Curves

Officially lost 30 pounds as of yesterday! Love this place!

125 lb’s and counting!
This is long overdue, so I apologize to the Curves staff and members for not giving them the props they deserve!
For most of my life I had been overweight. Although I’ve always been outgoing and lovable, surrounded by people that love me, deep down I hid the fact that I didn’t have much love for myself. I was always ashamed of my weight, I longed to lose it. Over the years I tried different methods, but like many people, my efforts had slowly diminished.
In 2004, I’m not quite sure what came over me, but I knew in my heart this time around I was ready to commit. So after hearing about it through word of mouth, I walked into my neighborhood Curves, and right away I could tell that this experience was going to be different (in comparison to a prior membership I had at another gym, which btw has since closed, at no surprise). The demeanor of the staff was so hospitable, and my immediate perception was it wasn’t just about signing up a new member, they were genuinely concerned about the reason of my visit. So I joined, and I did really well for the first few months, but again I fell into a comfort zone, and stop going, for almost three years! If it wasn’t for the cute emails and «We miss you» post cards they sent during my time away, I don’t know if I would have went back. But the kind gestures reminded me of why I joined in the first place, and soon enough I was back on the circuit.
I worked hard, and started to lose weight, but the results weren’t to my satisfaction. I needed to change my diet, and with the help of the staff I learned how to eat healthier. A little after 1 year, I lost 100 hundred pounds! (I could kick myself for procrastinating).
Curves is a wonderful place. There are women of all ages, shapes sizes, ethnic backgrounds etc. We are all different but share a common goal. Members support each other, and these elements are what makes the atmosphere comfortable. I used to keep to myself while on the circuit but its inevitable that you end up bonding with other members, friendships form, we share tips and advice on health and weight loss. The machines we use are for both Cardio and strength training, so every part of your body is worked. True, we have not yet upgraded to the Curves Complete machines, but visitors and new members always comment on how well maintained the machines are. As for the staff they are amazing. The chemistry between them all is unique, they’re all different but compliment each other. They are all very intelligent have strengths in different areas, which in turn benefits the members. The staff and members are the greatest friends a girl could have.
The concept of Curves is well thought out, its an experience that is unforgettable and addicting. In this day and age everyone is so reluctant to diet and exercise, but Curves makes it fun, seriously. At other gyms you would pay up the wahoo for all the support and information you get there. Well not Curves, I mean obviously there’s a membership fee, but other that than the benefits you reap come ten fold. I highly recommend a membership from Curves, and if you do, join Curves Van Ness, we’re the best in the west!

update 2 (8÷13÷08) — Sweet Jesus, my high school jeans fit.
update– It’s been a little over a month and I’ve lost five pounds and 2.7% of my body fat. I’ve actually been eating more than usual, so I’m happy with the results.
Thanks to Unilocal,I did see the Curves controversy before signing up. I am very very very pro-​choice, but I still joined. The way I see it, products I use every day put money into the hands of people who support all sorts of things that I’m against. I still use Tide detergent (whose parent company still tests on animals) and fly Boeing jets (Boeing also makes bombs), and they don’t benefit me nearly as much as working out at Curves has. Additionally, I looked up the franchise info on Curves. Franchisees pay a one time set-​up fee and a set annual fee. So assuming that the franchisee doesn’t personally donate to pro-​life causes, my membership isn’t putting any additional money in the pro-​life coffers.
That said, I love it at Curves. I was never a gym person. I am a couch person. But Curves is so incredibly non-​threatening that I didn’t experience a moment’s anxiety once I got my butt in the door. The people who work and work out there are all wonderful. It is a great, friendly environment.
The workout itself is as enjoyable as such a thing can be. The machines are hydraulic so you don’t have to bother setting weights or anything. You spend less than a minute at each station so you don’t get bored or wiped out. Plus the 2529 Van Ness location is a Shining Star Club. They have machines I haven’t seen at other Curves, including this cool jungle gym looking contraption that guides you into a dozen different stretches.
If you try Curves, try to find someone to sign up with you. Then you can get either half off the registration price of $ 154 or half off the monthly price of $ 54 (I’m unsure if this is a temporary promotion). I know price seems high, it’s only $ 10 less that Club One, but it’s worth it for the environment and the experience. Plus you can work out up to six times a week at any Curves location.

Just giving an appraisal of the gym: I only joined last week, but it is great. The staff couldn’t be friendlier, the facilities are clean, and the women who work out there are all nice and welcoming. Their 30 minute workout, 3 times a week is a tried-​and-​true formula, so if you’re looking for a break from the overpriced crowded gyms in the city, check them out.
As for the controversy: it was refreshing that when I did sign-​up last week, the woman was forthright about the news regarding donations. They wanted to put it out front so I could discuss it if I wanted to. The fact that she addressed it before I had ever heard anything about the subject showed that their management cares about the company and just want people to have access to a great gym.
When I pay my monthly fee, I know what I’m paying for — the ability to workout.