Curves, the largest gym franchise in the world, caters to women by creating a non-threatening and easy-to-follow exercise program. Since the first Curves opened its doors in Paris, Texas in 1995, over 8,500 locations have popped up all over the United States. As of 2006, Curves had over four million members. While the Curves program seems to have transformed many previously sedentary women into regular exercisers, the program may not be right for everyone.
The Curves Concept
The Curves workout consists of 12 hydraulic resistance machines for abdominal curl and back extension; hip adduction and abduction; biceps curl and triceps extension; chest press and seated row; triceps pushdown and upright row; leg extension and leg curl; chest fly and shoulder retraction; shoulder press and pullup; leg press; squat; trunk rotation; and hip extension. Exercisers spend 30 seconds at each station with 30 seconds jogging on a recover mat between each machine to complete a 12-minute circuit. Most exercisers move through the circuit two times with five minutes of stretching and cool down at the end for a complete 30-minute workout.
ACE Study
An American Council on Exercise-sponsored study conducted by researchers from the University of Wisconsin tested the effectiveness of the Curves program in 2005. The study measured the endurance levels of 15 healthy women from two separate Curves locations. Each woman performed a typical 30-minute Curves workout but were asked not to talk with other exercisers during their workouts. The study found that an average Curves workout burns 184 calories and participants averaged above 60 percent of endurance levels, meaning they typically got their heart rates above the minimum for improving aerobic capacity.
Benefits And Drawbacks
Unlike walking or jogging, the Curves exercises give you the added benefit of resistance training. Women naturally lose muscle mass with age, but regular resistance training can help prevent muscle loss and add new lean muscle to the body. While the Curves exercises give you a moderate-intensity workout quickly and efficiently, the franchise has a few weaknesses. Though the hydraulic machines make it easy for exercisers to move quickly from one to the next, they're not adjustable, so smaller or larger people may find them uncomfortable to use. The training setup at Curves leaves some branches without well-trained employees. Finally, experienced exercisers may find the circuit to be too easy and severely limiting.
Making the Most of Curves
If you're new to exercise, the Curves program may help you get started without the intimidation factor of other gyms. To get the most from your Curves workout, resist the urge to chat with other exercisers as you move through the circuit. Your results are dependent on the effort you put into each exercise, so just going through the motions may not lead to the desired effect.
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