About the Curves Weight Loss Program

Curves is a popular program in the United States that deals with weight loss and fitness. It is a program that's main goal is to focus on fitness but it also focuses on emotional support, health counseling, nutrition as well as friendship. The program is for women only and does not allow men.  There are centers in the United States as well as internationally.

Philosophy

Curves has a philosophy that is somewhat unique compared to other fitness programs. Their philosophy promotes positive energy, motivation and self-esteem. Body image is a common factor that is addressed during sessions at curves. Rather than talking about people who want to be thin, Curves advises women to be happy in the body they are in as long as they are healthy. They believe that women can be healthy as well is happy without having the perfects body. They also believe that all shapes and sizes of women are beautiful.

Method

The Diabetes Self Management states that Curves begins with an initial assessment. This assessment measures your body and determines the percentage of body fat. The measurements are taken on a monthly basis to track progress. The workouts consist of several strength machines that are set out in a circle. Women can choose to start at whatever machine they wish. There is music that is playing during the workouts and the women change stations every 30 seconds.

Exercises

The exercises are divided into strength as well as cardiovascular. Those two are then broken down further into exercises that target various body parts. The exercises involving cardiovascular do not have machines but instead are usually exercises that are done such as jogging in place. All of the exercises are made to have you at 60 to 80% of your maximum heart rate during the exercises.

Effectiveness

There was a study done at Curves by the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism that tracked the progress of 161 overweight women. The women were separated into groups. One group had no exercise and no diet to follow where as the other group was enrolled in a Curves exercise routine but did not follow a particular diet. There were also several groups that were divided in which the Curves exercise routine was combined with a healthy diet. The groups that followed the Curves exercise routine greatly increased muscle fitness. The group who lost the most weight was the group that participated in Curves as well as followed the healthy diet.

Cost

The Curves fitness routine normally has a fee of $149, which is sometimes waived during certain times of the year. Monthly fees for using Curves on an unlimited basis, is normally between $29 and $59. Prices will vary depending on the time of the year, the location as well as individual management.