Is curves enough and other exercise ?'s

4gotn1 · 06-21-2008, 11:54 AM

I am 344 and have been doing Atkins for 4 weeks. I joined a 30 day fitness trial at Curves but watching the women workout I just wonder if it is REALLY enough?

I want to work my muscles w/o firming up too much. I have known heavy ladies that worked out w/ weights and got hard bodies but they were BIG hard bodies!

I know that anything for now is better than nothing but I want to make sure I am doing all I can to make a difference and the fix the body I have ruined!

Should I/ Could I add any free weights at home on the non curves days?

In the end I know I will have loose skin w/ this much of a weight loss but I want to make sure I have done EVERYTHING from the beginning to get my body in the BEST shape possible before I would need to see a plastic surgeon. KWIM?

Any tips?

CarolynF · 06-21-2008, 02:54 PM

Okay..this is my opinion. I belong to a faux Curves and really love it. I have gotten much firmer and it all depends on how much you put into it. I go 5 days a week, too. Plus I walk in the neighborhood (2 miles) several times a week and do Wii Fit every day.

I think Curves and a walking regime are a great way to start your exercise program. However, exercise is probably only 10 percent of it..You defnitely need to stay on plan with eating Lowcarb to lose the weight. Otherwise, you will be building muscle under fat (like the big ladies you are talking about).

Exercise and strength training is great, but really, eating right is more crucial than your exercise program.

HTH..

JuliaL · 06-21-2008, 05:40 PM

Curves can be enough. You get out of it what you put into it, so if you work hard at the curves machines you will get something out of it. I agree with Carolyn that supplementing those workouts with cardio, like walking, is a good idea. If it feels like a challenge then you are getting benefit from the exercise. If it feels easy it isn't doing you a whole lot of good.

hhhmom74 · 06-22-2008, 07:01 PM

I think Curves is a great place to start! I was a fitness tech at Curves for 3+ years. I credit Curves for Women for some of my success the 1st couple of years.

stargrabber · 06-23-2008, 03:55 PM

Any place is a good start but eventually I would add in free weights at the gym (but understand you could possibly feel uncomfortable right now)

People think oh me I don't want to be bulky.....women who have HUGE muscles and are bulky (i.e. the pro bb'ers are using drugs ) it is super hard to gain muscle consistently w/o eating over maintenance.

Get started and keep researching and you will do just fine.

4gotn1 · 06-24-2008, 01:59 AM

Thanks everyone! I joined on Saturday and did my first full workout on Monday!

I am so proud of me. I don't think that the one lady that works there thought I would be able to do a whole 2 rounds in the circuit. 1/2 through the 2nd I was wondering myself but I did it!

Thanks for all the inspiration! Be blessed!

Jeremy Nelms · 06-27-2008, 06:18 AM

Congrats on getting started! Now, just keep at it.

Curves is a great start, and as long as you work HARD in there, you will continue to get results.

The long-term problem, though, is that it will eventually be a more efficient use of your time to use free weights.

But for now....great job!

luckiangel · 06-27-2008, 08:16 AM

Congrat's 4!! I belong to curves too and i think it is just what i needed to get started!! Now I ride my bicycle to curves (i didn't ride it today tho) and I am swimming on the weekends. Next week I think I will swim inbetween my visits to curves or just ride my bike more. Keep up the good work!!

hhhmom74 · 06-27-2008, 08:19 AM

Congrats on joining Curves!

I went to Curves for the 1st 3 years of LCing. I have got to say that it was benefiting me right up to the day they closed.

4gotn1 · 06-27-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Nelms

Congrats on getting started! Now, just keep at it.

Curves is a great start, and as long as you work HARD in there, you will continue to get results.

The long-term problem, though, is that it will eventually be a more efficient use of your time to use free weights.

But for now....great job!

Thanks Jeremy, I kinda thought I would eventually bypass their circuit...at least I hope I do! Lol

You are right about working it! The first workout on my own I just kind of went through the motions ( what the machine was suppose to be doing) I never felt sore or anything and thought "something isn't right". I went in today for workout number two and I WORKED the machines, I felt it during the workout so I know I will be feeling it tomorrow am!

I know people say "no pain , no gain" but I LOVE a little pain to let me know I worked a muscle group or I worked it harder than last time! LOL!

LuckiAngel: Congrats on your swimming and biking! I Live too far to do the biking! I wish I could go to Curves more often but with gas prices I have to stick to the 3 days per week. I think I am going to start walking in the mall the days I am out at Curves anyway and then doing some kind of DVD ( lord knows I have bought enough I have never used) on my non-curves day!

hhhmom74 Thanks for the congrats! I find that it is inspiring me to do more, even when I am not there! lol! I also think I walk out of there standing taller and more sure of myself. I Just think it is just knowing that I am working on a healthier me! I just hate the thought of getting to know everyone and then leaving because I advance but I also want some small lady like MUSCLE that I don't think they can give me! LOL!

amiga74 · 06-27-2008, 05:11 PM

congrats 4gotn1,

you are rocking it!

Jeremy Nelms · 06-27-2008, 05:25 PM

Good deal, 4gotn1! Keep at it, and work HARD, and you will achieve results faster than 90% of the "general" people that go there.

luckiangel · 06-27-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4gotn1

LuckiAngel: Congrats on your swimming and biking! I Live too far to do the biking! I wish I could go to Curves more often but with gas prices I have to stick to the 3 days per week. I think I am going to start walking in the mall the days I am out at Curves anyway and then doing some kind of DVD ( lord knows I have bought enough I have never used) on my non-curves day!

That's a great idea 4! I too have a volumes of videos and dvd's that i could do on my non curves days!! Maybe i am in enough shape to give them a go round!!! KEEP AT IT!!!!!! You're doin' GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alison Jean 71 · 07-05-2008, 07:12 AM

I started out at a Curves. It was my first commitment to exercising. I liked it and I stayed 2 years. You do get out what you put in. Alot of ladies got "comfy" and were there to socialize but if you push yourself on the machines and keep your heart rate up on the stations, it is a good workout. After 2 years I needed more and wanted more. It is a good start.

Okira · 07-05-2008, 10:09 AM

Great decision to join Curves! I joined about 6 months ago, and now I work there. I have a couple of comments. First of all, if you're stretching properly after the circuit, you won't be sore. Just because you aren't sore doesn't mean you didn't work hard! Does your Curves have the Curves Smart on the machines? If so, make sure you sign up for it! It's a much more difficult workout and is making a remarkable difference with everyone that I've seen use it.
Peace,
Okira

4gotn1 · 07-05-2008, 11:33 AM

Thanks everyone for the information!

Okira...My Curves does have that but they don't give them to you until you have been a month so that you are using the machines properly and such.

I am lovin' it. I do stretch but would like a bit of soreness...it is what i am use too! LOL!

MarblesLongGone · 07-05-2008, 11:39 AM

It is a START. There used to be a great variation from one Curves franchise to the next, I don't know if that is still true. Any exercise that you do properly beats not exercising. Re: getting big, MOST women can't get totally pumped anyway, and to get that way takes a deliberate, concerted effort. I LOVE bodybuilding, and would love to get beck into it, but DH hates it. Add in some lifestyle based exercise, walk places, park farther and farther out in the lot of stores, etc. Take the stairs when it is a sane option. (or just take them for a floor or two, and take the elevator the rest of the way!)

wifezilla · 07-05-2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Exercise and strength training is great, but really, eating right is more crucial than your exercise program.

EXACTLY! (Carolyn is so smart

)

debkeversole · 07-05-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuliaL

Curves can be enough. You get out of it what you put into it, so if you work hard at the curves machines you will get something out of it. I agree with Carolyn that supplementing those workouts with cardio, like walking, is a good idea. If it feels like a challenge then you are getting benefit from the exercise. If it feels easy it isn't doing you a whole lot of good.

you KNOW how i feel about Curves! okay first off ..do you have any of the Curves books??? Curves: Permanent Results Without Permanent Dieting, Curves:30 min. 3x a week..Curves on the Go, Curves Member Guide get one and read it!

For sure do Cardio on the days you don't go to Curves and if you are working those machines to the best of your ability (70-80% heartrate) you will get long lean muscle mass! and stretching

my DH was very appreciative for what Curves stretching had done for me while he was deployed to Iraq!

remember hold that stretch for the full 15 seconds!

amazon has an outline of 30 min 3x a week here is a relevant excerpt:
hapter 9 features the Curves-At-Home workout that lasts 30 minutes. The purpose of the home workout is to strengthen every major muscle group, give your heart and lungs a good aerobic workout, and increase the flexibility of your joints. So even those who are not a member of a Curves For Women gym can benefit from the Curves workout by doing exercises at home. All you have to do is buy an exercise tube (stretch cord) that is four feet long. There are pictures showing each exercise of the at-home workout along with detailed instructions. Also included is the exact same target heart rate chart and Curves Flexibility Exercises (after work-out stretching) that is found in the Curves For Women fitness centers.

Chapter 10 deals with enhancing your workout at Curves, for those women who are already members. It also features pictures of each of the machines used in the gym and how they are used. For example, you'll see 2 pictures of a woman using the squat machine--one standing, and the other squatting. The same is illustrated for every machine/exercise, as well as detailed informaiton on how to use the machines correctly and maximize benefit--including tips for Curves pros.

i'll go find one of my books and be back to dazzle you with WAY too much information!

debkeversole · 07-05-2008, 12:16 PM

okay also get a Callenetics tape, 10 in 10 or beginning Callenetics....there will be your soreness to show you have been working!

check eBay for Curves books and our friend Callen!

inatic · 07-05-2008, 08:32 PM

curves is a great way to start but you should move into using free wts.

KINDERHORE · 07-30-2008, 01:29 PM

i lost 85 pounds while working out at Curves and now I've moved on because I need some more variety.

you have to work out hard there, though. RUN in place, WORK the machines. I saw a lot of people (with varying abilities, ages etc.) and some in shape enough women who just barely go through the motions.

I thought it was great and I started at 317 pounds.

06-21-2008, 11:54 AM	#1
4gotn1 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: buried under 200lbs of FAT! Posts: 805 Blog Entries: 4 Gallery: 4gotn1 Stats: 344.5/288.4/(244.5)150 WOE: God & Dr. Simeon's Protocol (F, 5'6, 37) Start Date: Started Protocol 9/22/08	Is curves enough and other exercise ?'s I am 344 and have been doing Atkins for 4 weeks. I joined a 30 day fitness trial at Curves but watching the women workout I just wonder if it is REALLY enough? I want to work my muscles w/o firming up too much. I have known heavy ladies that worked out w/ weights and got hard bodies but they were BIG hard bodies! I know that anything for now is better than nothing but I want to make sure I am doing all I can to make a difference and the fix the body I have ruined! Should I/ Could I add any free weights at home on the non curves days? In the end I know I will have loose skin w/ this much of a weight loss but I want to make sure I have done EVERYTHING from the beginning to get my body in the BEST shape possible before I would need to see a plastic surgeon. KWIM? Any tips? __________________ ~~Don't ask God to guide your footsteps if your not willing to move your feet!~~ 7 weeks on protocol- Lost 51.9lbs and 51 1/4inches (as of 10/20) Reached Twoterville 10/29/08

06-21-2008, 02:54 PM	#2
CarolynF Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas Posts: 20,104 Gallery: CarolynF Stats: 195/144/139 WOE: Eat Fat, Get Thin/I Can Make You Thin Start Date: January 2001	Okay..this is my opinion. I belong to a faux Curves and really love it. I have gotten much firmer and it all depends on how much you put into it. I go 5 days a week, too. Plus I walk in the neighborhood (2 miles) several times a week and do Wii Fit every day. I think Curves and a walking regime are a great way to start your exercise program. However, exercise is probably only 10 percent of it..You defnitely need to stay on plan with eating Lowcarb to lose the weight. Otherwise, you will be building muscle under fat (like the big ladies you are talking about). Exercise and strength training is great, but really, eating right is more crucial than your exercise program. HTH.. __________________ Barry Christmas Challenge December: 146

07-05-2008, 11:39 AM	#17
MarblesLongGone MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Hamilton, OH Posts: 2,387 Blog Entries: 2 Gallery: MarblesLongGone Stats: 248.5/206.0/190 6'0" WOE: Atkins / Carb Addicts / Schwarzbein / SB / Paleo / Start Date: April 1, 2008 (back on the wagon)	It is a START. There used to be a great variation from one Curves franchise to the next, I don't know if that is still true. Any exercise that you do properly beats not exercising. Re: getting big, MOST women can't get totally pumped anyway, and to get that way takes a deliberate, concerted effort. I LOVE bodybuilding, and would love to get beck into it, but DH hates it. Add in some lifestyle based exercise, walk places, park farther and farther out in the lot of stores, etc. Take the stairs when it is a sane option. (or just take them for a floor or two, and take the elevator the rest of the way!) __________________ Goal: 190.0 Height 6' 04/01 248.5 GoneToGo\| 06/30 218.0-30.5 28.0\| 08/18 208.5-40.0 18.5 04/30 230.5-18.0XX.X.\| 07/07 217.0-31.5 27.0\| 08/25 05/26 226.5-22.0 36.5\| 07/14 212.0-36.5 22.0\| 09/01 06/01 222.5-26.0 32.5\| 07/21 211.5-37.0 21.5\| 09/07 06/09 221.5-27.0 31.5\| 07/28 208.0-40.5 18.0\| 09/14 06/16 220.0-28.5 30.0\| 08/04 208.0-40.5 18.0\| 09/21 06/23 216.0-32.5 26.0\| 08/11 210.0-38.5 20.0\| 09/28

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06-21-2008, 05:40 PM	#3
JuliaL Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 17,214 Gallery: JuliaL Stats: 190/145/140 16/8/6, height 5'8", age 48 WOE: Atkins/BFFM Start Date: 4/22/03	Curves can be enough. You get out of it what you put into it, so if you work hard at the curves machines you will get something out of it. I agree with Carolyn that supplementing those workouts with cardio, like walking, is a good idea. If it feels like a challenge then you are getting benefit from the exercise. If it feels easy it isn't doing you a whole lot of good.

06-22-2008, 07:01 PM	#4
hhhmom74 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 14,188 Gallery: hhhmom74 Stats: 199.5/138/120 5'4" WOE: back to Atkins Start Date: 6/22/02 restarted 10/6/08	I think Curves is a great place to start! I was a fitness tech at Curves for 3+ years. I credit Curves for Women for some of my success the 1st couple of years.

06-23-2008, 03:55 PM	#5
stargrabber Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: WA State Posts: 394 Gallery: stargrabber Stats: 260/173/155 size 22/10/6 WOE: Lower Carbs Start Date: 10/07	Any place is a good start but eventually I would add in free weights at the gym (but understand you could possibly feel uncomfortable right now) People think oh me I don't want to be bulky.....women who have HUGE muscles and are bulky (i.e. the pro bb'ers are using drugs ) it is super hard to gain muscle consistently w/o eating over maintenance. Get started and keep researching and you will do just fine.

06-24-2008, 01:59 AM	#6
4gotn1 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: buried under 200lbs of FAT! Posts: 805 Blog Entries: 4 Gallery: 4gotn1 Stats: 344.5/288.4/(244.5)150 WOE: God & Dr. Simeon's Protocol (F, 5'6, 37) Start Date: Started Protocol 9/22/08	Thanks everyone! I joined on Saturday and did my first full workout on Monday! I am so proud of me. I don't think that the one lady that works there thought I would be able to do a whole 2 rounds in the circuit. 1/2 through the 2nd I was wondering myself but I did it! Thanks for all the inspiration! Be blessed!

06-27-2008, 06:18 AM	#7
Jeremy Nelms Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: AZ and FL Posts: 34 Gallery: Jeremy Nelms WOE: NELMS Method :)	Congrats on getting started! Now, just keep at it. Curves is a great start, and as long as you work HARD in there, you will continue to get results. The long-term problem, though, is that it will eventually be a more efficient use of your time to use free weights. But for now....great job!

06-27-2008, 08:16 AM	#8
luckiangel Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Douglas, Arizona Posts: 4,809 Blog Entries: 8 Gallery: luckiangel Stats: 305/282/150 WOE: Ultrametabolism/Curves Start Date: 10/2003-start over 12/1/08	Congrat's 4!! I belong to curves too and i think it is just what i needed to get started!! Now I ride my bicycle to curves (i didn't ride it today tho) and I am swimming on the weekends. Next week I think I will swim inbetween my visits to curves or just ride my bike more. Keep up the good work!!

06-27-2008, 08:19 AM	#9
hhhmom74 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 14,188 Gallery: hhhmom74 Stats: 199.5/138/120 5'4" WOE: back to Atkins Start Date: 6/22/02 restarted 10/6/08	Congrats on joining Curves! I went to Curves for the 1st 3 years of LCing. I have got to say that it was benefiting me right up to the day they closed.

06-27-2008, 05:11 PM	#11
amiga74 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: austin Posts: 1,696 Gallery: amiga74 Stats: 150/140/135 - 5'7.5 WOE: super-slow via moderation/organic	congrats 4gotn1, you are rocking it!

06-27-2008, 05:25 PM	#12
Jeremy Nelms Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: AZ and FL Posts: 34 Gallery: Jeremy Nelms WOE: NELMS Method :)	Good deal, 4gotn1! Keep at it, and work HARD, and you will achieve results faster than 90% of the "general" people that go there.

07-05-2008, 07:12 AM	#14
Alison Jean 71 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,123 Gallery: Alison Jean 71 Stats: 159/121/119 5'6" 37yrs WOE: Atkins Maintenance Start Date: January 3, 2004	I started out at a Curves. It was my first commitment to exercising. I liked it and I stayed 2 years. You do get out what you put in. Alot of ladies got "comfy" and were there to socialize but if you push yourself on the machines and keep your heart rate up on the stations, it is a good workout. After 2 years I needed more and wanted more. It is a good start.

07-05-2008, 10:09 AM	#15
Okira MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Southeast Posts: 1,185 Gallery: Okira Stats: 223/181/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August, 2005	Great decision to join Curves! I joined about 6 months ago, and now I work there. I have a couple of comments. First of all, if you're stretching properly after the circuit, you won't be sore. Just because you aren't sore doesn't mean you didn't work hard! Does your Curves have the Curves Smart on the machines? If so, make sure you sign up for it! It's a much more difficult workout and is making a remarkable difference with everyone that I've seen use it. Peace, Okira

07-05-2008, 11:33 AM	#16
4gotn1 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: buried under 200lbs of FAT! Posts: 805 Blog Entries: 4 Gallery: 4gotn1 Stats: 344.5/288.4/(244.5)150 WOE: God & Dr. Simeon's Protocol (F, 5'6, 37) Start Date: Started Protocol 9/22/08	Thanks everyone for the information! Okira...My Curves does have that but they don't give them to you until you have been a month so that you are using the machines properly and such. I am lovin' it. I do stretch but would like a bit of soreness...it is what i am use too! LOL!

07-05-2008, 12:16 PM	#20
debkeversole Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: southern ky Posts: 9,000 Gallery: debkeversole Stats: 370/333/199 WOE: curves challenge Start Date: jan 2006	okay also get a Callenetics tape, 10 in 10 or beginning Callenetics....there will be your soreness to show you have been working! check eBay for Curves books and our friend Callen!

07-05-2008, 08:32 PM	#21
inatic Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alpharetta,Ga. Posts: 12,583 Gallery: inatic Stats: 182/126.2 5'4 46!yo 16/4 5 kidlets later! WOE: Coach Supervised Start Date: LC since 2/02 B'building since 10/15/02	curves is a great way to start but you should move into using free wts.

07-30-2008, 01:29 PM	#22
KINDERHORE Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SAN FRANCISCO Posts: 411 Gallery: KINDERHORE Stats: Was 317! 273/265/162 WOE: Whole foods/Low Carb Start Date: 08/05	i lost 85 pounds while working out at Curves and now I've moved on because I need some more variety. you have to work out hard there, though. RUN in place, WORK the machines. I saw a lot of people (with varying abilities, ages etc.) and some in shape enough women who just barely go through the motions. I thought it was great and I started at 317 pounds.