Curves: Fitness for (Busy) Women

As recently as three weeks ago, I had a gym membership at one of the best clubs in the country. From its own climbing wall to a fusion of yoga and Pilates classes, this place had everything needed to turn me into a fitness goddess. Well, everything but the most crucial component - me. I didn't go for two reasons: intimidation by what I perceived to be other's overwhelmingly better physical abilities, and the distance between my house and the gym.

After paying for six months worth of fitness I experienced possibly four times, I'm looking for a change of pace and a fitness program I can stick with. To avoid excuses, I walked across the street from my house to the local Curves - they are within walking distance and had, what I hoped, were women just like me, the kind that claim to be too busy to work out.

Here is what you can expect at your first visit at Curves. The facility is relatively small in comparison to other gyms I've visited, but its size isn't indicative of the kind of kick-butt workout you can get. The floor contains hydraulic strength machines and cardio stations. You alternate between machines and cardio jogs every minute of the recommended 30-minute workout session. Don't be fooled by the hydraulics concept. At first I wondered just how that would work, as you can't adjust the weight. What happens if you work out on them long enough, and get used to the resistance? Well, it's not quiet that simple - your strength provides the resistance, so the stronger you are the harder the workout gets. Essentially, you keep yourself in check in terms of your strength training. But I digress. Back to the first visit consult.

The Curves associate (possibly owner, but I am not sure how this works from a business perspective) asked some health related questions, weighed me, measured my body fat, took my body measurements, and discussed my fitness and weight goals with me. The whole process took about 20 minutes, and left me feeling very comfortable by the prospective goals we set based on her handy size and weight charts.

My overall impression can be summed up in three statements.

Love the circuit training! Changing stations, and going from strength to cardio, every 60 seconds makes the workout fast paced and interesting. You are never doing one single thing for two long, and are definitely not likely to be bored. Additionally, the circuit training gives you the complete-body workout in 30 minutes - you don't have to worry about what muscle groups you need to work on next or spending two hours at the gym. Makes it simple and entertaining.

Love the "fitness for women" concept!I never realized how comfortable and motivating a female-only fitness environment can be, but watching four women workout while I was getting my consult brought out a sense of sisterhood in me. The women were all very supportive of each other, and seemed to know each other on a personal level. It was as if they gathered to chat; they made working out seem like fun.

Hate the price!Curves seems to be a bit pricey. I was quoted the following at the price, although I suspect this varies to some degree from location to location:

- $149 deposit

- $39/month membership fee

- 3 month free membership after the deposit is made

- 12-month membership required.

My gym membership was only $10 more than that (although arguably useless, as I never went). Honestly, I am still debating if they are worth the price.

I invite you to share with me your experience with Curves, as I have shared mine (although limited). I could sure use a little motivation.