Curves

Curves has a unique approach to fitness for women. They put 12 (the actual number varies by location, but this one has 12!) exercise machines which each work out a different area of your body in a circle, with a spring board in between each one. With action-​inspiring dance music playing, you work at each station (and jog at each spring board) for 30 seconds, making a quick rotation around the circle. When you’ve gone around twice (a total of 30 minutes), there’s a stretch/​cool down session to make sure your muscles relax properly, and then you’re done! So rather than working to increase the amount of weight you can press or the length of time you can do squats for, your goal is to do as much work within those 30 seconds as possible — always leaving room for improvement! The environment is extremely friendly and laid back, with no structured class times or obligations. They also keep a wall covered with before and after photos and encouraging success stories to keep you on track. There are so many Curves locations in Chicago and the suburbs, there’s sure to be one near you!