Doing CURVES for one hour??

[WRITE GIRL]

Hi,

Okay, I'm doing great on Curves, and the weight is coming off but very slowly. I plateau alot. I know this is in part due to the cold weather + sedentary lifestyle. If it were summer the weight would come off whether or not I wanted it to

I'd like to spend more time burning calories at the gym since I spend only 90 minutes a week getting serious heat through my body. Would anyone recommend working out for one hour, after my body has gotten stronger? Or, should I go by increments, adding maybe five minutes more workout per week until I get up to one hour?

-WRITE GIRL
Six days into this diet, I was no longer a raving, lunatic overeater! 5'6 female, started @ 328 lbs.,...progress yet to come...

[Kumus]

Write Girl, I'm under the impression that the maxium they recommend is 30 minutes, three times per week. I know you can go more than 3 times, but they only want you exercising for 30 minutes or less each trip.

Great question for your Curves attendant, ask them and report back!

I will be joining Curves this week, wish me luck.

Take care~

Susan


LCE Member since 01/02

[kimbo]

I usually do my 3 rounds and then walk on the boards if I have extra time, just skipping the machines between each board. I don't see where extra walking is going to hurt anything, but I know you aren't supposed to do the machines but 3 rounds. I hope this helps!

193/size 16(march 2003, lost 10 with exercise and cutting back)
Started LCing on Aug. 25,2003
183/175/150
size 14/size 12/size 8/10 and won't complain if smaller! HA

[shortie19]

I asked my CURVES the very same question and their suggestion was to still only come 3x per week but increase the time if you feel up to it. I am actually going around 3 times instead of the normal 2. I did this gradually adding a 1/4 circuit per week until I had increased to the full 3 times around.
You do need the day off between visits. I am also doing one day of cardiac rehab which is mostly walking and cardio stuff.
Good luck.

Shortie19
224+/201/130
Since 1/1/03
http://www.lowcarbeating.com/lcesupporter.gif

[ekn68]

My curves owner is a Phd and spent alot of time researching curves before purchasing it. She told me that the reason the machines are used in the specific amount of time on each is because studies have shown that anymore use of anyone is overuse - and basically does nothin more for you than the alotted time. I'm readin this as I type it and I'm not sure I'm expressing it so anyone will understand what I'm sayin lol. Basically, for instance, if you were to use the 'dreaded leg cruncher' for longer than the time given, your muscles just get tired and aren't productive.
I know though that after goin to curves, I will go home and swim (when its warm enough), or walk, or do my gazelle - she has said that a switch to another form of excersize would be good.
Hope this helps..
Erin

[Gabbie]

Hi - this is going to sound dumb - but - what are, wait for it `curves'? I mean I know what some are - the ones I am trying to regain but this discussion sounds painful

Just when I get the ends to meet - somebody moves an end!

[ekn68]

lol..well..hmm.. I have entirely too many curves at the moment, but, the Curves we are talkin about is a circuit training center franchise. Sorta like a gym for women only - done in circuit style. 3 rotations of cardio and muscle workouts.

[jestey]

Writegirl - the reason why they recommend that you rest a day between workouts at Curves (or any other gym for that matter) is because you are essentially weight training. To get the most benefit and to avoid overuse injuries you need to have some recovery time between muscle stress. Contrary to popular belief, muscle builds in the recovery period, not the use period. So you need to rest at least one day between stressing your muscles (this will also help you avoid that wicked soreness). With that said, muscles also get "bored" pretty easily - in other words, you have to continually increase the intensity of your workouts (the burden on the muscles) in order to see a continued benefit. And, muscles learn to burn fat more efficiently (not what you want to see if you are trying to lose weight!) when you employ the same kind of activity over and over.

Basically, there is no reason why you can't work your way up to an hour at Curves. Just be careful and listen to your body so you don't get hurt - work up slow. Once you are there, I would suggest that you not do a full hour each time. You can vary the length and intensity of your workouts and keep those muscles interested (You could do 45 minutes one time, an hour the next and then a quick and dirty, butt-kickin' half hour the third time). I also suggest that you alternate Curves with some other form or forms of exercise (bike or walk or swim) so your bod doesn't get bored.

Hope this helps!

Jen
175/130/120

[kusomsen]

Hello Writegirl,

I would suggest to increase the intensity of your workout instead of the length. You get the most out of it, if you really put your muscles to work. In the case of Curves it would mean that you increase the reps in the allowed time.

I used to do Curves, but I now go to a 24-hour Fitness Center. I like variety.

Have great workouts!

Never give up! Never surrender!

Katrin

[WRITE GIRL]

Thanks so much for your input guys...

-WRITE GIRL
Six days into this diet, I was no longer a raving, lunatic overeater! 5'6 female. 328/318...