that you enjoy curves and have fun with it, I sure did.

[Hammer]

I was a member of Curves for about a year, a couple years ago. I did like that it was a chain and that when I travelled I could at least go and get a quick workout in. But, I also enjoyed running sometimes and cycling, I felt like it didn't work me like I wanted and I didn't really like that you only had 30 seconds... I ended up not enjoying the format and I didn't lose weight. I don't think that my body composition changed much while I was there either.

Ultimately it was time that I could spend running or cycling. I signed up for spin classes this year and have enjoyed that way more. Even then after 40 minutes I don't feel like I've done enough either.

[Trek420]

I'm not a big fan of Curves.

They don't use weights, their machines use hydraulic resistance.
From what I've seen Curves is largely a social venue. Anyone who is truly serious and dedicated would soon outgrow it.

But any exercise is better than none.

Women (and men) moving around is a good thing, whatever shows them it can be fun, sociable, get away from the screen...it's all good.

As long as nobody is telling me how to pray, what to believe think and do, I'm good.

I think about where my meager funds go. Major purchases like those I'll soon be embroiled in remodeling the house I look if the company is listed on www.bluefund.com. I get the local strawberries over the ones flown in. If there's a Fair Trade option I get that.

I'm about as politically correct as they get.

But we know or are ourselves riders who would not throw ourselves into a ride with the local hammerheads especially if you're just starting out. So there are women (and men) who would not feel comfortable in a mixed gym full of gym bunnies and ripped men.

For them Curves may be a good place to start.

Or just take a walk or slow ride with friends. But where's the money in that?

[ShubieGA]

I joined Curves about 18 months ago, to get back in the swing of exercising. At first, it felt good, like I was pushing myself. But it did not take long to lose that feeling. If you are working and commuting, I had a difficult time getting there before they closed, and their morning hours were too late for someone trying to get to the office. When I wanted to use another Curves facility, I had to get a "permission slip" only good for 30 days, although it was not truly enforced. Hopefully, they have linked their computers, so they can track your visits to any location. Also, I had fulfill a one year commitment, and was only able to cancel through registered letter or hand-delivered letter. No e-mail or phone call.
That being said, if it gets you moving, why not.

[amymisk]

I have never been a member of Curves but I can tell you my experience. I have been working out at home, 2 days weight training w/stability ball, 3 days cardio (bike of course!). A girlfriend of mine works out at Curves 3xwk. We both had kids at the same time. I have much more muscle tone and lost more weight than she. Of course, there are many variables to account for, but my friend continues to go but complains that she is not seeing the results she wanted.

My suggestions: find what works for you. I hired a personal trainer (who is also a licensed dietitian specializing in adult weight management) to assist with developing my fitness plan. He came to my house to develop a program with my current exercise equipment. He was there twice and cost me $250 for two one hour visits. Money well spent. The personal tips/hints and suggestions for alternate routines keeps the workout fresh.

Also, I have a few DVDs that have given me great results. They are the core secret videos with Gunnar Peterson. I love them. He explains and demonstrates the exercise then you join in. Easy to follow and use.

I would not join a gym, not just Curves, no gym. I am too lazy to drive somewhere after I spent 9 hours at work. I just want to go home, so I workout at home.