The Curves Challenge

Stopping in at my local Curves to see what it was all about was not difficult. They were located just off the road on my way into town, and they had great hours. They open early and stay open late, so that they would fit into almost any schedule.

I stuck my head in their door one evening to ask about joining, and they set me up with an appointment to come in and talk the next day.

The lady who did my interview made me feel very comfortable and the women who were there doing their work-outs greeted me as if I was part of the group already.

My first impression of the place was that it would be easily doable and that I would be quite comfortable working out with the other members. They also seemed to be supportive of each other.

Their exercise equipment was set up in a circle around the floor with little square "recovery" stations in between. The women were working their way around the circle to music, and would change stations every 30 seconds or so; and do little running in place excercises on the recovery stations every other time.

It looked pretty easy; like something anyone could do, and like you could just jump in whenever you got there without having to wait on a machine. There were several women there in my age group, and some younger, and some even older. There were no men. Just a bunch of women working out, chatting, and helping each other get healthy.

Best of all, it was affordable. I got the first month's membership free, and then it only cost me $34 a month after that. Way cheaper than the medical bills I would be headed for if I didn't get my body back on track!

After my orientation interview, I was taken around the circuit by a curves "coach" who showed me how to use the machines to get the maximum benefit.

The machines were not really that difficult to learn, but I could sure feel it. I felt a little sore from using muscles that I had not used in a long time, and I could certainly tell that this was just what my achy "robot" joints needed.

Twice around the circuit took about 30 minutes, and after going around twice, although a bit sore; I actually felt more invigorated than tired.

The best part about the curves routine is the stretching bar. My coach showed me how to use it to stretch and relax every major muscle group. After doing the stretches, I could just feel the stress leaving my body.

I could definitely see that I was going to benefit from doing Curves. I was, however, a bit skeptical about the weight loss part. Seemed like I had tried every way in the world to lose weight, but for some reason I just kept gaining.

Although Curves does have a weight control program, they don't really encourage dieting. They tend to encourage eating right and eating healthy. Perhaps that is what I needed. I never did really over-eat; I just tended to eat the wrong things.

So my plan was to just pay more attention to the kind of foods I was putting in my mouth and try to eat healthier foods. If that didn't work, then there was always the Curves plan to try out.

I began to stay away from fatty foods, sugary foods, fried foods, and high-calorie snacks. Also cut back on my intake of soda pop and drank more water and fruit juices. Other than that, I pretty much ate what I wanted.

That, along with working out at Curves 30 minutes a day, 3 to 4 days a week, and I was having a pretty good time just developing healthier habits and being more active.

Watch the youtube video above for more detailed information about the Curves program.

It has now been 6 months since I joined Curves. As expected the weight loss was very slow. I have, however, lost 20 pound so far. Plus I have lost about 3 inches on my body measurements, and 8-10 pounds of body fat.

They tell me that it's better to lose the weight slowly through healthier habits and activities than it is to constantly be trying yo-yo diets that usually result in gaining the weight back in the end. So, I am encouraged.

The weight loss is noticeable to my friends and family, as I am getting comments and compliments on how much better I look.

The benefits that I have experienced as a result of the program go far beyond losing weight. I can now raise my left arm above my head, which I could not do without excrutiating pain just a few months ago.

The incessant "popping" noise in the back of my neck has all but gone away, which is a big relief, and the chronic numbness I was feeling in my right thigh is completely gone. I can actually feel my leg again. I have said goodbye to all those stiff "robot" joints.

My cholesterol count is back down below 200, and my blood pressure remains at a normal healthy level.

All in all, I feel better, I look better, and I have lots more energy, which is much needed by an active grandmother of 3.

My plan is to stick with the program, and to recommend it to all my friends and relatives.

There are women there with osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, and several other health problems who are being helped tremendously by the Curves program.

I think it's a great program for any woman of any age who wants to get fit and stay healthy.

The link below is a Curves finder. You can use it to locate the Curves nearest you:

Curves Locator