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Please note that any comments expressed in these forum posts do not reflect the opinions of Medical News Today in any way at all. Opinions posted in this forum do not constitute medical
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Curves: Cure or Curse?
posted by Elizabeth Prosody on 31 Mar 2005 at 5:47 am
The largest growing franchise began as a good concept -- but a few too many franchises are problematic: not professional certified fitness experts and they believe that LOUD POUNDING BASE motivates!
They come into Main Street USA as health fitness centers and operate as disco gyms. Being in the wrong structural buildings, many have caused noise pollution to the neighboring family-operated businesses. Some neighbors have closed, some have moved, some have been harassed and many are in lawsuits with landlords.
One sufferer of the "torture chamber" commented on a business which opens "on a shoe string" and yet has "no consideration of soundproofing."
One sufferer coined Curves -- THE THUMPING
Noise Pollution Clearinghouse has admitted that there have been increased complaints of noise from gym users and gym neighbors and comment that noise pollution is littering in another's yard -- "Good Neighbors Keep their Noise to Themselves."
IDEA has warned that loud music is detrimental to health.
Health is proper fitness -- not pounding loud music.
I enjoyed your article and it is about time real medical news and health issues are being addressed as these fast-food gyms in the wrong hands is a health hazard to the patrons of the gym as well as the innocent neighbors.
Read the news article that this opinion was posted about:
ACE First To Evaluate Curves for Women(reg) - World's Most Popular Fitness Franchise
Think Twice Before Joining Curves
posted by Anon on 15 Nov 2006 at 8:12 am
Just quit Curves, and I wouldn't advise anyone to become a member of Curves.
I had told them that one of their machines needed repair, and like a big dummy I continued to use the machine. It ended up that one night I was struck with terrific pain that ran from my groin to my knee inside my right thigh while I was sitting in my reclining chair. The pain continued all night, and sleeping was impossible. The odd thing about this pain is that it would leave after I had been up for an hour or so in the morning, and return again at night when I was at rest. My first thought was that it was a blood clot, but a brachial/ankle blood pressure test proved that my circulation was good. This happened on Friday night, and on Monday my husband made an appointment for me with our doctor. By the time I saw the doctor on Monday my pain was gone, but it came back again that night. The doctor said he thought that I had damaged a muscle, or muscles, probably the three adductor muscles.
At any rate, after about two weeks of this night pain it left me. I had been going to Curves for almost two years, even though I am in pretty good physical shape, and not over weight. Going to Curves was getting to be old hat for me, plus I was afraid to try using the machines again after suffering that severe pain. I decided to call it "quits" with Curves, and when I went in to tell them this I received quite a shock.
I told them what had happened to me, and that I had been to see my doctor twice, plus I reminded them that I had told them that this machine needed repair. They told me that they required written notice of quitting, and since this notice had to be 30 days in advance of quitting, I was required to pay for the next 30 days even though this was the 14th day of the month.
I remember that when I signed up that there would be an additional charge if I should quit before the year's end, but I didn't remember the 30 day written notice. Also, I don't remember them giving me a copy of the contract with them.
It seems to me that the Curves that I have been going to has been going down hill during the last six months to a year. Just about every time I went in to exercise there was a different lady working there, plus the one machine in particular didn't work as it should. I thought that under the circumstances that the extra 30 day charge was a bit much, but I deserve this for not insisting that they give me a copy of the contract in the very beginning. When you do dumb things you have to pay for them.
I consider myself to be very lucky that I didn't experience any thing worse.
Curves Just Want My Money
posted by Maria Gonzalez on 15 Nov 2006 at 8:55 am
I had a similar experience. I have left Curves and will remember them as money-grabbing merchants who could not care less about my health.
My conclusion - if you want to get tied up with super clever legal money grabbers, join them. If you want to get fit and deal with reasonable people, go elsewhere.
Curves No More For Me
posted by Karine Tudor on 15 Nov 2006 at 8:58 am
Curves are very good at taking your money, telling you that you have to give lots of notice when you want to leave (they have lots of small print which they wave at you proudly) - but crap at looking after you and their equipment.
They used to be good. Now, they are just dreadful, money-grabbing sharks.
Curves Versus Other Gyms
posted by Sonya Berkin on 15 Nov 2006 at 9:01 am
For me, the difference between Curves and other gyms is:
Curves thinks they are doing you a favour by allowing you to join. When you want to leave, they become very nasty.
Other gyms tend to be more reasonable.
I was a member of two gyms, curves and another one. Eventually, I left curves, after paying for several unused weeks.
I will never set foot in a Curves gym again, even if they paid me. I think they should be completely overhauled, all management sacked - and start all over again. They are arrogant, forgetful, impolite, inconsistent (except in collecting your cash) and inept.
I Have Never Felt Better!!
posted by Emily McConnell on 22 Jan 2007 at 9:51 am
I have just started going to Curves in the last couple weeks. I have never felt better! As a 28 year old weighing 330 lbs I was scared of feeling embarased if I could not complete the workout and when being weighed and measured.
They were so understanding and nice to me! I feel very encouraged and like they are rooting for me to suceed! The workout is not to hard and I feel great.
I already have an easier time going up and down stairs in my house, and I have way more energy to play with my kids! I think that joining Curves was one of the best steps I have taken to getting healthy!!!
Some Good Some Bad
posted by Shirley Roach on 31 Jan 2007 at 4:59 pm
I had heard how wonderful curves was so was very disappointed when it was not so. The staff was ill trained and each had thier own way of doing the exercises. The staff members often talked among themselves and paid no attention to what we were doing or if we needed help. This is the worse experience I have had and I have had gym membership and spa memberships.
Shocked
posted by Anon on 03 Feb 2007 at 1:46 am
I am shocked and stunned at some of the article s above as a curves staff member I give 100% to all of my customers. I love my job and have never had any complaints about my performance - quite the opposite. Many of my customers have long reached their goals and are still attending and new members join everyday for me to help.
Please dont paint us all with the same brush as all staff are seperate individuals.
Yours in fitness and health
Money Grabbing Sharks Is Right!
posted by Curved Out My Bank Account on 16 Feb 2007 at 7:32 am
I was misled to believe my "membership" would expire in a year. If I have to give 30 days notice to cancel I will spend those 30 days at Curves warning other women to beware.
I Was Told
posted by MrsBike on 10 Mar 2007 at 6:22 pm
I just joined and I was told that my membership would not automatically cancel in a year, I had to give notice that I wanted to cancel when the year was up or any time afterward.
I Just Got A Job At Curves And They Suck!! I'm Freakin'quiting
posted by gym_girly on 23 Mar 2007 at 7:43 pm
I applied at curves because the work hours were great. I thought to myself this would be a perfect place to work at while my son is in school... anyways, i am a personal trainer so I DO have knowledge in fitness and exercise kinesiology. Well, it's true Curves just wants your money... my advice don't join. Your best bet is to join your local YMCA!
Nah, Don't Think So
posted by Linda on 28 Mar 2007 at 12:23 pm
Just dropped into a local Curves. I was expecting something a little more professional looking. The air was too warm to be working out in, the music too loud and the beat too fast. The "colour cutouts" taped to the book shelves, and other furnishings, gave the look of a "day care" I didn't see any staff person checking on the clients to ensure proper use of equippement and body mechanics to safe guard against injury. I think I'll be joining elsewhere.
Dubious In Alabama
posted by Doubting Thomasina on 29 Mar 2007 at 11:42 am
I joined Curves two months ago and I checked this board because I wondered if it does people good long-term. What I wonder most about is the claim of half an hour three times a week being enough to transform you. I enjoy the routine but it seems awfully low-intensity. First I extended it by going around the room an additional circuit; then I added one more. This extends the 30 minutes to about 45 or 50 and I work up a nice sweat this way.
Probably the thing that makes me doubt the program the most is the management. These are two women who are both considerably overweight, and you never see them exercise or in fact do any work. Rather, they follow you around from station to station and tell you what they had for breakfast or what they watch on television! They seem just paralytically bored, and you have to wonder why they don't do the routine themselves -- or at least leave you to it.
But I'm sticking to it so far. Out here, it's the only show in town.
A 60-day Notice
posted by KateTN on 10 May 2007 at 8:33 am
I was a member for over 2 years but I had a few months of non-attendance. in that time, I experienced different trainers, most only interested in talking, gossip, etc. In the beginning, no one instructed me on the use of the key card swipe and how that will keep track of your visits (to win prizes, etc.) I was told to put it on my keychain when I asked what it was for. Dumb me thought it was an advertisement! There was no explanation of how to win all the prizes posted on the walls and when I tried to collect the 'bucks' for attendance I was told I should have alerted the front desk person; I assumed the card swipe was proof I was there.
Another complaint was the hours - when I joined I was told they were going to extend the evening hours - which would help working women. That never happened. One in a nearby town stays open till 8 p.m. but that's 30 miles away.
Then when I decided I had enough 'workouts' and not much to show for it, I went in on the 25th of the month and gave them a typed written notice. The girl fumbled with an email to someone at 'corporate' and came back to tell me that I hadn't notified them soon enough and because of that I would have to pay an additional month. I had a copy of my contract and followed the instructions on quitting to the letter but they came back with 'we have to get this in the computer in a timely fashion and you didn't provide enough notice.' So that was two more months taken out of my checking account, which they never had trouble accessing in a 'timely fashion.'
I was interested in Curves because it was a woman-only fitness center but I felt invisible and not important enough to bother with, especially when I asked questions about equipment, routines, etc.
Curves Are The Same In Oz
posted by anon on 23 May 2007 at 10:24 pm
I joined curves a couple months ago, then I received a letter from them that they were sorry, but were closing down due to circumstances beyond their control. In the letter we were told that we could transfer to another franchise (but I didn't want to) and that all the month's direct debits were cancelled, so I joined another gym. Then they ring me up the following week to say that they're not closing down anymore. But I didn't want to go back, so I was asked to send in "required" 30 days notice to cancel. I just checked my credit card statement and they still took out this month's fee, despite it being cancelled as stated in the letter.
Money grabbing? Yup, I think so. I'm expecting another debit of $10 times the 2 months of membership to be pulled out as well..... which will probably be 3 months by the time it gets processed......
Plus, the workouts suck.. I'm sure I plateaued after a couple weeks.... I was told I had to go faster on the machines.. if I went any faster, I'd probably keel over..... and I'm not overweight or unfit...
Too Bad For Other Experiences
posted by Katie on 27 Mar 2008 at 2:44 pm
It is too bad that so many people had bad experiences with Curves. The Curves I go to in Rapid City, SD is excellent. All the staff members are genuinely nice and really seem to care about each person that goes there. There is always someone out in the circuit giving advice or just making pleasant small talk to make everyone feel welcome. I do not see them as money grubbers and I don't think it is unheard of for them to ask for 30 day written notice. You sign a contract with them and I think it is only polite that you give them 30 days notice before you end it.
Beware!!!! Of Curves
posted by Anon on 30 Mar 2008 at 10:05 am
I provided a medical note to Curves in May 2007 for very extensive leg surgery. There was no problem. I tried to go back October 2007 but my leg still hurt and I was to have surgery again in March 2008. I told them I would let them know when I was fit to go back. I said probably Summer 08.
Yes, I can provide medical documents for them. They started to take out payments again in Jan 08 without my knowledge. When I confronted them about this in March 08 after my next surgery they said it was within their right to take the money out, medically fit to return or not. They will not refund the money. I have now quit and am battling with them to get the rest of my money back. That is not the way to run a business. I am so angry with them. It is very hard to exercise and use their facility when you have a cane and crutches.
How Much Does It Cost
posted by PAT on 14 Apr 2008 at 10:52 pm
I cannot find out how much it costs to join curves, without going there. are there specials? can I pay monthly, quarterly, can I buy someone else's membership from them? please, I need info.
Cost To Join Curves
posted by Geri on 05 July 2008 at 9:43 pm
Enjoy curves and for $76.00 , sign-up fee, and $44.88 a month .paid for by the year..So less than $500.00 exercising for 6 days a week is great. I get my music fix and feel good getting the exercise. thanks
The New Workout
posted by Bonnie Serra on 04 Aug 2008 at 3:44 pm
A few months ago my curves showed each individual a video for a new curves system. Our site was one that was chosen to be in on the first wave. For a $25.00 one time fee, they give you a little swipe card that goes into each machine every time you use it. It is set according to the first time you used it when the new system was introduced. The slogan is "Go for the green", which means you must stay in the green zone on their computer, for each workout.
The machine supposedly knows what resistance to set that machine to. I wonder if their is any science to this method or is this too a hoax to get more money. My upper arms and shoulders have been hurting me with this new system for months now. I don't want to suffer nerve damage only to find out it was from exercising. Is any one else having this problem?
I Don't Understand
posted by Sharon on 05 Oct 2008 at 4:01 pm
I am sorry some folks have not had as good of an experience as I have had at my local Curves. I love it there! The staff is friendly and checks on you to make sure you are using the machines properly. I really like the pace and the variation of movements, plus the ability to modify my workout at will. I personally have recommended Curves to lots of my friends and coworkers.
Transfer To Another
posted by mizzqt57 on 16 Feb 2009 at 5:36 am
I want to join curves and was wondering if your membership was transferable. I am going to be moving to another state in the summer and wanted to know if I could transfer my membership. I already know that you can visit other curves.
Curves
posted by Lewis on 27 July 2009 at 8:32 am
I joined Curves a year ago and I'm now quitting. I was gaining more weight at Curves and am now an extra 8 pounds heavier.
It wasn't doing me any good. However, I heard it worked for some! No, not for me though
Curves Not Really For Fitness
posted by Josephine on 06 Aug 2009 at 1:41 pm
I was a member of Curves for one year and used the CurvesSmart personal trainer. First, I plateaued after 3 months on the muscle size and strength program. The owner would not let me go to endurance because she said I wasn't training for anything. I went five days a week and really saw no improvement. After my one year (I had paid in advance so didn't have to give 30 days notice), I hired a personal trainer at a regular gym. What a difference.
The machines at Curves cannot change resistance, even with CurvesSmart. Plus, I have since found at that the computer programs are not accurate and the calories you expended are wrong. It would tell me I had blown 500-600 calories each time, but I never saw any improvement on my body. One hour, 4 days a week with a trainer has given me more in one month than I ever got at Curves. It's really important to work with professionals who understand exercise and the body (and keep in mind that not all personal trainers do). Curves trainers are not real trainers--that's why the majority of them are not in shape. They are trained to work at Curves, not in how to really help you achieve weight loss and fitness. So, if you've never exercised before, it's a good start. But, it's a start only. You get a much better bang for your buck at your local YMCA!!!
Easy Money...For Them
posted by Kathryn on 30 Nov 2009 at 11:14 am
I completely agree with some of the other comments here. My friend and I joined a year ago, thinking it was a great way to catch up and lose weight at the same time. The advertised 30 minutes a day three times a week workouts seemed a really reasonable time.
We went faithfully for about three and a half months. The staff, while pleasant enough, mostly ignored us in an almost empty gym and when they did walk around, stared ominously at us and said nothing. I was never sure if I was doing a machine improperly or not.
I have not been for about four months and, unfortunately, I am still paying for it. I have written a letter letting them know of my intent to cancel. However, I find it interesting that in all that time I received one phone call from a girl I didn't know (employees seemed to change every couple weeks..) and a little note in the mail saying they 'missed me.' How cute.
Wonderful Curves
posted by LesleyO'Connell-Maritz on 30 May 2010 at 2:07 am
One of my daughters joined Curves in Nov.2009, and when Curves Smart began she moved over. She gave me a Curves Smart membership for Christmas. A week after I started I slipped in all the rain we have been having and tore my meniscus. I was devastated but unable to use 4 machines for legs I persevered and did 3 X 8 machines. Had I not done so I would have been in a sorry state.
Eventually 2 and a half months later I gradually began using the other 4 forbidden machines and finally the day dawned when I decided to GO CURVES SMART. From the word go people have observed that I am losing weight. I have a long way to go but my wardrobe in which I have stached skinny clothes is on my side. Last week one of the trainers noted that I am looking thinner. Raising 7 children had a tendency to place mother's needs in the background but I am determined to make this work. Sure there are staff problems but our owner has solved these and we have a happy CURVES which moved to new premises on Saturday. I am looking forward to another 5 visits to CURVES this week. AND CURVES has been so kind as to accommodate my 21 autistic daughter, who is now working on 2 machines to start with and is our mascot for the 2010 soccer in her CURVES united 30 min.top which her sister has given her, dressed in yellow top edged with green, green track-suit pants, yellow three-qarter top underneath, green socks and genuine yellow crocks, two yellow clips and long dark brown plaits.
PLEASE don't knock CURVES...when there are problems try to support. It is run by human beings with human problems just like yours e.g. try dealing with landlords. Often problems have to do with our own attitudes. Remember, if there is a will there is a way. Also WE all have to learn not "to pig out", and then look for a scapegoat. I remain Curves Happy... Lesley.
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