A few days ago by Running BRF’s and I were invited into the local Curves studio to check out their circuit workout. Admittedly, I had no idea that Curves was still a thing. We are always up for trying something new, so off we set to check it out. Embracing our Curves.
Embracing Our Curves
Our local Curves (in Falls Church, VA) was recently remodeled with all new equipment and new energy. After a quick briefing on how the Curves workout is designed, we were ready to go. Curves is really one of the original HIIT workouts. Traditionally, a 30 circuit training workout with a mix of cardio and strength training.
Participants move through the guided 30 minute workout by following the audio prompts every 30 seconds. We were prompted to move between stations, which alternated between cardio and strength training exercises. The goal is to keep moving throughout the 30 minute workout thus keeping your heart rate up and continuing to burn calories.
Pros of the Curves workout:
-At 30 minutes for a full body strength training and cardio workout, this is an efficient and quick for those looking to get in and out.
-Curves provides a combination of cardio and strength exercises for a total body workout.
-Good for women who are new to strength training.
-A female only program which is more comfortable and less threatening for many women.
-Members can go at their own schedule and work into the circuit set without having to be bound by a schedule for classes.
-There is a certified personal trainer on staff at all times that can give you feedback during your workout without an extra charge.
-The machines are hydraulic powered so you do not have to worry about knowing where to set your weights for each exercise.
-You have access to a great stretching machine that offers a 5 minute stretching routine.
Cons of the Curves workout:
-There is not much variety in the workout. Although you hit every major lower and upper body muscle group, you are bound by the machines they have in the circuit. After a few months this could be repetitive.
-The machines are hydraulic powered so you are not able to adjust the amount of weights.
Overall thoughts
Curves offers a great opportunity for those looking to get into strength training and would appreciate having a guided and supervised workout. I know many women are intimidated by “the weight room” and Curves offers a non threatening environment. If you are one of my local readers, I have guest passes so please reach out. Find your local studio here.
Ever tried Curves or a similar circuit training workout?
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MCM Mama runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice
There is (was?) a Curves near my house growing up and I honestly never knew what it was. Seems like a great place for someone wanting to get into a fitness routine in a female only and welcoming environment.
Yes definitely welcoming for newbies
I didn’t know Curves was still a thing either. I always thought it was great for beginners who might feel intimidated by a “real” gym setting, though unless someone moves on from that machine circuit they are going to limit the benefits that they derive from exercise.
Yes I agree, it is great for those that are new to strength training and appreciate an all female non threatening environment.
I didn’t know Curves was still a thing either! It does sound fun to try though and definitely different from my typical workouts.
Yes definitely different from my traditional workout as well. Sometimes that’s a good thing!
Pretty interesting. I would totally do it if it were offered near me. 30 minutes is doable.
Though it may get boring and not being able to adjust the weights? Do you just increase the reps?
30 min is totally doable and I think that is their message. In theory, you would be able to increase the reps as you progressed yes
I’ve never tried a Curves gym before, but I can see how it would really good for people looking for a guided workout in a “no intimidation” zone.
yes exactly!
That sounds like a great option for newbies or anyone just looking to squeeze in a quick workout.
Yes I think so
I’ll be honest, I also had no idea Curves was still a great thing! But great for them for giving women an option to begin strength training in a non-intimidating environment! Looks like you ladies had a great time!
We did have a great time it’s always fun to try something new
looks like fun! I’ve seen a few curves gyms but never been in one
They are a great low key option
I’ve never tried Curves but I have a friend that enjoys going.
Looks like you all had a fun time.
We did have a fun time. You should tag along with your friend sometime and check it out
I also didn’t know Curves was still a thing! I’m not really a fan of most gym machines personally, but I do think they are helpful when you’re new to working out.
They definitely can be!
This sounds like a great option for people who are looking for a simple weight workout. Nice to have a women only option!
It is nice to have that option
Ill be honest, I did not know curves still around and I thought it was for old ladies. LOL great review
We were joking that we might now be the “old ladies” LOL
I remember hearing of Curves studios years ago, I didn’t know they were still around. They do seem to offer a lot of guidance and support for new weight-lifting peeps. I remember how intimidating weights were for me when I was new to the scene LOL
Yes it sure can be intimidating to walk into a big gym weight room
I’ve never tried Curves. Sounds like it would be fun to check out!
We had a fun time-it’s always nice to try something new
Nice recap of Curves, I was always curious about those gyms. I have never tried it!
check it out if you have the chance. It’s always fun to try new workouts
I think Curves is great for a lot of women – there’s one in the southern end of Alexandria that I know about — but I’ve never been.
It is always fun to try new workouts. It offers a great, chill environment
Looks like a fun time! Always nice exploring new workouts!
Yes always is!
Love this review! I’ve never been to a Curves so it was nice to hear more about it!
Thanks! It was new to me as well and fun to check out
I’m all about the 30 minute workouts this summer. Curves is a great option for so many that are just beginning their fitness journey.
Yes sure is
Wow, I didn’t know Curves facilities still exist! Your review matches what my impression would be – great for someone starting to strength training and being intimidated by traditional gyms. As always, it looks like you and your crew had fun!
Yes we sure did!
I’ve never tried curves. I really like variety, so I think that I would grow bored with it quickly. But I do see how it could be great for someone who is just getting into exercising, especially if they’re body conscious.
Yes exactly or someone looking for more guidance from a trainer
I didn’t realize the Curves was still a thing. We had them here years ago but they went out of business.
We still have quite a few around here!
You know, after all of these years, I’ve never been inside a Curves! Now that HIIT is more popular, I wonder if they’re seeing an increase in participants. A lot of people really want to try HIIT and circuit training now!
It was my first time as well. It was fun to see what they had going on
I’ve never tried Curves, but it’s nice that they focus on a non-threatening environment. Some gyms can be a little overwhelming.
Gyms can definitely be overwhelming and scary when you are first starting out
I have never tried Curves, but I had heard a lot of great things about it! I struggle with getting in strength, so this might be perfect for me!!
You sure do already have a lot of activity going on!
It’s good to try new workouts. That’s one of my wife’s FAVORITE thing to do. She’s gone to every gym and workout style in the area and now that she’s a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, she’s totally badass because she’s seen everything!
I love that approach!
I used to work at a small gym that was for women that was basically just like Curves! I did enjoy doing that workout sometimes, but I def needed more variety in my life overall. I think it is a great place for people to start getting into strength training.
Definitely a great place to start!
It’s great that Curves is still around. A great option for a quick 30 minute workout. Also sounds like a fun workout to do with friends! Looks like you all had a good time. It’s more enjoyable when you have friends to workout with right?!
Yes everything is more fun with friends especially exercise