Hi folks
I'm trying to make a decision here. I REALLY need to get to a facility where I can start exercizing and find a bit of guidance doing so.

I have read a lot about Curves in this forum and other forums. Some are good reviews, but there are also a lot of complaints.

Just how restrictive or scheduled is Curves?

I phoned my local Curves and they seemed to pressure me into deciding right then to join. That made me a bit uncomfortable right off the bat. Then they said to join is about $150, and then $39 a month...still pressuring me to make an appointment to come in.

I phoned the YMCA and was told joining is $50, and for a single member it is around $15 a month. There are no set times or days, you can go when you need to, and as often or little as you like.

What are the pros and cons of each of these??

Just Believe.

I don't think Curves is worth it in my opinion. Maybe it is a wonderful program but any gym that charges me to join, is not a gym I want. I am joining a gym that charges me 40 bucks a month if that (I am in Canada) and has everything at my disposal, a lot like the Y.

The curves Staff made me feel uncomfortable too. I was asking questions and they sounded like I was taking too much time to decide. Anyways I am not sure of the details on curves with regard to the times. But I didn't like the huge joining fee.

Good luck in your decision

~Steph

IMO, you really have to visit a facility, take a look at the equipment, schedule, any classes available, what if any free benes they might offer, such as a personal training session, how well the staff are trained, and frankly whether you are comfortable in that particular place.

Don't let yourself be pressured. You deserve a tour and a complete explanation of all the services offered. Then you can make an informed choice.

By the way, there is no fitness center or Y that I know of in my area that does not charge an initial membership fee, although occasionally there will be specials offered.



BC
172/108/108
Zone since 4/98

I agree with what BC said. Also, check with your local Curves for up-coming specials. Our Curves is offering a special this month with no sign-up fee and a free month, so you never know what might be coming up at yours. Also, my local YMCA has a sign-up fee too and they also have specials. So, I recommend checking out both place, taking the tours, writing out the pros and cons on paper, and then see what works best for you. Our Curves will allow you to try it out for a week to see if it's for you. You may want to ask yours about this option! I hope this helps. I have been a member of Curves since March and have dropped from a 16 to a 12. But I also use to work out at the YMCA and do the aerobics and dropped a size there in no time too. So I love both places, but one of the main reasons I love Curves is because there are no men to gawk at you and make comments to their buddies about you! HA

I will be happy to answer anymore questions that you may have. Good Luck!

193(march 2003, lost 10 with exercise and cutting back)
Started LCing on Aug. 25,2003
183/175/150

I NEVER pay a joining fee (or initiation fee as they love to call it). It's negotiable as far as I am concerned. Most gyms want your business really bad - if you can assure them that you'll join for at least one year, most will waive their initiation fee.

I'm not sure of your exercise level (beginner, etc.) If you are completely new to weights training, you may want to consider a gym where you can get someone to work with you for a period of time - my local Y offers nothing along those lines. Or, you can start with Curves for the short-term and work your way into the more advanced weights, etc. I know that I will not stay with Curves forever, because at some point, I will advance beyond what iut can offer me. But, it has been great in terms of a quick work out, easy to use machines and very convenient location.

Jen
175/130/120

Hey Waking Up,

Since I weigh over 300lbs, joining any other gym has been like flushing money down the toilet. Using their machines accomplished little and hurt my joints. I joined Curves and now use machines that mostly workout the muscles. I would recommend it to anyone.

So sorry the Curves franchise you went to had a greedy owner! They want YOUR money, right? Ask for a free trial workout or week before you make your decision. You don't have to join without trying the machines first. At the Curves I go to, the assistant didn't even MENTION money until she let me try EACH and every machine.

Good luck!

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

I just joined the YMCA...I really love it so far. Its my "safe place" away from my kids!!

Nat
Dreams are wishes your heart makes when your fast alseep....

Just...

I really think the facilities depend on the area. I drove 20 minutes and passed 2 other YMCAs to go to the one I had a membership with. Beautiful new equipment with training programs, one on one personal training, adult team sports, massages (YES!) a nice pool, any kind of class you could imagine, and babysitting. The cost was less than the Curves membership you mentioned. Curves is a franchise and their job is to make money. However the structure and schedule they provide may be just what some people want in a workout. Make THEM (both the Y and Curves) sell their product to YOU! Good Luck.

start 09.01.03 @225
current 206
goal 130ish

"I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." ~ Thomas Jefferson

When I joined Curves, they had a special too on the starting fee, and I now pay $39 a month and can go any time I want - they suggest that you come 3 times a week, but you can come once or every day - up to you.

There are no classes witha specific time you have to be there, you just come in and start your workout.

I LOVE it - the staff at my Curves are extremely nice and helpful.

Kay
Curves since 7/8/03
Atkins since 11/23/03
244/222/150?140?
"You dont love a woman because she is beautiful, she is beautiful because you love her."

I have both a Curves membership and a membership to a traditional gym. I got the membership to the traditional gym last year because they have a women's center but staff therre was unhelpful and I felt confused by the machines. They were very helpful before they got my money and then afterward - not nice. The personal trainer that comes with my membership was never available for an appointment. I got roped into some long term commitment and am still paying on it. Joined Curves because a good friend of mine is a member and loves it. It is right next to my work and the workout is quick enough for me to get in and out. Therre is no confusion - all the machines are in a circle and you just go around it twice and then stretch. I also discovered (9 mos after joining) that my membership to the traditional gym includes free aerobics so my plan is m,w,f at Curves and Tuesday, Thursday Kickboxing class! I spoke with the instructor who is very nice and not a jerk like some of the staff there. She is a contract employee.

Anyway, I disagree that Curves is all about "making money" and the owners of that franchise are greedy. I have yet to meet the owner of my Curves but I do know the employees get commissions for each person they sign up. You may go talk to another employee who could care less about commissions and be much nicer.

The nice thing about a tradidtional gym is the aerobics and the pool. If you have kids this may be the way to go so they can reap the benefits as well.

Keviport
Sandy, Utah
205/180/145

If you go to the Curves website www.curvesinternational.com - I think - they have a coupon on there for a free week. Just print it out and use the place for a week - if you like it - join - if not - try someplace else. I signed up for 24 hour fitness - pd a 160 'joining fee' for my husband and I - and then pd 50 a month - and we stopped going b/c the place was SO unfriendly. Between the muscle bound guys and the girls in bikini's (talk about feeling self-conscious in my 2XL shirt over my grey shorts that kept riding up) it was just depressing.

Curves appeals b/c it's only women - and there apparently are alot of different 'size women'.

Good luck!
Cajun

252/236/155 - 5'6" - 30 years old

I LOVE going to my Curves. I get in and out so fast. I had joined a big co-ed gym a few years ago and always felt intimidated and like I didn't matter. So I am a Curves addict now. besides, it's only 5 mins from my house whereas the other place takes me a minimum of 1/2 hour to get to. YUK!!!!

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

Hi!

I did Curves too for awhile, but I have been at the YMCA for about a year now and just love it. They offer a 12 week program to jump start your exercise routine and even meetings with a fitness trainer all included in the monthly joining price. I love the variety of classes, machines, etc.

Curves might be a good option to begin getting into an exercise routine if you are intimidated by the gym, but you will soon become bored by the monotony (at least I did).

Hope this helps!

Kristi

240/205/160ish
Restarted 1/5/04