Does anyone here go to Curves for Women
- Thread starter tonyaz
- Start date
eminenz2
Cathlete
Macska,
RE: Your comment - Now THAT's funny.
Anyway,
...one very unfunny thing about this whole thing is that a very dear lesbian acquaintance of mine and HER friend just sunk a WHOLE bunch of money opening up their very own Curves store. I am wondering if I should share the article. I know I would want to know if I were in their place, but they've been working SO HARD and I hate to come across like I'm passing judgement or pissing on their dream.
Susan L.G.
RE: Your comment - Now THAT's funny.
Anyway,
...one very unfunny thing about this whole thing is that a very dear lesbian acquaintance of mine and HER friend just sunk a WHOLE bunch of money opening up their very own Curves store. I am wondering if I should share the article. I know I would want to know if I were in their place, but they've been working SO HARD and I hate to come across like I'm passing judgement or pissing on their dream.
Susan L.G.
dani21496
Cathlete
Tonya,
Getting back ON topic, my friend and co-worker goes to Curves just about
5 to 6 times a week and she loves it. Personally, I think you can get a lot more for the same amount of money. I am paying the same amount as she is, and I belong to a big gym. I think you can get more for your money if you just join a regular gym instead. Unlike Curves, a gym is open for 24 hours, has a huge selection of classes, equipment, pools, steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, showers and locker rooms.
Getting back ON topic, my friend and co-worker goes to Curves just about
5 to 6 times a week and she loves it. Personally, I think you can get a lot more for the same amount of money. I am paying the same amount as she is, and I belong to a big gym. I think you can get more for your money if you just join a regular gym instead. Unlike Curves, a gym is open for 24 hours, has a huge selection of classes, equipment, pools, steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, showers and locker rooms.
candi
Cathlete
Maybe they do offer a more supportive environment, but isn't it unfair and a ripoff for the people that go there. I mean, here they're investing time and money for a workout that is only minimally challenging. Doesn't that set them up for failure at some point? Maybe I should be more open minded about this but something about it really bothers me.
Nah...I think it is a great place for many folks to start. Many many many beginners/out of shaper's aren't ready mentally or physically to be set loose in a big room full of free weights, machines and a population that already knows what they're doing...plus roaming (in my gym's case minimally trained) "personal trainers" who are big $$$.
If the Curves type of an environment gets people going and makes progress, which for an out of shape person I am sure it does, then I think it is a good thing.
Not everyone is as motivated to push themselves and educate themselves as the group on this forum. We're advanced exercisers. The vast majority of particularly females in this country are not...and the type of hand holding that Curves offers them works, I am all for it.
I would imagine if someone really applied themselves in the Curves environment, they WOULD eventually outgrow it. I think if one is motivated/educated enough to do Cathe, one already has.
Jen
If the Curves type of an environment gets people going and makes progress, which for an out of shape person I am sure it does, then I think it is a good thing.
Not everyone is as motivated to push themselves and educate themselves as the group on this forum. We're advanced exercisers. The vast majority of particularly females in this country are not...and the type of hand holding that Curves offers them works, I am all for it.
I would imagine if someone really applied themselves in the Curves environment, they WOULD eventually outgrow it. I think if one is motivated/educated enough to do Cathe, one already has.
Jen
eminenz2
Cathlete
Candi-
Yes, I agree with you totally, but I think it is better for a woman to start somewhere, than not start at all for fear of ...I don't know.. fear!
I know one of the reasons I never joined a gym was not becuase I wuldn't go, but I didn't want to be around people who I never could look like, if that makes sense. I didn't want to fall into the trap of comparing myself to others.
Susan L.G.
Yes, I agree with you totally, but I think it is better for a woman to start somewhere, than not start at all for fear of ...I don't know.. fear!
I know one of the reasons I never joined a gym was not becuase I wuldn't go, but I didn't want to be around people who I never could look like, if that makes sense. I didn't want to fall into the trap of comparing myself to others.
Susan L.G.
C
Carol_is_fit
Guest
LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now THAT is funny!! "like asking for a bologna sandwish at Emeril" - LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have two good friends and co-workers who go to Curves. Both are VERY overweight, and both did nothing in the way of organized or vigorous exercise before they joined Curves together. I credit myself (though very humbly of course ... ) with helping in their decision to get up off their large rear ends and do something ... ANYTHING. I spent a lot of time with both of them talking about the benefits of MOVING, in whatever way you choose to do it.
One has lost 21 pounds in four months. The other has lost 15. Both are happy with Curves so far, and at least it's helping them get fit and feel better about themselves. Yes, they will both probably need to move on one day (and I have told them that), but it got them started. They both liked the idea of exercising with only women. I am surprised at how many women are intimidated by the thought of joining a traditional gym. I guess I've had my head in the sand because I never realized how that bothers a lot of people. Never bothered me. I workout at home because of time issues, and because I just like to.
But anyway ... I went with them both the day they joined and knew it was not for me. I'm well past it. But for both of them, it was perfect. So ... I guess it all depends on what your goals are and where you are in your fitness quest. Like anything, you have to go there and experience it before you decide if it's right for you. I would say generally that anyone who already works out to Cathe's tapes or someone similar would not find Curves beneficial, but again that's over-generalizing a bit, since there might be a few people who would enjoy it anyway.
As for their political and/or religious affiliations, whatever. I think it's better if I stay out of that particular part of this thread ... LOL! I know ... you're all shocked, right? }(
Carol
I have two good friends and co-workers who go to Curves. Both are VERY overweight, and both did nothing in the way of organized or vigorous exercise before they joined Curves together. I credit myself (though very humbly of course ...
) with helping in their decision to get up off their large rear ends and do something ... ANYTHING. I spent a lot of time with both of them talking about the benefits of MOVING, in whatever way you choose to do it. One has lost 21 pounds in four months. The other has lost 15. Both are happy with Curves so far, and at least it's helping them get fit and feel better about themselves. Yes, they will both probably need to move on one day (and I have told them that), but it got them started. They both liked the idea of exercising with only women. I am surprised at how many women are intimidated by the thought of joining a traditional gym. I guess I've had my head in the sand because I never realized how that bothers a lot of people. Never bothered me. I workout at home because of time issues, and because I just like to.
But anyway ... I went with them both the day they joined and knew it was not for me. I'm well past it. But for both of them, it was perfect. So ... I guess it all depends on what your goals are and where you are in your fitness quest. Like anything, you have to go there and experience it before you decide if it's right for you. I would say generally that anyone who already works out to Cathe's tapes or someone similar would not find Curves beneficial, but again that's over-generalizing a bit, since there might be a few people who would enjoy it anyway.
As for their political and/or religious affiliations, whatever. I think it's better if I stay out of that particular part of this thread ... LOL! I know ... you're all shocked, right? }(
Carol
candi
Cathlete
Okay, okay. I agree on the part about having a place to start. And, Carol, you're friends are lucky they have you to coach them. But, how many of these women will be coached up the ladder? I don't think Curves would tell them it's time to move on to something more challenging do you?
Okay, I'm over it.
Okay, I'm over it.
C
Carol_is_fit
Guest
Candi, people have to make that decision on their own. They either will or they won't. Curves probably won't tell them it's time to move on, or they'd lose customers. It's still a business, whatever their religious affiliation or reason for starting the business. They still have to have customers or they won't make money. I understand what you're saying, but I also know getting people motivated to exercise is a very personal thing. You have to WANT to do it, and you have to make the commitment to yourself to keep at it. No one can tell you to do it if you don't feel it in your heart.
I have to go to a job interview now, but I'll check here later. This is an interesting thread!!
Wish me luck!!
Carol
I have to go to a job interview now, but I'll check here later. This is an interesting thread!!
Wish me luck!!
Carol
Aquajock
Cathlete
What bothers me the most about Curves For Women is the fact that it has absolutely no requirement for its franchisees or employees to have any grounding in exercise physiology at all.
Franchisees are required to attend a 5-day seminar in West Overshoe Texas (okay, I'm exaggerating but you know what I mean) and precisely one day is devoted to the issue of the science of exercise. As someone who had to study over 3 months for a basic, bread-and-butter ACE group fitness instructor certification exam I am here to tell you - that ain't enough.
Thus, you have franchise owners with zero knowledge of exercise science, catering to a clientele - the deconditioned beginning exerciser - that arguably is the most in need of skilled, educated exercise leadership. Customers could very well have heart, circulatory, joint, and metabolic problems that even minimal exercise, if done incorrectly, could exacerbate.
I remember a Curves employee posting one time on the Turnstep bulletin board that she "knew" that the Curves workout was similar to water aerobics because the Curves resistance equipment (which is hydrolic rather than cable-resistance) was . . . well, hydrolic. Which is kind of like saying golf and tennis are similar because you whack a ball around. That kind of ignorance is truly frightening.
I think religious conservatives are usually quite patriarchal, and are emotionally invested in keeping women weak. If Curves is owned by one of these, it comes as no surprise to me.
A-Jock
Franchisees are required to attend a 5-day seminar in West Overshoe Texas (okay, I'm exaggerating but you know what I mean) and precisely one day is devoted to the issue of the science of exercise. As someone who had to study over 3 months for a basic, bread-and-butter ACE group fitness instructor certification exam I am here to tell you - that ain't enough.
Thus, you have franchise owners with zero knowledge of exercise science, catering to a clientele - the deconditioned beginning exerciser - that arguably is the most in need of skilled, educated exercise leadership. Customers could very well have heart, circulatory, joint, and metabolic problems that even minimal exercise, if done incorrectly, could exacerbate.
I remember a Curves employee posting one time on the Turnstep bulletin board that she "knew" that the Curves workout was similar to water aerobics because the Curves resistance equipment (which is hydrolic rather than cable-resistance) was . . . well, hydrolic. Which is kind of like saying golf and tennis are similar because you whack a ball around. That kind of ignorance is truly frightening.
I think religious conservatives are usually quite patriarchal, and are emotionally invested in keeping women weak. If Curves is owned by one of these, it comes as no surprise to me.
A-Jock
candi
Cathlete
"I think religious conservatives are usually quite patriarchal, and are emotionally invested in keeping women weak."
Damn, A-Jock! You hit the nail on the head (you articulate woman, you!) That's what bothers me about this whole thing. And, Carol, you're right. People need to make these choices on their own. But, some women, especially women who are oppressed, don't take the next step because they don't realize they have that option.
Okay, I'm really over it now.
Damn, A-Jock! You hit the nail on the head (you articulate woman, you!) That's what bothers me about this whole thing. And, Carol, you're right. People need to make these choices on their own. But, some women, especially women who are oppressed, don't take the next step because they don't realize they have that option.
Okay, I'm really over it now.
C
Carol_is_fit
Guest
LOL! Candi, did I ever tell you one of the things I enjoy so much about your posts is that they remind me of my own? I'm serious! I love your passion about things! I totally understand what you're saying, and I think A-Jock (as always!!) makes a very good point. I did not know the people who were given franchises didn't have to have any formal training in exercise physiology. Kind of makes you wonder why the founder ever set up the business in the first place ... but I guess that's food for another thread ...
Carol
Carol
candi
Cathlete
Well Carol,
I'm flattered that you think my passion about things equals your own.
Yes, I tend to get fired up about some things. Especially when I feel like a woman is being held back, or holds herself back, because she doesn't realize she CAN go forward. I'm sure it's related to things that have happened to me in my own life.
We have a Curves right around the corner from our house. Got a "free trial" coupon in the mail so DH and I stopped and looked in (they were closed at the time) and I saw a few machines in a very small space(the machines were the color PINK by the way). They looked like the machines my granddaughter had for her Barbies, only real people size. I thought "What the heck!". Then a friend of mine told me she was going and explained to me what the routine was. I praised her for starting to exercise again but thought, "Man, what a ripoff!"
I'm flattered that you think my passion about things equals your own.
Yes, I tend to get fired up about some things. Especially when I feel like a woman is being held back, or holds herself back, because she doesn't realize she CAN go forward. I'm sure it's related to things that have happened to me in my own life.
We have a Curves right around the corner from our house. Got a "free trial" coupon in the mail so DH and I stopped and looked in (they were closed at the time) and I saw a few machines in a very small space(the machines were the color PINK by the way). They looked like the machines my granddaughter had for her Barbies, only real people size. I thought "What the heck!". Then a friend of mine told me she was going and explained to me what the routine was. I praised her for starting to exercise again but thought, "Man, what a ripoff!"
Aquajock
Cathlete
I think one of the saddest things about the Curves phenomenon is how willing women are to hold other women back. It's my understanding that women are the vast majority of Curves franchisees.
I've read anecdotes where Curves exercisers were told not to perform as vigorously as they were performing during the 30-second cardio interstices between stations, with staff members hollering at them, "That's not the CURVES WAY!" Apparently they were only supposed to march in place, not allowed to do jumping jacks even.
I think I made a subconscious decision a long time ago never to allow anyone, male or female, to tell me how strong I could or could not go or get. That's a lonely place to be, because there's always gonna be someone around to tell me, "Don't work too hard, you might hurt yourself, you trying to be an imitation man?" etc. And a fair number of those naysayers are women. Some of them participating in video/DVD exercise forums.
A-Jock
I've read anecdotes where Curves exercisers were told not to perform as vigorously as they were performing during the 30-second cardio interstices between stations, with staff members hollering at them, "That's not the CURVES WAY!" Apparently they were only supposed to march in place, not allowed to do jumping jacks even.
I think I made a subconscious decision a long time ago never to allow anyone, male or female, to tell me how strong I could or could not go or get. That's a lonely place to be, because there's always gonna be someone around to tell me, "Don't work too hard, you might hurt yourself, you trying to be an imitation man?" etc. And a fair number of those naysayers are women. Some of them participating in video/DVD exercise forums.
A-Jock
My best friend goes to curves. She is quite athletic normally, so I didn't think she would see much of a physical change. She lose 4 inches off her waist, 3 off her legs and more on her abs and lower abs. I am happy for her but couldn't believe it. She works out 3 times per week and is trying to eat cleanly. ( Plus she is 42). So go figure! She lost some weight but was already close to her ideal weight! Boy, was I depressed, I work out harder with fewer results!
I think of Curves as a gateway drug.
Anything to get people more interested in fitness is a good thing. If it gets people moving and shaking and thinking about health. It's great. If people get curious and start looking for other ways to exercise becuase they outgrow curves or just don't like it-great.
As for this comment,
"I think religious conservatives are usually quite patriarchal, and are emotionally invested in keeping women weak. If Curves is owned by one of these, it comes as no surprise to me."
I think you forgot one modifying adjective. I think you would have to say most "immature" religious conservatives. Anyone I know that takes their religion seriously,( by that I mean they walk the talk AND are mature) is extremely supportive and empowering of women. Christ was an excellent example of treating women with respect.
I think it would be fair to categorize many immature men both religious and non religious as having a common characteristic of being intimidated by women.
I just don't want any chauvanistic men to not get their full criticism!!
And just to be fair, I think women can be quite vicious with men too. Both sexes can be adept at finding ways to be hurtful.
Just my two cents! :O)
Danna
Anything to get people more interested in fitness is a good thing. If it gets people moving and shaking and thinking about health. It's great. If people get curious and start looking for other ways to exercise becuase they outgrow curves or just don't like it-great.
As for this comment,
"I think religious conservatives are usually quite patriarchal, and are emotionally invested in keeping women weak. If Curves is owned by one of these, it comes as no surprise to me."
I think you forgot one modifying adjective. I think you would have to say most "immature" religious conservatives. Anyone I know that takes their religion seriously,( by that I mean they walk the talk AND are mature) is extremely supportive and empowering of women. Christ was an excellent example of treating women with respect.
I think it would be fair to categorize many immature men both religious and non religious as having a common characteristic of being intimidated by women.
I just don't want any chauvanistic men to not get their full criticism!!
And just to be fair, I think women can be quite vicious with men too. Both sexes can be adept at finding ways to be hurtful.
Just my two cents! :O)
Danna
T
trevor
Guest
I am butting back in....
against my better judgement. LOL!
I agree with Carol. If beginners see that Curves works then I say why not do it? It's their choice. If they have any brains anyway, they will continue to be motivated to research and continue to look for improvements in the way they are working out and in what Curves is providing for them compared to other clubs. Just like we all should be doing with everything we do in life.
I mean, what's worse, someone who goes to a fancy club that offers everything and they half-ass every workout to the point that they look the same two years later.....or someone who goes to a place like Curves and works out lightly, expecting more than they are getting from it? Both haven't a clue IMHO. And I got news for ya, I betcha perhaps 75% of the people who workout in this country don't know what the hell they are doing, regardless of what club they go to. And I hate to say it, but I'd bet that that statistic isn't much lower for THIS site. Exercising is scientific and just because you do it, doesn't mean you are DOING it. End of diatribe!
Trevor
against my better judgement. LOL!
I agree with Carol. If beginners see that Curves works then I say why not do it? It's their choice. If they have any brains anyway, they will continue to be motivated to research and continue to look for improvements in the way they are working out and in what Curves is providing for them compared to other clubs. Just like we all should be doing with everything we do in life.
I mean, what's worse, someone who goes to a fancy club that offers everything and they half-ass every workout to the point that they look the same two years later.....or someone who goes to a place like Curves and works out lightly, expecting more than they are getting from it? Both haven't a clue IMHO. And I got news for ya, I betcha perhaps 75% of the people who workout in this country don't know what the hell they are doing, regardless of what club they go to. And I hate to say it, but I'd bet that that statistic isn't much lower for THIS site. Exercising is scientific and just because you do it, doesn't mean you are DOING it. End of diatribe!
Trevor
Aquajock
Cathlete
RE: I am butting back in....
Trev - methinks I must needs agreeth with thou on thine points in thy diatribe . . . especially the lack of knowledge of exercise science and human physiology that exists in the general population. It is certainly a valid point that if Curves keeps women off off the couch and away from the refrigerator, even for only 2 hours a week, how bad can it be?
You're right too in terms of the lack of knowledge that exists among video/DVD exercisers. Look at the number of threads that keep bubbling up about Big Foot Myths like cellulite - which, just in passing, is not a medically recognized physical attribute but instead an invention by one French sharpie named MADAME Ronsard back in the '70's to popularize her spa and her book by the same title.
A-Jock
Trev - methinks I must needs agreeth with thou on thine points in thy diatribe . . . especially the lack of knowledge of exercise science and human physiology that exists in the general population. It is certainly a valid point that if Curves keeps women off off the couch and away from the refrigerator, even for only 2 hours a week, how bad can it be?
You're right too in terms of the lack of knowledge that exists among video/DVD exercisers. Look at the number of threads that keep bubbling up about Big Foot Myths like cellulite - which, just in passing, is not a medically recognized physical attribute but instead an invention by one French sharpie named MADAME Ronsard back in the '70's to popularize her spa and her book by the same title.
A-Jock