Guest guest Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 When I first joined a gym about a year and a half ago I looked at Curves, but a couple things put me off of it. One, they absolutely refused to tell me the cost over the phone - they would only reveal that information if I went in, in person, to take a tour. Another problem I had with it was that they have a limited amount of equipment set up in " stations " that everyone rotates through - you go to one machine for X # of minutes, then move on to the next while someone else moves into the one you were just on. So if, for instance, I wanted to really work on a particular body part, tough... it's on to the next station. I also didn't like that their machines are that kind with pneumatics - I know from experience that pneumatics wear pretty regularly and soon you're not doing the work you were in the be- ginning because of pneumatic decline. On the UPside, I DO know of several individuals who swear by Curves - they tout the speed of their workouts (I think it's 20-30 minutes total to rotate through all their " stations " )and they like the " chumminess " of working out with a fairly small group of people who are rotating through the same stations you are. I guess it depends on what you're after. If your primary need is some small group motivation and a time-efficient workout, than I'd say Curves is the way to go. If you need some real Cardio time and anticipate adding strength-training to your life sooner or later, IMHO it's better to look at a traditional gym. It's possible that if you need the motivation/chumminess AT FIRST, to get you in the swing of things, signing up with Curves for the smallest contract length possible might be the way to go, anticipating moving on to a traditional gym after you've gotten yourself in the habit of regularly working out. Personality has a big part in this, too. I said the couple people I know talk about the chumminess of their workouts, which for them is a plus. For me, personally, it'd be a negative - I prefer the solitary nature of a good, sweat-dripping cardio session followed by some muscle-pumping strength moves. But, on the other hand, at my gym part of what keeps me coming all the time is that I'm normally working out with the same people at the same time each day, and if someone misses a day or so the others tease them about it when they return, which is actually a motivator. So there's not a total lack of that comraderie in a traditional gym. Good luck in your search. I'd REALLY advise you to visit a Curves (they and any other gym worth their salt will give you a free workout session or two) and also visit a couple traditional gyms. Bottom line, pick a facility that is close to home and therefore convenient, eliminating at least some part of the usual excuses for not getting there. Choose the one you feel the most comfortable in (unintimidating) and the one that offers whatever it is you're really after, whether that's cardio or strength or classes or all of the above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 Thanks for the advice and the reminder that I can say no to their eating program! sigi_gee wrote: >> Hi everyone! Does anyone here go to Curves? I want to join a gym...I feel so out of shape lately. I think Curves sounds interesting but I was wondering if anyone can describe what it's like. Also, I know they have a weight management program...I'm scared that they will have an eating program that I'll have to do. I really just want to up my exercise while continuing on my intuitive eating journey. I just want some structured exercise so I can start getting stronger and feeling better about myself! > > , I don't go myself, but I have a few friends who do and they really seem to enjoy it. They say the group dynamic and frequent changes of exercise as you go through the circuit of aerobics and weights stations make it fun and keep away the boredom that can develop when you're slogging through a gym routine on your own - and it's pretty quick. Remember, you don't have to be involved in any eating program if you don't want to!! Just politely tell them you're interested in the exercise/fitness aspect only - you don't "have to do" anything (and if they're smart they wouldn't push that on customers - it would only be more likely to scare them off).I like that it seems to be for women of all ages and sizes. My physiotherapist (a generously curvy lady of about 50) goes, and she recommends it.I suggest finding a local Curves and seeing if they will give you a tour or introductory trial session before you agree to sign up for anything.Good luck!sigigee Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 Thanks for the advice and the reminder that I can say no to their eating program! sigi_gee wrote: >> Hi everyone! Does anyone here go to Curves? I want to join a gym...I feel so out of shape lately. I think Curves sounds interesting but I was wondering if anyone can describe what it's like. Also, I know they have a weight management program...I'm scared that they will have an eating program that I'll have to do. I really just want to up my exercise while continuing on my intuitive eating journey. I just want some structured exercise so I can start getting stronger and feeling better about myself! > > , I don't go myself, but I have a few friends who do and they really seem to enjoy it. They say the group dynamic and frequent changes of exercise as you go through the circuit of aerobics and weights stations make it fun and keep away the boredom that can develop when you're slogging through a gym routine on your own - and it's pretty quick. Remember, you don't have to be involved in any eating program if you don't want to!! Just politely tell them you're interested in the exercise/fitness aspect only - you don't "have to do" anything (and if they're smart they wouldn't push that on customers - it would only be more likely to scare them off).I like that it seems to be for women of all ages and sizes. My physiotherapist (a generously curvy lady of about 50) goes, and she recommends it.I suggest finding a local Curves and seeing if they will give you a tour or introductory trial session before you agree to sign up for anything.Good luck!sigigee Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 Thanks for the advice and the reminder that I can say no to their eating program! sigi_gee wrote: >> Hi everyone! Does anyone here go to Curves? I want to join a gym...I feel so out of shape lately. I think Curves sounds interesting but I was wondering if anyone can describe what it's like. Also, I know they have a weight management program...I'm scared that they will have an eating program that I'll have to do. I really just want to up my exercise while continuing on my intuitive eating journey. I just want some structured exercise so I can start getting stronger and feeling better about myself! > > , I don't go myself, but I have a few friends who do and they really seem to enjoy it. They say the group dynamic and frequent changes of exercise as you go through the circuit of aerobics and weights stations make it fun and keep away the boredom that can develop when you're slogging through a gym routine on your own - and it's pretty quick. Remember, you don't have to be involved in any eating program if you don't want to!! Just politely tell them you're interested in the exercise/fitness aspect only - you don't "have to do" anything (and if they're smart they wouldn't push that on customers - it would only be more likely to scare them off).I like that it seems to be for women of all ages and sizes. My physiotherapist (a generously curvy lady of about 50) goes, and she recommends it.I suggest finding a local Curves and seeing if they will give you a tour or introductory trial session before you agree to sign up for anything.Good luck!sigigee Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 This is my opinion, so please, take what you want or keep what you want from it. Curves is a circuit where every 30 seconds you alternate between a cardio board and you can jog in place, do jumping jacks, dance, really whatever you want to do and then jumping on to a weight type of machine that uses hyudrolics. There is no adjusting of the weights and they are pretty easy to use. They will take you through your first couple of times and show you how it all works. It is a great place to start if you have not been working out however for anyone that has had an exercise routine for a while, it can be way to easy and there really is no room to advance. It is easy to reach an exercise plateau. They do have an eating/weight loss plan, but if you don't want to do it, you don't have to. It is a low carb plan and you can purchase the book in book stores also. When I went there, there were a lot of weight watchers people. I would think it would be difficult to avoid the dieting mentatility/discussions. They also focus pretty heavily on weighing,measureing and ta king body fat and graphing it. -- Alana -------------- Original message ---------------------- > Hi everyone! Does anyone here go to Curves? I want to join a gym...I feel so > out of shape lately. I think Curves sounds interesting but I was wondering if > anyone can describe what it's like. Also, I know they have a weight management > program...I'm scared that they will have an eating program that I'll have to do. > I really just want to up my exercise while continuing on my intuitive eating > journey. I just want some structured exercise so I can start getting stronger > and feeling better about myself! > > > > > --------------------------------- > All new Yahoo! Mail > --------------------------------- Get news delivered. Enjoy RSS feeds right on your Mail page. Hi everyone! Does anyone here go to Curves? I want to join a gym...I feel so out of shape lately. I think Curves sounds interesting but I was wondering if anyone can describe what it's like. Also, I know they have a weight management program...I'm scared that they will have an eating program that I'll have to do. I really just want to up my exercise while continuing on my intuitive eating journey. I just want some structured exercise so I can start getting stronger and feeling better about myself! All new Yahoo! Mail Get news delivered. Enjoy RSS feeds right on your Mail page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 This is my opinion, so please, take what you want or keep what you want from it. Curves is a circuit where every 30 seconds you alternate between a cardio board and you can jog in place, do jumping jacks, dance, really whatever you want to do and then jumping on to a weight type of machine that uses hyudrolics. There is no adjusting of the weights and they are pretty easy to use. They will take you through your first couple of times and show you how it all works. It is a great place to start if you have not been working out however for anyone that has had an exercise routine for a while, it can be way to easy and there really is no room to advance. It is easy to reach an exercise plateau. They do have an eating/weight loss plan, but if you don't want to do it, you don't have to. It is a low carb plan and you can purchase the book in book stores also. When I went there, there were a lot of weight watchers people. I would think it would be difficult to avoid the dieting mentatility/discussions. They also focus pretty heavily on weighing,measureing and ta king body fat and graphing it. -- Alana -------------- Original message ---------------------- > Hi everyone! Does anyone here go to Curves? I want to join a gym...I feel so > out of shape lately. I think Curves sounds interesting but I was wondering if > anyone can describe what it's like. Also, I know they have a weight management > program...I'm scared that they will have an eating program that I'll have to do. > I really just want to up my exercise while continuing on my intuitive eating > journey. I just want some structured exercise so I can start getting stronger > and feeling better about myself! > > > > > --------------------------------- > All new Yahoo! Mail > --------------------------------- Get news delivered. Enjoy RSS feeds right on your Mail page. Hi everyone! Does anyone here go to Curves? I want to join a gym...I feel so out of shape lately. I think Curves sounds interesting but I was wondering if anyone can describe what it's like. Also, I know they have a weight management program...I'm scared that they will have an eating program that I'll have to do. I really just want to up my exercise while continuing on my intuitive eating journey. I just want some structured exercise so I can start getting stronger and feeling better about myself! All new Yahoo! Mail Get news delivered. Enjoy RSS feeds right on your Mail page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 12, 2007 Report Share Posted October 12, 2007 Hi,I went to the Curves website and was pretty disgusted. There is no information to speak of, and the website's only purpose is to capture your information so they can have a sales rep call you. I don't trust the flavor of their site at all. I know some people like it, but to me if feels like the whole purpose is very short term. They have enough equipment to make you feel like you are getting a workout the first few times, and they are betting on you quiting it just like any other commercial diet plan, before you see how insubstantial what they offer really is. Sorry to be this negative, but if they really cared about your health, they would let you examine what they offer without the presence of a sales person. You'd be better of joining the YMCA and get a lot more out of it. Sorry for the rant....I just hate to see all the ways in which we are manipulated by the industry. At least the Y is not for profit, and traditional gyms are welcoming places, once you get past your own feelings of newness.Lovingly,Maureenajslinton@... wrote: This is my opinion, so please, take what you want or keep what you want from it. Curves is a circuit where every 30 seconds you alternate between a cardio board and you can jog in place, do jumping jacks, dance, really whatever you want to do and then jumping on to a weight type of machine that uses hyudrolics. There is no adjusting of the weights and they are pretty easy to use. They will take you through your first couple of times and show you how it all works. It is a great place to start if you have not been working out however for anyone that has had an exercise routine for a while, it can be way to easy and there really is no room to advance. It is easy to reach an exercise plateau. They do have an eating/weight loss plan, but if you don't want to do it, you don't have to. It is a low carb plan and you can purchase the book in book stores also. When I went there, there were a lot of weight watchers people. I would think it would be difficult to avoid the dieting mentatility/discussions. They also focus pretty heavily on weighing,measureing and ta king body fat and graphing it. -- Alana -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: Kipkabob <kipkabobyahoo (DOT) ca> > Hi everyone! Does anyone here go to Curves? I want to join a gym...I feel so > out of shape lately. I think Curves sounds interesting but I was wondering if > anyone can describe what it's like. Also, I know they have a weight management > program...I'm scared that they will have an eating program that I'll have to do. > I really just want to up my exercise while continuing on my intuitive eating > journey. I just want some structured exercise so I can start getting stronger > and feeling better about myself! > > > > > --------------------------------- > All new Yahoo! Mail > --------------------------------- Get news delivered. Enjoy RSS feeds right on your Mail page. To: intuitiveeating_support Subject: CurvesDate: Fri, 12 Oct 2007 10:57:31 +0000 Hi everyone! Does anyone here go to Curves? I want to join a gym...I feel so out of shape lately. I think Curves sounds interesting but I was wondering if anyone can describe what it's like. Also, I know they have a weight management program...I'm scared that they will have an eating program that I'll have to do. I really just want to up my exercise while continuing on my intuitive eating journey. I just want some structured exercise so I can start getting stronger and feeling better about myself! All new Yahoo! Mail Get news delivered. Enjoy RSS feeds right on your Mail page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2007 Report Share Posted October 14, 2007 > > A lot of gyms refuse to give quotes over the phone; it's REALLY annoying! > The good news is that because of the success of Curves, a lot of other > gyms are opening up satelite locations, strictly for 30-minute > workouts similar to what Curves offers. I know 24-hour fitness, here > out west, has opened a bunch. > I would also recommend that you look into your local YMCA, JCC, or > Community Centers (if there are any near you). They're more low-key > than some other gyms, and with a community center you only pay for the > classes you want. Also, if you live near a university or college or > jr. college, they often have gyms (or at least fitness classes) open > to the public. Good luck! > Can I add one more thing? A lot of gyms offer a few free sessions with a personal trainer when you sign up. It's just my opinion, but I think it's sometimes better to skip those sessions, unless you need to know how to use the equipment. They do all the weighing, measuring and " goal talk, " which can set your head spinning. When I joined my gym, in the throes of diet mentality, my trainer asked what size I wanted to get down to [i was a 12]. I said 10, and she said " How about an 8? Single digits are always good. " After that first session I got really depressed and went right back into Weight Watchers. I'm not saying this will definitely happen to you, but just to take what they say with a big grain of salt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2007 Report Share Posted October 14, 2007 Unfortunately, there are some of us who do not have the access to a real gym. So Curves worked for me in the short run. Then I gave up and didn't do anything for a long time. I think if I missed going to the gym and someone who normally works out at the same time as me, made comments, it wouldn't be a motivator at all. But that is just my opinion. I liked working out with the ladies at Curves and no one made any comments when I didn't come in to work out. Michele gymisadrug wrote: When I first joined a gym about a year anda half ago I looked at Curves, but a couplethings put me off of it. One, they absolutelyrefused to tell me the cost over the phone - they would only reveal that information if Iwent in, in person, to take a tour. Anotherproblem I had with it was that they have a limited amount of equipment set up in "stations" that everyone rotates through - you go to onemachine for X # of minutes, then move on to the next while someone else moves into the one you were just on. So if, for instance, I wanted to really work on a particular bodypart, tough... it's on to the next station. I also didn't like that their machines are thatkind with pneumatics - I know from experiencethat pneumatics wear pretty regularly and soonyou're not doing the work you were in the be-ginning because of pneumatic decline. On the UPside, I DO know of several individualswho swear by Curves - they tout the speed of their workouts (I think it's 20-30 minutes totalto rotate through all their "stations")and theylike the "chumminess" of working out with a fairlysmall group of people who are rotating throughthe same stations you are. I guess it depends on what you're after. If yourprimary need is some small group motivation anda time-efficient workout, than I'd say Curves is the way to go. If you need some real Cardio timeand anticipate adding strength-training to your life sooner or later, IMHO it's better to look ata traditional gym. It's possible that if you needthe motivation/chumminess AT FIRST, to get you inthe swing of things, signing up with Curves for thesmallest contract length possible might be the wayto go, anticipating moving on to a traditional gymafter you've gotten yourself in the habit of regularlyworking out. Personality has a big part in this, too. I saidthe couple people I know talk about the chumminess of their workouts, which for them is a plus. For me, personally, it'd be a negative - I prefer the solitary nature of a good, sweat-dripping cardio session followed by some muscle-pumping strengthmoves. But, on the other hand, at my gym part of what keeps me coming all the time is that I'm normally working out with the same people at the same time each day, and if someone misses a day orso the others tease them about it when they return, which is actually a motivator. So there's not a total lack of that comraderie in a traditional gym. Good luck in your search. I'd REALLY advise you to visit a Curves (they and any other gym worth their salt will give you a free workout session or two)and also visit a couple traditional gyms. Bottom line,pick a facility that is close to home and thereforeconvenient, eliminating at least some part of the usual excuses for not getting there. Choose the oneyou feel the most comfortable in (unintimidating) andthe one that offers whatever it is you're really after,whether that's cardio or strength or classes or all of the above. Currently Reading: Songs Without Words Recently Read: Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella Don't let your dream ride pass you by. Make it a reality with Yahoo! Autos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 I am a member of curves right now.Diet mentality hovers over the place like a cloud. You can't escape it, so you'd better be really strong if you put yourself there.For example, on your first visit, they will weigh and measure you, take your body fat and figure your BMI. They will take a thorough weight, health, diet history, including highest weight and lowest, etc. They will ask you how much weight you want to lose, what size clothes you want to shrink into and ask you to give reasons that you want to do this. There are posters and other reminders about willpower, " willpower vs. curly fries " (as if one is virtuous and the other straight from the devil!) or whatever. They will weigh and measure you every month. I am sure you could opt out of this, but you will get lots of reminders to get it done. They regularly have promotions and games in which you are encouraged to " eat healthy " for a week as part of a way to earn prizes. They push their curves cereal and energy bars at you shamelessly. The curves where I go has a poster up that says " how much protein are you eating? " and lists the protein and fat content of several foods and then says " women need AT LEAST 100 grams of protein every day. " (Don't get me started on that poster!) There's also a big banner at my curves that says " nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels. " I have heard several of the employees swapping dieting tips " such and such food only has 250 calories and... " and other similar things. The promotion that's going on right now urges member to swap such dieting tips while working out. Just a taste of the diet mentality FOG I have to try to rise above while I'm at curves. Since it is a franchise, every curves will be a bit different, but they market themselves as a weight loss workout, so I have to constantly remind myself that I am working out to feel good and because I like working out, not because I want to lose weight. I signed a year contract just before I learned about IE. Can't afford to let that money go down the drain, and I do feel I can get a good workout. If you want to advance, you can ask for help to design an advanced workout, and there are other ways to make sure you aren't plateauing. But I wish I had heard about IE before I signed up. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 > > Again, > > Some of us don't have the added luxury of a gym. :-( > > Michele If you have access to a vcr or dvd player, there are lots of good workouts you can do at home. A lot of libraries have some in stock, and Amazon has a lot of used tapes and dvds that are in good condition and sold at a discount ('cause why pay more if you don't have to?). And if you have a community center, college or junior college near you, they often have great classes, as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 I do have a walking video that I do use, in fact, I used it tonight. I am from a town of about 4,000 people and the only gym we have is the membership pay kind which is extremely expensive and only for the snobs. :-) The closest college we have is about 45 minutes away and I don't think they have a gym as they are not really that kind of college. I will stick with my walking video. :-) Michele alyzu1 wrote: >> Again,> > Some of us don't have the added luxury of a gym. :-(> > MicheleIf you have access to a vcr or dvd player, there are lots of goodworkouts you can do at home. A lot of libraries have some in stock,and Amazon has a lot of used tapes and dvds that are in good conditionand sold at a discount ('cause why pay more if you don't have to?).And if you have a community center, college or junior college nearyou, they often have great classes, as well. Currently Reading: Songs Without Words Recently Read: Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 I do have a walking video that I do use, in fact, I used it tonight. I am from a town of about 4,000 people and the only gym we have is the membership pay kind which is extremely expensive and only for the snobs. :-) The closest college we have is about 45 minutes away and I don't think they have a gym as they are not really that kind of college. I will stick with my walking video. :-) Michele alyzu1 wrote: >> Again,> > Some of us don't have the added luxury of a gym. :-(> > MicheleIf you have access to a vcr or dvd player, there are lots of goodworkouts you can do at home. A lot of libraries have some in stock,and Amazon has a lot of used tapes and dvds that are in good conditionand sold at a discount ('cause why pay more if you don't have to?).And if you have a community center, college or junior college nearyou, they often have great classes, as well. Currently Reading: Songs Without Words Recently Read: Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella Need a vacation? Get great deals to amazing places on Yahoo! Travel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 Videos can be great, I used to do them all the time! If anyone is looking for good videos, I highly recommend checking out Collage Video. http://www.collagevideo.com/ Their customer service people have watched and used the videos and rate them. They also give a lot of detail about the workout like how long the cardio section is, weight section, etc. and also the level of the workout (beginner, etc.). They don't allow really dangerous or poor quality videos in their catalog either. Hope this helps those of you who want to workout at home! I prefer it myself! Thanks! Gillian Gillian Hood-son, MS, ACSM Healthier Outcomes It's not just about losing weight! Want to eat your favorite foods without gaining weight? Get your copy of our fr*e special report, " 6 Simple Steps to Guilt Free Eating " by visiting http://www.healthieroutcomes.com At 07:48 PM 10/15/2007, you wrote: I do have a walking video that I do use, in fact, I used it tonight. I am from a town of about 4,000 people and the only gym we have is the membership pay kind which is extremely expensive and only for the snobs. :-) The closest college we have is about 45 minutes away and I don't think they have a gym as they are not really that kind of college. I will stick with my walking video. :-) Michele alyzu1 wrote: > > Again, > > Some of us don't have the added luxury of a gym. :-( > > Michele If you have access to a vcr or dvd player, there are lots of good workouts you can do at home. A lot of libraries have some in stock, and Amazon has a lot of used tapes and dvds that are in good condition and sold at a discount ('cause why pay more if you don't have to?). And if you have a community center, college or junior college near you, they often have great classes, as well. Currently Reading: Songs Without Words Recently Read: Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2007 Report Share Posted October 16, 2007 Thanks for letting me know your experience with Curves. I'm thinking that it's not right for me. I've been doing really well with eating intuitively lately and it would probably just take me right back to the diet mentality! And I don't think I'd enjoy working out with other people...didn't realize it would be so group like. Also, thanks for all the reminders that I can work out at home! I actually have quite a few exercise dvd's and I have a mini stepper and exercise bike. I haven't used them in a long time...since I sprained my ankle over a year ago. I dug out the exercise bike on the weekend and my ankle did hurt some the next day (I think from the repetitveness of biking) but it felt so good while I was biking! I dug out a pilates dvd last night and really enjoyed that too! So thanks for all the advice! I think I will stay away from Curves!! Ann wrote: I am a member of curves right now.Diet mentality hovers over the place like a cloud. You can't escape it, so you'd better be really strong if you put yourself there.For example, on your first visit, they will weigh and measure you, take your body fat and figure your BMI. They will take a thorough weight, health, diet history, including highest weight and lowest, etc. They will ask you how much weight you want to lose, what size clothes you want to shrink into and ask you to give reasons that you want to do this. There are posters and other reminders about willpower, "willpower vs. curly fries" (as if one is virtuous and the other straight from the devil!) or whatever. They will weigh and measure you every month. I am sure you could opt out of this, but you will get lots of reminders to get it done. They regularly have promotions and games in which you are encouraged to "eat healthy" for a week as part of a way to earn prizes. They push their curves cereal and energy bars at you shamelessly. The curves where I go has a poster up that says "how much protein are you eating? " and lists the protein and fat content of several foods and then says "women need AT LEAST 100 grams of protein every day." (Don't get me started on that poster!) There's also a big banner at my curves that says "nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels." I have heard several of the employees swapping dieting tips "such and such food only has 250 calories and..." and other similar things. The promotion that's going on right now urges member to swap such dieting tips while working out. Just a taste of the diet mentality FOG I have to try to rise above while I'm at curves. Since it is a franchise, every curves will be a bit different, but they market themselves as a weight loss workout, so I have to constantly remind myself that I am working out to feel good and because I like working out, not because I want to lose weight. I signed a year contract just before I learned about IE. Can't afford to let that money go down the drain, and I do feel I can get a good workout. If you want to advance, you can ask for help to design an advanced workout, and there are other ways to make sure you aren't plateauing. But I wish I had heard about IE before I signed up. Hope this helps. All new Yahoo! Mail Get news delivered. Enjoy RSS feeds right on your Mail page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2007 Report Share Posted October 16, 2007 Thanks for letting me know your experience with Curves. I'm thinking that it's not right for me. I've been doing really well with eating intuitively lately and it would probably just take me right back to the diet mentality! And I don't think I'd enjoy working out with other people...didn't realize it would be so group like. Also, thanks for all the reminders that I can work out at home! I actually have quite a few exercise dvd's and I have a mini stepper and exercise bike. I haven't used them in a long time...since I sprained my ankle over a year ago. I dug out the exercise bike on the weekend and my ankle did hurt some the next day (I think from the repetitveness of biking) but it felt so good while I was biking! I dug out a pilates dvd last night and really enjoyed that too! So thanks for all the advice! I think I will stay away from Curves!! Ann wrote: I am a member of curves right now.Diet mentality hovers over the place like a cloud. You can't escape it, so you'd better be really strong if you put yourself there.For example, on your first visit, they will weigh and measure you, take your body fat and figure your BMI. They will take a thorough weight, health, diet history, including highest weight and lowest, etc. They will ask you how much weight you want to lose, what size clothes you want to shrink into and ask you to give reasons that you want to do this. There are posters and other reminders about willpower, "willpower vs. curly fries" (as if one is virtuous and the other straight from the devil!) or whatever. They will weigh and measure you every month. I am sure you could opt out of this, but you will get lots of reminders to get it done. They regularly have promotions and games in which you are encouraged to "eat healthy" for a week as part of a way to earn prizes. They push their curves cereal and energy bars at you shamelessly. The curves where I go has a poster up that says "how much protein are you eating? " and lists the protein and fat content of several foods and then says "women need AT LEAST 100 grams of protein every day." (Don't get me started on that poster!) There's also a big banner at my curves that says "nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels." I have heard several of the employees swapping dieting tips "such and such food only has 250 calories and..." and other similar things. The promotion that's going on right now urges member to swap such dieting tips while working out. Just a taste of the diet mentality FOG I have to try to rise above while I'm at curves. Since it is a franchise, every curves will be a bit different, but they market themselves as a weight loss workout, so I have to constantly remind myself that I am working out to feel good and because I like working out, not because I want to lose weight. I signed a year contract just before I learned about IE. Can't afford to let that money go down the drain, and I do feel I can get a good workout. If you want to advance, you can ask for help to design an advanced workout, and there are other ways to make sure you aren't plateauing. But I wish I had heard about IE before I signed up. Hope this helps. All new Yahoo! Mail Get news delivered. Enjoy RSS feeds right on your Mail page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2007 Report Share Posted October 16, 2007 > > I am a member of curves right now. > Diet mentality hovers over the place like a cloud. You can't escape it, so > you'd better be really strong if you put yourself there. > .... The promotion > that's going on right now urges member to swap such dieting tips while > working out. > Ewww! Sounds horrible. I don't think they're all like that down here in AU - hope they don't become that way. I would have thought the best part about doing Curves would be the camaraderie and group vibe/support, but that's sounding more like Food Nazi propaganda than " support " . Stick to some DVD's and home equipment! Best of luck, s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2007 Report Share Posted October 16, 2007 > > I am a member of curves right now. > Diet mentality hovers over the place like a cloud. You can't escape it, so > you'd better be really strong if you put yourself there. > .... The promotion > that's going on right now urges member to swap such dieting tips while > working out. > Ewww! Sounds horrible. I don't think they're all like that down here in AU - hope they don't become that way. I would have thought the best part about doing Curves would be the camaraderie and group vibe/support, but that's sounding more like Food Nazi propaganda than " support " . Stick to some DVD's and home equipment! Best of luck, s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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