A Review of Curves Gym in Cornelius, Oregon

When I received an e-mail inviting me to try Curves Gym for free, it couldn't have come at a better time. With the arrival of fall and the return of cold rains and blustery winds, I have decided to start shopping around for a gym membership so that I can continue on the track to my fitness goals in the comfort of the indoors.

Although I was familiar with the Curves brand through their advertising campaigns, I assumed that it was just another gym with a variety of exercise classes, weights and exercise machines. Once I signed up for my free 1 week gym membership, I quickly discovered that my impression of Curves had been wrong. Their program is unlike any other gym I've seen, and I can see why the women who join the Curves program continue to go back for more.

Curves is unique from other gyms that I've tried (and I've been through a few) not only in that it caters exclusively to women, but also because the entire gym is designed for you to complete your workout in precisely 30 minutes.

The way that Curves accomplishes the 30 minute workout, regardless of your fitness level or exercise goals, is through circuit training. The gym is laid out in the form of a single workout circuit, made up of a series of exercise machines and "rest" pads. When you enter the gym to start your workout, simply choose a machine as your beginning point and exercise on that machine until the audible cue over the gym speakers announces it is time for you to move on to the next machine. You move through the workout stations in a counter-clockwise direction until return to the machine that you started with, completing the circuit in just 30 minutes.

The machines are all easy to use, and automatically adjust their tension using hydraulics to match your fitness level. Since gym members don't have to worry about keeping track of weight levels, and the cues to switch machines are easy to hear, it frees the women in the gym to talk and visit as they exercise. I quickly realized that Curves isn't just a gym that women love because the workout doesn't take all day to complete, but that Curves has created an environment that fosters social interaction.

The Curves regimented 3 day-a-week, 30 minutes per workout program coupled with the social interaction between members and staff makes Curves gyms perfect for women who are just starting out on their fitness journey. Welcoming and uncomplicated, Curves has taken the "scary" out of gym workouts and has created a sanctuary for women of all ages and fitness levels to take a break from the stresses of life and to also take a little "me" time for themselves.

Although by the end of the week I had decided that I was looking for a gym that offered a wider variety of services, I fully appreciate the way that Curves has succeeded in building a program that makes fitness accessible to every woman. For those who want to get into better shape but are unsure of how to get started, or for women who are looking for a workout without wanting to feel like everyone at the gym is going to be staring at them, Curves Gym is a great place to start your workout.

If you would like to learn more about Curves, go to www.curves.com for information on the Curves circuit, their "Stronger Together" mantra and to watch or read member testimonials or visit them at 1513 N. Adair Street
Cornelius, OR 97113.