I have been a proud member of Curves for Women for about 18 months. Having recently retired, I was looking for an exercise regime other than your typical gym experience. I needed something I could do that would be both beneficial and simple to commit to. And voila!!!!! Curves was the solution. What I like most about the program is the time factor-only 30 minutes. It is conveniently located near my home. Those reasons alone made for fewer excuses in not doing my part in bettering my health. The facility I go to is located in Raytown, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City.
Part of the enjoyment I experience is the camaraderie among the other women. There is not an intimidation factor involved because women from all backgrounds, age groups, shapes and sizes come. The women do not come attired in scantily-clad outfits. Rather they come with a goal in mind of living healthier and happier lives. The staff members are very friendly. They want you to be successful and it is shown in their willingness to help, support and encourage you.
There are approximately 14 pieces of equipment that target different areas of your body. Recovery boards are situated in between each station where, for 30 seconds you can do whatever you want (jump, march in place, do aerobics).
Special Note:
For an interactive demo on the machines discussed go to their website at www.curves.com for more information. Any questions or concerns can more than likely be addressed there.
30 Mile Race
Usually the drive for exercise promises comes at the beginning of the year. And while that is a good thing, during the last two months of this past year our club was involved in a rather unique contest that concluded on the last day of the year. It was a 30-mile race. It allowed us to easily transition into the new year and being resolute in our exercise goals.
This is the criteria that we used:
Components of the Race
Workout 3 times a week at Curves
Participate in the activity of the week (example: Bring a canned good for the needy)
Stretch after each session to further enhance your workout
Earn a mile for each person you refer
If you referred a woman and she joined you were given additional points
At the end of your 3rd workout of the week, you would place a check by your name on a chart. If you worked out 3 times in a particular week, participated in the activity of the week and stretched after each day then you were awarded 3 miles for that week. If you, for example didn’t stretch after one of your workouts you would get credit for only 2 days that particular week or 2 miles. It was done on an honor system so no one was hovering over you.
About a week before the race began, rules were strategically placed on the walls so you knew what was expected. There was such an air of excitement and anticipation in the air as the competitive juices began flowing.
Prize Incentives
The goal was to be the first to reach the 30 mile mark within the allocated 10 week period. The next 5 finishers would be the recipients of runner-up prizes. Additionally, all who completed the race by the said deadline would receive consolation prizes. So everyone had the opportunity to go away with something which served as an extra incentive.
Tracking Miles
One of the trainers designed a walking path on the upper walls that represented our journey. There was also individual construction paper walking shoes for each of the 55 participants with their names. All shoes were placed at the 0 mile marker. And then we were off and running. At the end of the week one of the trainers would move our shoes on the track. It was exciting to see the progress that you and others were making.
It was initially thought that even though we all came “out the gate” at one time that eventually a leader would emerge. For weeks at a time the bulk of the women were “neck and neck” and keeping up with each other. It was only when 5 women referred some of their friends that they were put 1 mile ahead in the race. In the end a clear winner was announced. Even though the majority of participants finished the 30 miles by the end date, the one who emerged as the winner took the title because of several referrals that she had made.
One participant had this to say about the race, “I actually looked forward to coming to Curves and being a part of this event. I felt as if we were in a marathon striving to reach the finish line. What a creative idea to stay in shape and be accountable.”
It was a great experience because while we each were reaching for a goal, good health, friendships and a sense of belonging were achieved as well.
While this was a special undertaking for our club members, there are other things that you can expect on an ongoing basis at Curves.
What else awaits you?
1. A pleasant and cheerful atmosphere with bulletin boards encouraging the members
2. A clean environment
3. Monthly birthday display board
4. New members display
5. Newsletter
6. Upbeat music to keep you moving
7. Water cooler where you can refresh yourself if thirsty
8. Towels
9. A cool-down area
Other helpful resources:
At www.curvescomplete.com – an online weight program with nutritional meals that fit into your lifestyle and food preferences along with other helpful tips. It works well with your Curve membership to get an even greater effect.
Things you can purchase to further enhance the Curve program
1. Curve wearing apparel to work out in. This however is not a requirement for membership.
2. Diane – the Curves Magazine – comes out quarterly and is filled with inspirational stories, tips and articles that will enhance your weight-loss journey
3. Books produced by the Curves program
So if you’re really serious about feeling better, losing weight and living a healthier life, I would, without hesitation highly recommend the Curves program.
Here’s to good health!!!!
