Curves provides you with a complete strength and endurance workout in just 30 minutes. The Curves fitness program can burn up to 500 calories every visit. The circuit is made up of resistance machines that work two or more muscles at a time. There are, however, Curves exercises that may cause knee discomfort.
Program Conditions
Curves is a franchised exercise program tailored exclusively for women. Weight management is the ultimate goal for most Curves exercisers. The exercise circuit consists of 10 resistance units -- all of which incorporate multiple joint and muscle movements. Exercisers spend two minutes on each resistance piece. The resistance machines are all hydraulic oriented. In between each resistance machine there is a 3' x 3' step platform. You perform two minutes of aerobic exercise, such as running in place or stationary jumping, on the step platform. Move quickly between the resistance machines and aerobic activities. All of the program conditions lead to the ultimate goal of constant energy burning.
Types of Machines
All of the strength machines are made of hydraulic resistance. The nature of hydraulic machines forces two opposing muscles to act together to perform the concentric or muscle shortening phase of each motion. No eccentric or muscle lengthening muscle action occurs with these machines. This prevents substantial muscle soreness from developing. The two minutes of muscular loading is controlled by a timer located on one of the walls. The timer sends out a loud beeping sound once the two minutes have expired. The resistance machines include the leg extension/leg curl, squat, leg press, glute press, tricep extension/bicep curl, lat pulldown/overhead press, chest press/seated rows, dip/shrug machine and abdominal crunch.
Benefits
There are certain benefits derived from a Curves fitness program. The 30-minute, full body routine can be squeezed into even the busiest of schedules. The hydraulic machines are easy to set up and extremely safe. The Curves fitness program can provide an effective workout for a range of fitness levels. It can give a beginner a quality initiation into exercise. Curves also gives women a safe haven to focus on their exercise program. At commercial fitness centers, women might be harassed by unwelcome men.
Curves Fitness and Knee Pain
There are a few machines and movements that may cause knee discomfort. Leg extension has been known to lead to knee tendinitis. Knee instability would prevent you from attaining a full range of motion as the knees extend. Improper mechanics create knee pain during squats. The high impact aerobic activities would also be contraindicated for anyone with knee issues. The knee joint could be negatively effected on jumping maneuvers.
References
- "Curves: Permanent Results without Permanent Dieting"; Gary Heavin, Carol Colt; 2004
- "Treat Your Own Knees: Simple Exercises to Build Strength, Flexibility, Responsiveness and Endurance"; Jim Johnson; 2003
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