Suddenly, lots of Curves franchises have sprung up all over Ireland, and there is one about 30 minutes from my house, not exactly convenient but there all the same! I belong to a really good gym, and am happy enough there, but often find it hard to stay motivated, and actually working hard there, instead of sneaking off to the jacuzzi/sauna/steam room - (going by the theory that it all counts, as long as you're on gym premises!!!) - my question is, is Curves worth it? What are your experiences? I shouldn't really be spending more money on exercise after paying the yearly gym subscription and having perfectly good walking paths very close to our house....but I'm tempted all the same by the 30 minute workout....

what do you guys think?

Hi Bright

I was a member of Curves for a year and a half before banding , went faithfully for 5 days a week for the first 6 months then 3-4 times a week thereafter , I cant say that I was on a diet but I did chnge my eating. My experience was that I did not lose 1 pound., not many inches either. I did lose a few inches but most places I gained inches I was told it was becasue I was building muscle. A woman who is a 100 lbs overweight does not want ot hear that! After being banded I quit going and canceled my membership. I got so discouraged. Since banding I have lost 41 pounds in 4 months with my own exercise routine ( Water aerobics in my pool and I work with 5 pound weights on my arms and legs. and its free & the fact that I'm eating a whole lot less) This is just my experience though. There are many women here who love Curves and are very successful. The posts here will speak for themselves. Whatever it is you are doing seems to be working, you look fabulous! Like the saying says " If its not broken then don't fix it"

I got to Curves and I love it. It is a low impact circuit workout, easy enough for older women, larger women, those of us not in great physical shape and you sort of set your own pace. I love that it's in the door, 2 rounds on the machines, a few stretches and out the door.

My first month there, I lost 14 inches. I was ecstatic! Ever since, I've been riding this roller coaster of rebanding/liquid diets, healing and learning I've got to have another surgery. It's very inexpensive here and it's the only workout I've ever been able to stick with.

If you're happy with your current workout, it may not be necessary, but anyone who is looking for a relatively easy, do-able workout it's a great place to begin.

Bright,

I, too, went to Curves...but only for a month. It was good to get me up and out of the house, but not very challenging (and I'm 57 years old), and very limited in terms of hours and services.

Curves in my area had a circuit, a restroom, small towels and lotions.

The full service place had a new member promotion, which--for $10 more per month--included WAY more stuff. They had far more equipment and they offered classes, everything from stretching and yoga to high impact, and a couple of hours with a trainer were included in the package. The facility includes the towels (large ones, too) and a shower and a jacuzzi pool. And they opened a lot earlier and closed a lot later and were open seven days per week.

HOWEVER, the new reason I won't go is that since January of this year, Diane Heavin (Mrs. Curves Co-founder) has already contributed at least $50,000 to the Republican National Committee for the reelection of our idiot president. I wouldn't care if they were saving drowning puppies at Curves, I avoid supporting this president in any way I can and won't give them a penny.