Hey Ladies...
(Sorry Men, but this gym is for Women Only. But, I have seen that they are starting to open a new chain for Men Only called Cutz.)
I was about to list a shirt which has the Curves logo on it when I decided to write this guide / review.
Why?
Because, if you hate to go to the gym, but need to to go, this is the gym for you.  Some people may laugh because they hear all kinds of different things about this gym, but they are the ones who will have the last laugh.

• Exercise is one of the most important things we need to add to our lives if we want to be, stay or get healthy. I believe we need to eat healthy, drink lots of good clean water, take nutritional supplements, try to live stress free, get good sleep, let go of anger, and of course...exercise!

•  I have walked for years, regularly.  Then about a year and a half ago I started to seriously "power march" with a friend to tapes which have a fast beat & good walking tips.  Kind of like a personal trainer.  It taught me good form & the importance of regular exercise.  I feel good after I walk, even if I don't want to.  Over time, walking has helped me to maintain my weight during tough times like the holiday season which is here & slowly lose permanent weight.  So, if you can not go to the gym or can not afford it right now, then walk...it is free & you can keep shoes in your trunk.  Park & walk anywhere - a nice neighborhood, an indoor mall (bad weather), an outdoor mall (good weather), the beach, a hike, or walk out your door & go wherever your feet take you.  Meet your friend for a walk & catch up rather than meeting to eat...or do both, you will deserve it after your walk.

• But, if you can afford to join the gym, then I highly recommend CURVES! 

Why?

• Because after joining Curves, I realized walking was just not enough.  I still walk 3 - 6 times a week.  But, I also go to the gym 3-5 times a week.  It just depends on my week. I have noticed tremendous results.  I am gaining muscle & flexibility.  This is nice in conjunction with cardiovascular exercise!
  

• Curves is only a 1/2 hour work out.  Of course, you can do more & there are times I highly recommend it!  Like when you eat a lot & start feeling really bad about yourself.  So what!  We ALL have bad times, but the key is to get back on track as soon as you can.

• The Curves I belong to happens to have more equiptment than some from what I hear.  Anyways, a 1/2 hour is 2 times around my gym, 3 around others.  No matter how many machines yours has, you will still work out all your muscles / groups! 

• The best part, unlike a regular big huge gym, you do not have to remember where to stick the pin in for the weight you are supposed to do & what number or letter to set the seat at.  I hated how long that all took (back in the old days when I did go to the gym).  At Curves, you just sit on the machine for 30 seconds & work as hard as you can against your own resistence.  If you are really short, there are a few machines you might have to put the pillow behind you. You do not have to sit & wait for a machine...you are always moving!
  

• So, you go 30 seconds on a machine & then 30 seconds on a recovery board in which you have different exercises to do. Then 30 seconds machine then 30 seconds recovery.  You listen to great music, different every day & every 30 seconds a ladies voice says, "Change stations now."  Really, if you are into your workout, it is not annoying. If there is nobody next to you, you can stay on a machine a second time...like I do on certain ones.  As a matter of fact, I try to position myself so I am a few stations away from anyone in case I choose to stay on my favorites an extra time. 

Like life, it is all what you make of it! 

• They give you categories: A, B or C.  In other words, if you want a power workout, then you will try to do more reps in the 30 seconds.  If you are not able to, then you go slower and you do what is comforable for you.  At my gym, there are people of all ages.  From teens to seniors.  There are people of all sizes too: skinny, medium, fat, short, tall, etc.  But, the most important part...We are all there.  Nobody cares what you look like. Everybody is just happy to be there & working out!

• So, no excuses not to work out.  It must be a way of life. You must make the time for yourself, no matter how hectic your schedule.  Either walk or work out or both.  Curves is only 1/2 hour, so if you do nothing else, that is ok too.  It will help you to feel better physically & mentally.  It will help you to look better too. Stick to it & 'persist till you succeed.'  Whether you have no weight to lose, a little, or a lot...just make it a part of your life. 
  

• You will feel better about yourself.  When you feel better you will also develop self confidence that will transfer to others.  It will be easier to deal with life's stresses.  You might even be nicer than you are or do nice things for others & like I always say...when you do nice things for others, they will do the same & you will be the one to 'get the ball rolling.'  Because you exercise, something for yourself, you will indirectly help to make this world a better place to live!  I believe in Karma & I wish you good karma too!
  

=^./.^= (My cat Karma)
Peace! iCanSell4You
(10/24/06)
aka: PaCRatzCollectiblez (over 550 feedbacks & 850 transactions recorded)