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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 5 of 10, 185 total comments)Mrs.D.
+I joined about six weeks ago. I'm 49 and have done no regular exercise for decades. I have fibromyalgia and early rheumatoid arthritis. I am about 20 lbs over weight.
posted Jan 29th, 2009 9:30 pmI joined to get my self out of the house and moving my muscles. Also joined so I would not stay home and be depressed. Cold weather and grey winter skies get me down.
Curves has helped me get through this time in my life where I would rather not leave home! An old friend who I had not seen in several years found me online on LinkedIn. We had lunch, she invited me to try Curves for a week for free - she is the owner. I think she is an angel in disguise. Oh yes, I have lost 5 lbs! and my body doesn't ache nearly as much. My spirits are up and I just feel better all over. If nothing else, join for the friendship and fellowship. There are wonderful women at the location where I go.
Angela
Curves could be great for weight loss but at our local Curves there is no way to get a good workout. It was mostly older women who seemed to be more interested in talking than working out.
posted Jan 19th, 2009 9:39 amga
+I joined curves a month ago after trying it out for two weeks free. I love it! I go three days a week. The staff is very friendly and answer any questions that you have. We have the smart machines at the curves that I joined. I really like to see the results after the workout. The calories that I burned where I may need to work a little harder, I like to push myself to see if I can do better with each workout. When i'm finished working out I can really feel it. The music at the curves I go to is great!! I have no complaints at all. I can tell the difference in my cloths already. That's the best part of all. I don't really need to lose much weight maybe 10 pounds, I want to be more toned. I tell all my friends and family about curves and how much I enjoy my workouts there.
posted Jan 11th, 2009 1:07 pmkaydee1435
+curves worked for me, i lost 75 pounds and went from a size 24 to a size 14!!
posted Jan 6th, 2009 9:44 pmthe machines are what you make of them, the harder you push yourself the more muscle your going to gain and the cardio mats are great for jumping jacks or leg lifts or boxing kicks and punches, add leg weights if your needing more out of your workout, or your getting Bored with it.
i do agree that the music needs to be updated, but that can be fixed as easy as requesting new curve cds.
one day i just couldnt get into my work out so i walked out. I was MAD and made it well known, when i came back in, i talked to the owner, i explained that the music just wasnt doing it for me, she ordered new CD's that week.
Be open and honest with your curves, tell them your ideas for making your circuit time fun.
i would say if you can do the standard gyms then do them, but if your new to the working out world then curves ranges from a super light workout for the newbies, to a full body sweat.
i do wish they was open all day cus lately since my pregnancy 5 months ago, all my free time falls right around the time of day when they're closed!!!
kaydee1435
+Curves is great.
posted Jan 6th, 2009 9:20 pmLesley
+I had been going to curves all through college, when I was my slimmest. I, also, walked several miles a day. I stopped going to curves & went to a regular gym & I did not notice a difference. Currently, I re-joined curves & I run an inline a few days a week in addition to curves. I think the best option is to do curves & cardio on the side. I do think curves works. This is coming from someone who has used their workout & not in a matter of 6 years.
posted Jan 4th, 2009 11:11 amLynn
+I bought the Curves Book some time ago and it's been extremely helpful and effective. Over a period of 6 months I lost 45 pounds, many inches, and gained tone and energy. The book has an interesting and motivating section on nutrition and the Curves rational, a good home exercise regimen that you can even travel with (only thing you need to buy is a resistance band), and diet plans complete with menus and grocery lists. I planned to start with the book and if I liked it join Curves - but the book was all I needed. Highly recommend - just remember it takes two; the book won't do your exercise and lose your weight for you!
posted Nov 18th, 2008 5:27 pmGillian
+I have been going to Curves for about 18 months and have lost 10 lbs and many inches. I was not noticebly overweight, but have been told by SO many people that I have lost weight and trimmed down and look GREAT!! These are people who did not know I wanted to lose any weight or that I was doing exercise. I walk on the days that I don't go to Curves, and I am careful what I eat, but I don't really diet.
posted Nov 10th, 2008 6:32 amMore importantly, I feel fitter and suffer from less headaches. I know this would happen with any regular exercise, but as I virtually did no exercise until I was 42, a program that keeps me committed is very important.
It is fun to go, the music is great and I REALLY sweat. Anyone who doesn't is not putting in the necessary effort. The machines work on resistance, so you can spend 30 secs on machine, just moving with it, or you can work!
Sue
+I love Curves! I joined this month and love the workout. I too just listen to others talk. Everyone is friendly and asks if I'm OK or need any help. Nothing comes easy so if you want something out of it you need to put some extra effort into it. All I know is this: I work up a sweat and love it! It's the only workout I have stuck to.
posted Oct 23rd, 2008 1:33 pmAnonymous
I wasn't impressed with the center near me, the machines were never moved to prevent boredom in the circuit and the employees save 2 left alot to be desired. Not watching senior patrons closely and two women were almost injured. Not good. The program is fun but the music gets stale.
posted Sep 25th, 2008 9:06 amMel
How can I get out of my 1 year contract. My club is VERY boring and never anyone there...and the MUSIC is best suited for an elevator!!
posted Sep 5th, 2008 8:26 pmbp
I have been a member of Curves since 2001. It is the only program I have stuck too and gone back to after injuries. I lost 5 lbs the first month with exercise alone. I lost a total of 42 lbs. and the only time I can 5-10lbs back is when I slack off and don't go. It can be what you want it to be.Anyone who says Curves does not make you sweat or gives you a good workout has not put their all into it. I exercised at all times ofthe day and every group I met was friendly. Our club in AZ even does girls night out as many people in AZ have moved from out of state. We now have the Smart computer program and it really makes you work and my heart rate is at 75-80% for my workouts.I LOVE CURVES !!
posted Sep 2nd, 2008 8:37 amAnonymous
Don't waste your money. The routine becomes very boring and barely makes you break a sweat. If you truly want to loose weight - learn to eat right. As for exersize see a real fitness trainer not a wannabee. Buyer beware!
posted Aug 28th, 2008 11:08 pmDoesn't work
two of my friends joined Curves. They go three x's a week, follow the diet and have each lost about 10 pounds in 3 months, but you can't SEE any weight loss. They still look as huge as they did when they joined. One actually, looks BIGGER! Curves, workout is not a workout that shows any results. Every woman that I know who went to curves, still looks obese. What a waste of money!
posted Aug 27th, 2008 10:09 pmJulie
I am very obese. I joined 4 months ago and I haven't lost much weight, but I FEEL GREAT. Now if I could just stick to a diet, I might lose some weight. I think Curves is saving my life and I love it!
posted Aug 21st, 2008 4:14 pmbeth:fresno
I joined curves about 4 years ago, I love it, the staff is great, helpful and the owner is a delight to be around. It can be social but you can choose not to engage in the socializing that goes on around you, it's your time to exerise if you don't want to talk don't no one is making you talk, again I love it I lost total of 50 lbs/inches in the 4 years.
posted Aug 17th, 2008 9:42 amrachel
i have seen reference to an "up to" $50 fee to cancel a membership. is this true? i was told that there was no way out of my contract at all, that i simply had to continue paying even if i would not be going to the club.
posted Aug 14th, 2008 10:04 amdebby
I am currently thinking about joining Curves, so I am doing my "homework" before joining... Reading the above comments has pushed me toward the commitment. I used to be an exercise 'junkie,' working with weights. Then I went into exercise 'retirement!' I am knowledgable in using machines, and can read! At the Curves that I visited, they had directions (that looked like they came from the machine manufacturer) at each machine. In response to 'Debating in NOLA:' I am pro-life and find it refreshing to read that the founders of Curves are openly so, as well. The last I heard, we in America are still free to support the causes we believe in. However, I do not support physical violence or verbal abuse to those who do not believe as I do. A friendly conversation will do!
posted Aug 10th, 2008 8:07 pmPam
I tried Curves before, it does seem to work. However, I didn't join a club. I bought the Curves book for around $13.00 @ BJ's. Maybe some of you can try to gain benefit from the program without having to leave your homes. I did it & I saw results.
posted Aug 4th, 2008 5:33 pmLisa
You only have to sign up for a 1-year committment. It's $39/month. If, for some reason, you want them to stop taking money out of your account, go to your bank and have them put a stop payment on it. Then they can't take the money out. I have been fat most of my life, I felt horrible and unhealthy but I'm losing inches and fat and you know what--my family is going to die of shock and that alone is worth it.
posted Aug 4th, 2008 9:51 am