Curves - The 30 Minute Workout (Curves for women)

Member Name: kelieprincess

Product:	Curves for women
Date:	28/11/08 (1633 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fast, Works the whole body, Affordable, Friendly!

Disadvantages: Is quite repetitve after a while

After many years of yo-yo dieting, my sister treated me to a membership at my local curves. I was extremely worried and self-concious about how I was going to feel after my many experiences in normal gyms. I plucked up the courage and finally went for my induction with my sister. Once we arrived, the fitness instructor asked us to fill in a number of forms, explain what we wanted to achieve from our workouts, and did the usual weighing, body fat and measuring different parts of our bodies. Every other gym I have been a member of haven't measured my waist, hips, bust, legs and arms so I was impressed by this service.

After we had done all the paperwork, we were shown around the gym circuit. Basically curves consists of a big circle of alternate hydraulic machines which work two parts of your body at one time, and recovery mats which you are given exercises to follow or you can complete what is shown on the printed sheets in front of you. We were given the opportunity to have a go around the circuit and what I absolutely love about curves is the fact that it is only a 30 minute workout so anyone can fit it into their day. The hydraulic machines give you a workout known as strength training which builds muscle (but not bulk), and therefore increases your metabolism. There are no weights on these machines as your own body weight provides the resistance needed to work those muscles. Every 30 seconds you hear a voice over the loudspeaker and move onto the next thing. You complete the circuit 3 times to get your full 30 minute workout. Because you are constantly changing the exercise you are doing it doesn't feel boring like staying for 30 minutes on a treadmill does. The music is also very motivational in our local curves.

Once we had been given our tour of the circuit, we both signed up straight away. We have paid for 4 months in advance although in our local curves there is an option to pay monthly. I have been four times each week since we joined and although I haven't weighed yet I am desperate to know how many inches I have lost because I already feel a difference. Curves is VERY motivational. Most of the time, an instructor asks how you are doing, or tells you to work a bit harder / faster /slower. I asked my instructor for exercises to do on the recovery mats which would be good for my stomach / love handles and she looked up a number of different things I could try and came around the circuit with me doing them at the same time.

So far, I don't feel self concious, the gym is very friendly and the workout does make you feel like you are burning calories. I come out every time sweating! Not only am I getting a good workout in a very friendly gym, but it is quite social too. Our local curves has run the race for life this year, and there are extra events like belly dancing lessons and massage sessions. I don't know if this is across the board at all curves, but it is offered in mine.

As for costs, I am paying £29 a month, so it is reasonable compared to other gym memberships.

Summary: I am very happy with my curves membership and I feel welcome there.