Curves is a franchise membership-based fitness facility designed exclusively for women. According to the Curves website, Curves is the largest fitness franchise in the world and has nearly 10,000 facilities in over 70 countries. When choosing a gym like Curves, you should consider the pros and cons of what is offered to ensure that your membership will be utilized. Curves is very popular for a reason, and it will be an excellent choice for many women.
Pro: Comfortable, Friendly Atmosphere
For women who avoid regular gyms due to embarrassment, Curves offers a safe haven. There are usually women of all ages, shapes and sizes at any given Curves facility. There is no need to be nervous about men or younger, more fit women watching you while you work out. The windows of Curves are shaded or tinted, making it a very private environment. The staff of Curves are normally friendly, knowledgeable and eager to help. Members encourage one another, and there is fun dance music in the background.
Pro: Easy to Follow Workout
Curves aims to take the fear out of beginning a workout regimen. Regular gyms can sometimes offer hundreds of cardio and fitness machines to choose from, making it intimidating and confusing to get started for some people. At Curves, members simply go from one machine to another. There are usually around 12 machines in a Curves facility, and they all have special resistance that adjusts to the user, so their weight pins do not even need to be switched out. Workouts are designed to last just 30 minutes.
Pro: Effective Program
According to Curves, the workout offered is designed to burn 500 calories in just 30 minutes. This is based on working out at a brisk pace so your heart rate stays up the entire workout. Each machine is designed to work two muscles, and an entire workout will work every major muscle group in the body. Curves facilities also offer the Curves Plan weight management solutions for women looking for weight loss. It is an effective plan designed to speed up metabolism by eating five small meals throughout the day.
Con: No Extra Amenities
Curves facilities are basic, with only a front desk, 12 machines set up in a circle, and a small changing area. People who enjoy extra gym amenities like a pool, steam room, hot tub, specialty exercise classes and basketball courts might be disappointed by the basic layout of Curves. Most gyms offer daycare facilities, and some of them are full of special kids activities and fun toys. Curves does not offer childcare, which may be tough for some mothers.
Con: Lack of Cardio Equipment
According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults should perform 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, every week. For optimum health, aerobic and strength training exercise should be combined. Curves has only strength training equipment. Though the Curves workout will get your heart rate up and work all major muscle groups, it may not offer the type of real cardio workout that is needed for an ideal workout.
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