Does Curves Work For Losing Weight?

When trying to lose weight, you have several types of options for your exercise program. Some programs are strict or difficult to follow, while others require you to spend a significant portion of time exercising on your own. Curves workout facilities offer circuit training and support for those interested in a combination of resistance and cardiovascular exercise. With regular exercise at Curves and a healthy eating plan, you may succeed at losing weight.

Circuit Training

Curves helps with losing weight through circuit training. Circuit training alternates strength training exercises with cardiovascular exercises. The body works the major muscle groups during strength training, and the heart rate remains elevated through the aerobic portions of the circuit. Circuit training can promote weight loss by working the large muscles, which increases heart rate, uses energy and helps to burn fat.

Identification

The Curves workout is 30 minutes, three times per week, and Curves claims you can burn up to 500 calories during each session. The circuit alternates between up to 13 strength training stations and the same number of recovery boards. Members use a resistance training station for 30 seconds and then run or walk in place for 30 seconds on a recovery board before continuing to the next training station. Use of the recovery board maintains your heart rate and gives your muscles a brief rest. The total time for the circuit is about 30 minutes.

Diet Plan

Curves also offers a nutritional plan that teaches healthy eating habits. The plan calls for five smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. No foods are completely restricted, but the plan does limit some sweets and refined sugars. Curves provides a list of recommended foods as well as a food exchange system that substitutes healthy foods for unhealthy snacks. Curves says combining the eating plan with the exercise program can boost metabolism, help manage weight and lead to a reduction in body fat.

Curves Research

Exercise scientists at Texas A&M University have conducted a number of studies of the Curves system. Their research showed that women who were inactive and overweight and who used the Curves circuit increased their resting metabolic rate -- the rate at which the body burns calories at rest. The women also lost an average of 14 lb., 2 inches in their waists and 3 inches in their hips with regular exercise at Curves over a period of 14 weeks.