In 2007, Curves had 10,269 locations and more than four million members in 63 countries, according to data from Curves. At that time it was also the ninth largest franchise in the world. Curves is only open to women, with an informal slogan of "No men, no mirrors, no makeup." Using a limited number of machines setup in a circuit, the workouts only take 30 minutes or less. Many women have lost weight, improved their endurance, and successfully reached their personal fitness goals. There are several reasons the Curves approach may work for you.
Time Savings
One of the most common reasons people say they do not work out is due to a lack of time in their lives. Taking this into account, Curves designs its facilities to provide a good workout in a short amount of time. The routine typically takes 30 minutes or less to complete. The machines are hydraulic design, requiring almost no setup time. Moving from one machine to the next, in a circuit, you will find yourself in and out of the gym quickly.
No Intimidation
The American Council on Exercise enlisted the expertise of Kristin Greany, M.S., R.D., and John Porcari, Ph.D., researchers from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, to study the Curves workouts.
After completing the study, Greany remarked, "The resounding positive point is that Curves really targets that segment of the population that's inactive or has been to traditional gyms and been scared away. And it's those people who have the most to gain from physical activity."
If you have ever felt intimidated at a gym, the environment provided at Curves may be just what you are looking for. Since Curves only allows women to use the facilities and the design is structured where there is no time for standing around, the the intimidation factor is low and the environment is low key.
Concentrated Workouts
The circuit-style workout typically includes two rounds of 30-second bouts on 12 hydraulic resistance machines alternating with 30 seconds of active recovery, which includes stationary jogging, marching or walking, followed by five minutes of stretching and cool down.
Since the machines have almost no adjustment, you can move quickly from machine to machine. In studies that have been done on Curves, include the American Council on Exercise study and one done by Baylor University, subjects typically burned almost 200 calories in this short bout of exercise. If you also combine the program with a good diet program, you can benefit even more.
Personal Attention
Since Curves is designed for ladies to drop by anytime, work out quickly and leave, you will find that the facilities are not typically crowded. Curves has an attendant who can help motivate you and keep you moving through the circuit. Under these conditions, it is possible that you will feel like you get more attention from the trainer than you do in a typical gym.
Total Body Workout
Although studies indicate the circuit workouts are similar to a brisk walk in terms of calorie consumption, researchers from the study prepared by the American Council on Exercise stated that the Curves workout is likely to be more of a total-body exercise because it incorporates resistance training for the upper body and core, as well as the legs.
These days many people struggle just to complete some basic cardiovascular exercise. Curves incorporates cardiovascular and strength training into one quick, efficient routine, which may be exactly what you need.
References
- Curves: Media Timeline Media Timeline 4-2009
- Franchising: Curves Paves the Way for Fitness Franchises Catering to More Than Just Men
- Baylor University: Analysis of Exercise Intensity and Energy Expenditure of Women Participating in the Curves Exercise Program
- American Council on Exercise: ACE Puts Curves to the Test
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