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Home 
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How Does
Curves Compare?
QUICK FACTS
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BACKGROUND
PRO
CON
DIET and NUTRITION
EXERCISE
CONCLUSION
Common Misspellings
Whats better than
Curves?
Diets
Calorie Counting
Curves Complete Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
A women-only fitness center offering 30-minute total body circuit workouts.
Top Rated Diets of 2024What is it?
Curves Complete is a women’s weight loss plan offering nutrition, fitness, and motivational support. Exercise regimens, personal consultations and support, and specific foods are recommended while on this system.
It’s claimed that those who use Curves Complete lose on average 3 inches and 10 pounds with around 13 weeks of use. There’s also 6 customizable meal plans with varying amounts of foods offered. Our review experts look at many kinds of weight loss diets. They’ve concluded the most effective overall is the 18Shake Diet. It’s made up of a fat burning diet pill and an appetite suppressing meal replacement shake. Customers have rated it highly for its effective weight loss effects. Discover more about the benefits of the 18Shake Diet by following this link.
Do You Know the Best Diets of 2024?
Curves Complete Ingredients and Side Effects
All the foods offered are in recipe form, and it’s unknown what kinds of specific ingredients are allowed. There are 6 different eating plans however such as:
• Wordily Chef: Provides the company’s granola bars, tacos, chicken with tomatoes, edamame, eggs, and more.
• Health Nut: Cantaloupe with yogurt, quinoa salad, special granola bars and salmon.
• Love it All: Pastrami sandwiches, pork chop, mixed salad, egg English muffin, and granola bars.
• Queen of My Kitchen: Roast beef sandwiches, dark chocolate bar, quiche, and more.
• On the Go: Steak with greens, almonds, granola bar, whole wheat English muffin, and mixed salad.
• Dietary Restricted: Special Greek yogurt parfait, roasted veggies, tuna salad, and omelet.
Only pictures are provided to explain what kinds of foods are allowed on each of these selections. No official descriptions as to the specific ingredients used are listed anywhere.
There’s also 3 different phases offered:
• Phase 1: How to select portions is taught and calories are limited to 1,400 a day.
• Phase 2: Calories are increased by 1,500 a day, and this phase is dedicated to helping burn off fat instead of muscle. There are more recipes, foods from restaurants, and desserts allowed in this phase. This is continued until one reaches their targeted weight.
• Phase 3: Once the desired weight is reached, the same principles are applied without the need for dedicated calorie and food restrictions. There is an allowance of 2,000 calories per day, and a new lifestyle is allowed.
Exercise also plays a major rule, as 30 minute circuits are recommended at specific Curves fitness areas It’s recommended to go this center 4 times a week, and to alternate between cardiovascular workouts and strength training.
Click on the link provided for a list of the highest rated weight loss diets.
There is also the option of stretching and Zumba courses. 10,000 steps are also recommended each day. One targeted weight loss goals are reached, it’s recommended to maintain circuit training 3 to 4 times a week to maintain weight.
Going to Curves facility is advised and these exist all over the US. There’s currently over 10,000 locations across the globe, and 1,035 centers across the US.
This is essentially a fitness, diet, and motivational support plan for weight loss. One has to cook foods from the allowed recipes, though it’s impossible to judge the overall quality without first seeing the kinds of ingredients used.
A potential issue is due to the low amount of calories which might not be enough for all people. This can make it difficult to uphold without hunger pains. The link here has a list of the top rated weight loss diets.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.
Curves Complete Quality of Ingredients
It’s unknown what kinds of ingredients are called for in the recipes offered. The foods do look appetizing, but it’s unknown if only whole foods and natural ingredients are emphasized.
There’s also a low amount of calories offered, and this may not be enough to satisfy demands. Reducing calories is essential to weight loss, but there’s a heavy demand for exercise and its unknown if the meals provide enough protein to satisfy appetite.
When adding strenuous exercise as this plan requires, it can increase hunger and make it harder to suppress appetite. This can require then require more calories, which can make it difficult to stick to such a low calorie offering. Much more information is needed to ensure one will be able to live up to these diets demands. The list of the top ranked weight loss diets is featured in the link here.
The Price and Quality of Curves Complete
No official prices are offered on the website. There is a claim that going to the gym is as low as $3.25 per session, but its unknown what the total cost is for the recipes and the entire Curves Complete plan.
One price estimate says the rest of the plan is about $5 a week, and there is also start up fees for the gym as well as having to cook your own foods.
This plan is comprehensive as it combines exercise and dieting, but this requires a lot of time and dedication.
Business of Curves Complete
The official Curves International company can be reached at:
Phone Number: (877) 673-3144
Address: 5770 Fleet St
Carlsbad, California 92008
Email: [email protected]
The company has had lawsuits against them up to $20 million. There are also 5 closed complaints on their Better Business Bureau website. For a list of the best weight loss diets, click on the link here.
EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.
Customer Opinions of Curves Complete
Provided below are some online reviews from users:
“They will continue to bill you even after you die”
“Tried to email and call the customer service staff to cancel but they would not handle a credit dispute”
“Had to cancel and when I checked they sent me a very rude and disrespectful answer”
“at the gym they offer no helpful support”
People described it as a simple low calorie plan that requires exercise. This is a very common approach to weight loss.
Some had serious issues with the customer service staff, and there were also complaints about the contracts requires. People who read it mentioned how it makes it hard to escape being automatically charged each month.
There were also users who added how the recipes offered are basic. The link cited has a comprehensive list of the highest rated weight loss diets.
Conclusion - Does Curves Complete Work?
It’s likely that one will lose weight while greatly reducing calories and exercising. There were issues from users who added how they felt it was difficult to escape the contracts, and that there is very little support on how to properly exercise. Some also had issues with the amount of effort needed for weight loss. There is no information on the kinds of ingredients needed for the recipes, and this makes it impossible to determine the overall value.
Our review experts have rated many kinds of weight loss diets. In their research they found that the 18Shake Diet is the most effective for weight loss. This offers an appetite suppressing meal replacement shake and a fat burning diet pill.
Both are made with pure natural ingredients free of preservatives, colors, binders, fillers, or any artificial ingredients. It’s also manufactured in a certified GMP approved facility that’s approved by the FDA. To find out more about the 18Shake Diet, click on the link provided here.
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Wikipedia
Curves International, also known as Curves for Women, Curves Fitness, or just Curves, is an international fitness franchise co-founded by Gary and Diane Heavin in 1995. Curves currently has 10,000 locations worldwide and an estimated 4 million plus members (as of October 2006). It is a privately held company by its co-founders, with corporate offices located in Waco, Texas. Curves fitness and weight loss facilities are designed specifically for and focused on women, although in some states, men are allowed to join.
QUICK FACTS
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- Established: 1992
- Founder: Gary and Diane Heavin
- Headquarters: Waco, Texas
- Accessibility: Fitness facilities and gyms
- Diet Type: 30 minute workout circuit training
- Gender: Female
- Celebrity Endorsements: Jillian Michaels
Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?
BACKGROUND
Women have hectic schedules, balancing work and family, without time to schedule a workout. Curves, a nationwide fitness network for women only, solves a busy girl’s problems.
Curves offers 30-minute workouts three times a week and approaches diet and fitness practically for the modern-day woman with a full schedule. Each gym employs trained professionals (although, these aren't necessarily certified personal trainers or exercise physiologists) to teach women how to use equipment and how to perform exercises. Plus, Curves fitness facilities are just for women so any discomfort they might feel in a co-ed gym is instantly relieved.
Curves expanded its diet and fitness options in 2012 with Curves Complete, a total weight loss solution for busy women combining fitness, meal plans, and coaching. Curves Complete provides a wealth of resources, community support and diet and fitness experts – now including famed trainer for Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels.
Starting January 2014, Curves launched Curves Workouts with Jillian Michaels. According to Mike Raymond, the Chief Marketing Officer for Curves, the Curves Workouts with Jillian Michaels will add Michaels’ renowned methods for training and coaching to Curves’ traditional circuit workout. Each month, Michaels will update the workouts by introducing new moves.
Participating Curves centers offer 2 memberships: Curves Fitness and Curves Complete.
Curves Fitness memberships include access to Curves Specialty Circuit Classes and Curves Workouts with Jillian Michaels. This membership focuses only on fitness and workouts.
Curves Complete memberships offer access to all fitness classes of the Curves Fitness membership, plus customizable meal plans and weekly one-on-one support from a Curves Complete Coach. Each Curves Complete Coach has completed a certification program developed in conjunction with Cleveland Clinic.
PRO
- World’s largest chain of fitness centers for women, with thousands of locations across North America
- Workouts are short and manageable
- Female-only gym for a comfortable, supportive atmosphere
- Employs trained professionals for instruction and motivation
- Celebrity diet and fitness spokesperson Jillian Michaels creates new workouts
- Nutrition and diet plans offer low-calorie and low-carb options
- Includes online diet and fitness resources
- Additional in-person and online resources are available
CON
- Nutrition and diet plans cut certain foods, specifically high-carb grains
- Website does not detail nutrition and diet plan before membership
- Franchised facilities might not provide the same quality of experience at each one
- Males are not allowed to join Curves
DIET and NUTRITION
Curves provides online diet and nutrition plans with the gym membership. A self-assessment determines which of the two diet plans a woman follows. One plan calls for a low-calorie diet, and the other plan calls for a high-protein, low-carb diet. Both plans call for six small meals throughout the day.
The low-calorie diet simply requires women to cut their daily intake to 1,400 calories per day in the first phase. After the first two weeks, intake is increase to up to 1,600 calories. The low-calorie diet plan could be considered too little for more active women wanting to increase muscle mass and metabolism. For women wanting to lose weight, the low-calorie diet plan would be effective, but the sustainability of a low-calorie diet is questionable.
The high-protein, low-carb diet plan limits carbohydrate intake to less than 20 grams per day during the first two week. After that, intake is increased to 40 grams per day. The plan encourages women to avoid pasta, rice, bread and potatoes, among other high-carb foods, which could be ineffective for more active woman, especially runners.
A typical day on the Curves’ high-protein, low-carb plan looks like:
- Breakfast: Blueberries on low-carb cereal
- Snack: Protein shake
- Lunch: Salad made with dark greens, cooked chicken, avocado and vinaigrette dressing
- Snack: Celery stalks with peanut butter
- Dinner: Grilled lean steak, green beans, mushrooms and peppers
- Snack: Whole almonds
In addition, the Curves six-meal diet plans might be ineffective for the women the fitness network wants to target: busy working women with hectic schedules. Women balancing work and family might not be able to eat six times a day or even have time to prepare six meals a day.
EXERCISE
Curves built its fitness network on the Curves Circuit, a five-part program completed in 30 minutes. Women warm up, complete aerobic exercises and strength training, and then cool down and complete stretching exercises. At Curves gyms, women can jump in to a circuit at any point and go until they’ve completed the full workout.
Women alternate between strength training machines and cardiovascular exercises. Machines focus on strengthening major muscle groups. Between each machine, women recover by walking, jogging or running in place to maintain heart rate throughout the circuit.
In order to complete the Curves circuit, women must be at a Curves gym. The machine-only approach might be effective for women just learning to exercise but also might not be strenuous enough for women who are more knowledgeable about weight training and for women who need different types of lifts offered by free weight and body weight exercises.
The January 2014 launch of Curves Workouts with Jillian Michaels adds Michaels’ cutting-edge style to the traditional Curves circuit workout. New exercises, tools and programs will be added monthly and throughout 2014 as the integration between the two famed weight loss coaches continues.
Participating Curves feature CurvesSmart, a digital coaching system that helps keep members motivated by providing instant feedback, suggestions and progress reports detailing stats like muscles worked and calories burned.
In 2015, Curves introduced 3 new classes: The Introductory class, which is appropriate for all levels, and works to gradually build strength, conditioning and endurance in the whole body, and The Level One class, which is offers a more advanced total body workout, and the Level Two class, which offers a high-intensity interval workout to burn major calories.
Curves also introduced their Specialty Circuit Classes, designed to meet the needs of women in their 40’s, 50’s, and beyond, focusing on balance, flexibility, and strength.
These classes include:
BODY BALANCE- a low-intensity, Coach-led class alternating time on the Curves Circuit strength machines with intervals emphasizing core strength and stability. ARMS-CORE-LEGS- targeted bodyweight moves designed to tone and strengthen the arms, core and legs. STRETCH & STRENGTH- stretch and strengthen the same muscle groups back to back
CONCLUSION
Women looking for an easy way to fit a fast workout into their busy schedules can find a 30-minute option at the nearest Curves gym. The comfort of a female-only setting adds to the knowledge of the trained fitness professionals on staff – all of whom were trained to team the Curves Workouts with Jillian Michaels. The addition of online nutrition and diet plans, Curves Complete and CurvesSmart ID make the Curves fitness network a total weight loss solution for busy women. However, for women looking for more adaptable total weight loss plans, specifically in diet and in types of exercises, Curves and its products and services might not be a viable solution.
Common Misspellings
Curve, Curves deit program, curves for women, curves.com, curves jillian michaels
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User Feedback
(Page 1 of 10, 185 total comments)Donna
I have been going to Curves for over 3 years and I love it. I am 74 years old and don't want to go to a regular gym. I I have lost 70 pounds and am now keeping it off. I started on Curves Complete for 6 months then switched to Curves Smart. I followed their recommendations on diet and learned how to eat healthy foods and how to use the machines correctly for full benefit, which most of the women don't do. I JOG in place on the pads between machines to increase my heart rate and work up a light sweat. Then I always do all the stretching exercises afterwards. A lot of the women are more interested in visiting with each other. Curves works if you do it correctly and are serious about it!
posted Jun 29th, 2017 3:33 pmDonna
I have been going to Curves for over 3 years and I love it. I am 74 years old and don't want to go to a regular gym. I I have lost 70 pounds and am now keeping it off. I started on Curves Complete for 6 months then switched to Curves Smart. I followed their recommendations on diet and learned how to eat healthy foods and how to use the machines correctly for full benefit, which most of the women don't do. I JOG in place on the pads between machines to increase my heart rate and work up a light sweat. Then I always do all the stretching exercises afterwards. A lot of the women are more interested in visiting with each other. Curves works if you do it correctly and are serious about it!
posted Jun 29th, 2017 3:31 pmcheryl smiley
No program is perfect! But as long as you go and continue with the Curves Program it works. It keep you motivated...it is not just a diet - it is a workout and it also educates you regarding nutrition and workout.
posted Jun 8th, 2017 12:19 pmDiane Rehklau
Curves recently closed in December of 2016😞.in our town of Bryan ohio.all of us and i speak for every member have been very devastated by the closing of curves.. I can say for my self that I have gained weight and my body is in pain and I don't have the strength I once had being a member at curves the machines were great for my body unlike the weight machines at other gyms which are hard on your joints with the arthritis I have curves has curved not only my body but my body of pain.. I have spoken to many of the women who were curves members and they have all said how much they miss curves and if it reopend they would be members again right away myself included.. please I'm hoping our prayers would be answered and curves could reopen in Bryan ohio again...
posted Mar 19th, 2017 7:42 pmpatti
?is it possible to get a copy of Curves Flexibility Chart - I had one from 1/15/07 and have misplaced it :( girls would not let me leave session untill I stretched my muscles and I have practiced it after all workouts ever since
Sandi
+I have been a member of Curves since 2012, and I cannot say enough how much this program has helped me. I am down over 20 lbs. now. I have increased my strength, toned my muscles, and decreased my stress level. I have met so many wonderful new friends through Curves. I know this program works! I have a previously broken back so I usually do the Jillian Michaels modifications they provide. I highly recommend Curves!!!
posted Aug 14th, 2015 3:05 pmCarole Wing
-The replacement of jogging boards with yoga mats has resulted in injury to my knees. Contemplating leaving Curves for another gym. Right now, I am not getting the cardio I once did due to the slippery yoga mats. To get a 30 minute workout, I do more reps and move slowly from machines when circuit is not too busy, spending less time moving on the mats (due to knee pain). Too bad Curves has changed in mid-stream.
posted Jun 4th, 2015 5:47 pmCarolyn
?Is there a dvd available of the 30 minute exercise class? That would be great to have when I am at my lake ho Is there a dvd available of the 30 minute exercise class? That would be great to have when I am at my lake house and there is no Curves.
posted Jun 1st, 2015 5:18 pmDawnMarie
+I am a new Curves member, and I absolutely love it! I am only 23, but very out of shape and overweight and I go specifically at the times my Curves center plays Jillian Michaels. It is a nice addition to the machines. My center only plays it at certain times of the day, so those who don't like it can go at a different time.
posted May 5th, 2015 3:25 pmShelly
+Absolutely LOVE the Curves Circuit. I enjoy doing the Jillian Michaels sessions along with the traditional circuit and even the Arms-Core-Legs classes can push those muscles. Jillian isn't for the social Curves goer, but for those that are wanting to get in shape and want to push themselves. I'm burning almost 500 calories doing the combined circuit and love every minute of it!
posted Apr 21st, 2015 7:25 pmPam
I don't understand why the author listed eliminating high carb grains as a con. This should be a given in any healthy eating plan. The author should do some research regarding grains.
posted Jan 15th, 2015 2:54 pmJoann
Been member for almost 2 months and love this gym. They don't have Zumba or Jillian because too expensive. But would really like to see weekend hours here. Why not offer a DVD of Jullian to Curves members at reasonable price to do at home if they want?
posted Jul 6th, 2014 3:40 pmCarol
HATE the new machines @Curves! They work fine if you are 5 feet tall. Sheesh. Really HATE Jillian Michaels screaming from a monitor. Sorry they got rid of 2 machines I liked. Zumba all the time. I am quitting because EVERYthing has changed. For the worse!
posted Jun 4th, 2014 12:07 amSusan Swisher
?Why can't Jullian Michaels videos be shown continuously? I love the exercise videos, Today I was told that they could only play them on tues, and thurs. from 10:30 to 11:30. This was information from regional office since all three owners are never present there is no one to ask why. What gives? I've been doing them for two months any day I wish. I'm a ten year member and will turn 75 in june, .
Noreen
-Been a member for 10 years and really dislike the new changes. Jillian Micaels is obnoxious and the DVD is loud and disruptive in a one room gym. They just did away with the recovery pads and replaced them with cheap 1/2 inch yoga type mats. Really unsafe to even march in place on these mats which offer no give or cushion on a concrete floor covered with a cheap carpet. And they slide all over the place. And some of the JM exercises are on the floor (yuck, dirty carpet) and so inappropriate for the majority of members. The employees are minimum wage workers who have a couple of hours of instruction and are unqualified to guide members especially when it comes to form. I will be canceling my membership and just doubling up on my yoga classes where safety is a priority and the instructors have completed 500 hours of training.
posted Apr 4th, 2014 7:28 amCarole
As a faithful member of CURVES for over 10 years, I am down 80 lbs and have toned up. The staff is wonderful and the members are supportive and friendly. At 74, I was able to do the first Jillian session but the second started to do a number on my back. As, with most of the Senior members, the third is way out of my league. Personally, I prefer to do my Pilates at home. Anyhow, many members want to stick to the first session but the staff is unable to do this as the rules come down from Corp. Hdqs. Trying to do the circuit around the three or four who are able to do the Jillian workout is impossible. And the loud demands by Jillian are offensive. I do have to add that, for those who have stuck to the program, the staff is very attentive to making sure they do it right.
posted Mar 27th, 2014 8:04 pmAnnie
I am new to curves since January 1,2014. I like the circuit and have lost 3 inches on my hops and thighs. But I went to workout today and they took the hip abductor machine off the circuit , I am so angry cause now I fell my workout is so incomplete. The instructor told me that I could do Julian, but I don't like her. I want the machine back! I am not sure what to do now.
posted Mar 18th, 2014 8:40 pmbethanne
+I've been doing Curves for almost a year now and love it. Within 2 months I dropped inches, and then decided to add the menu plan for 3 months and now down 25 lbs. I am back in my high school sizes! I do love the Jillian workouts though they kick my butt. Staff is good and I really enjoy my 30 minutes!
posted Mar 1st, 2014 9:35 pmdeanne
-cant stand this woman !!! think I will join somewhere else. dont need the yelling out just a workout. she is sooooo offensive
posted Feb 19th, 2014 5:08 amCathy
+I have been a curves member for over 7 years ( am 60 years old). It is a great workout. I am stronger and have fewer back problems than before. The new Jillian Michaels program is tough but members are encouraged to do as much as they can and try to improve each time. Result are seen after 6 weeks of Jillian. I am getting used to the new computer tracking program - not confident in using it yet. Used Curves Complete for a year with the results I wanted. Very happy with Curves!
posted Feb 17th, 2014 8:05 pm