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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 6 of 10, 185 total comments)Trailblazer
I was a Curves member about 6 years ago. I stopped going because the location closed that I was going to. I'm going to start up again, because I really liked the workout. I now have one located in my hometown and it's close to where I live. I'm not sure of the hours, but I'll make sure to check everything out before signing any contracts or having any money taken out of my checking account again. I didn't have any trouble getting them to stop withdrawing the funds from my account. It usually takes a written notification to the center that you worked out at and then it takes a couple of months before it stops. (They should refund the money for those months that you don't use the facility). I hope this helps.
posted Jul 31st, 2008 1:01 pmVal
DEAR HARDWORKER: I think your comment was uncalled for, if you are a Curves rep, you would not be who I would want at my side. Not everyone is going to like Curves, thats just hte way it is in life, but to post such a "bossy" message i think is very unprofessional and i would certainly not want to be at your Curves. The curves i belong too is great and so is the staff and owner. When i go for my workout today, i'm going to bring this up and see what the response is. I can bet its not going to be a positive one.
posted Jul 29th, 2008 8:34 amDee
I have not been too happy with the club, been measured 5 times by different staff members and each time something different. Been quite a few times and no one on the floor. I think it depends on your body type. I get better results from pilates and swimming than weights.
posted Jul 29th, 2008 8:34 amSusan
NOT for tall women. I'm 6 feet tall. The equipment is not adjustable and there were a couple of the machines I couldn't use because the proportion was way off. I tried to make the most of it, but after a few months I hurt my back on one of the machines and haven't been back. Too bad!
posted Jul 28th, 2008 9:11 amb
I recently started going to curves on a 10 visits for $10 and i'm glad i took this option instead of just signing on. Curves hours are made for the housewife, they are only open short hours that have no convenience for the working woman, and it is double the cost of a regular gym. Monday to Thursday 5:30=0 pm, however closed for lunch *very convienent for us) Fridays for the summer months Closed at 7pm Saturdays only open 8am-2pm. Sundays - Closed you pay the high cost and you must come on their terms not a convenient time for yourself. When they close for lunch, they actually ask you to leave and come back in an hour to finish your workout if your not complete????who does this in this day and age????its a work age we now live in, however Curves does not want the hardworking at their gym.
posted Jul 28th, 2008 9:11 ammary norris
curves is great joined month ago lost 2 inches on stomach/thighs 2lbs the instructors at our curves are outstanding
posted Jul 24th, 2008 10:13 amnicole washington
i use to be a member at curves but they had no daycare. Does anybody know if the home workout in the curves book is effective?
posted Jul 22nd, 2008 9:46 pmHard Worker
I work at Curves now and have for the past 3 years. I love my club and would do anything to keep it open and all of my freind happy. I hate it when people talk bad about Curves, sure some aren't as great as others, but SO WHAT? And the contracts vary from lcub to club and location to location, as so the prices. You wouldn't expect a big city to have its members only pay $29 a month, rent is not cheap! I get very frsutrated when poeople come in for a first workout and complain about how it is not "hard enough"! My awsner to them is always, "Well miss, maybe if you moved a little more you would feel something" This is an intense workout if you do it right! I make sure my ladies leave here sweaty, if they dont I yell at them (in the nicest possible way!). If you are not a member yet, DO IT NOW! You will not regret it. And if you hate it, well Curves is not for people who want to go to a gym to look for a date. Our slogan at my Curves is... It is not about the outfit, it is about the workout.
posted Jul 17th, 2008 8:14 amChris
I've been a member of Curves for 3 months and it's fantabulous! It's totally what my bod needs and I'm losing weight like a son of a gun. The best part is no one knows I'm a man. With my high voice and lack of facial hair I blend right in. See you tonight girls!
posted Jul 15th, 2008 10:09 pmJennifer
I joined the curves in Laurel, Md. Jan. 9, 2008 and ytd I have lost 52 pounds and 43.25 inches. Its changed my life!
posted Jul 14th, 2008 11:09 pmTee
I have been a member at Curves for four months. Yes, it can be a social party but I go there to workout so I start on the opposite end so they won't hold me up. You can work up a sweat if you are into the workout. I jog on the squares and I really push myself on the machines. I have not lost weight but I have lost inches (which was my reason for joining). I love the atmosphere and it works! If anyone is interesting in joining they do offer a free week before you join to see if it's for you. That is what I did. At the club I go to they offer it to anyone who comes in before they join. I agree that it depends on the club. Just do your own research and stop listening to other people! Everyone's experience and opinions are different.
posted Jul 11th, 2008 3:26 pmmary
I'm 66 and have been going to Curves 5days a week for 3 months. Have lost 19 inches and 6 lbs-it goes so fast and I thonk it was the smartest thing i've done since I retired
posted Jul 7th, 2008 7:06 pmSarah
Several people has asked whether you work up a sweat, how intensive the workout it, etc. I haven't noticed anyone comment on the machines themselves. You really do get out of it what you put in. The machines all have hydraulic joints, providing a resistance workout. Ever move your hand back and forth through water, in your sink or in the pool? The slower you go, the less resistance you feel. The faster you move your hand, the more the water seems to push back. These machines work the same way, since with each rep you are forcing water back and forth inside the pistons. If you want to just go in to Curves to feel a little more active, you can go relatively slowly on the machines and keep it low-impact. But if you really do want to take it seriously, just step up your pace. The machines will fight back, meaning not only will you get more reps but each one will pack a stronger punch on your muscles! Also, as to those who complain about "low-intensity" women's conversation distracting them, if you are thinking of joining Curves or otherwise starting to exercise more on your own, please ignore those comments! During any physical activity, you should be able to maintain a conversation. If you are too winded to talk, that means that you have kicked up your heart rate past healthy levels and you are straining to a point that will likely do more damage than good. As your muscles and body become more toned and accustomed to strenuous activities, you will find that you can step up your exercise without becoming winded. But especially as you first get started, keeping your heart rate and breathing within reasonable limits ensures that you are burning energy (and fat) correctly and safely.
posted Jul 3rd, 2008 7:36 amAngela
Hi my name is Angela, i am a recent employee of Curves. I agree with your story, but there is more to the eye behind the scenes at curves. Many Curves places treat their employees like , i was one of them.Our boss was more into making money, charging everyone for stuff, than about their health. You are right it is very social, but there is coaching going on. I come from an athletic background, unlike most workers. You are right the circuit is for many women ofver 37 in my mind. Not like a US Rugby All star like me. Curves is not the place to be i think. Curves doesnt really do nothing unless you are a little older.
posted Jul 2nd, 2008 2:21 pmAngie
I just joined Curves last week and I absolutely love it. I love that you change machines every few mins and the 3o min workout goes by so fast. I can really feel it working. I am shy and dont talk much, just listen so it doesnt matter to be if anyone is being clique-ish. I am there to work out and lose weight and its working. I can see my self sticking with this. I also like the fact that you put your name in a jar everytime you work out 3 times a week (and again if you work out 5 days), then they draw names and you win things. I dont know if all locations do this, but its a fun idea.
posted Jun 24th, 2008 10:10 amDenise
Unbelievable........how could you possibly never work up a sweat?! Obviously you're not trying very hard! You get out of it what you put in to it. One good way to keep your heart rate up is to increase your jogging in place between stations. I'm not overweight or out of shape and I can work up a sweat, get my heart rate up and keep it up - I make that choice. I think Curves is awesome. The women only idea is great...no oggling men and the whole atmosphere is very supportive, whether you are there to lose weight, tone up, or both. Maybe the real issue is your negative attitude.
posted Jun 23rd, 2008 4:55 pmbosslady
I cannot believe the negative comments! I've worked out at Curves for 5 years and have lost 40 pounds(in the first year) and have maintained 20% body fat since then. Curves are indepentently owned, so it does vary from franchise to franchise, find one that suits you. Has anyone tried the advanced workout? It still kicks my butt every other day. The harder you workout, the stronger you get-you can NEVER out grow the Curves workout. I suggest you ask the owner about the coaches level of training. At my club two of the three employees are college accredited for fitness and diet classes. It's the best place for a 30 minute workout for your enitre body.
posted Jun 21st, 2008 7:55 amanonymous
I quickly skimmed a lot of the comments, but I did not see anything about Curves Smart, their new program. I would agree with many of the women above that you get what you put into it, and many women don't seem to put that much into it. But I also agree that even THAT much put into it is great for many women, and I hate to see their efforts disparaged! That aside, to those who say it's not a real work out--go back and try again, this time with the Curves Smart system. The resistance is NOT the same for every women, it is based on your total strength. Working out at only 65% of that (and that's not the highest program) is way harder than jogging a few miles for me, and certainly harder than what I did at Curves before. I love to hike and bike and speed walk, but this is by far more challenging than any of that, unless we're talking about a hike with a steep-ish 2000+ foot altitude gain... For people in top shape, or body builders--um, no, you will probably not be challenged. But for physically fit women who want a quick and decent cardio and strength training workout--try it again.
posted Jun 12th, 2008 9:25 amnoni
I've been working out at Curves four years this month. I joined at the age of 57, disgusted with my weight and lack of fitness. my first 8 months I lost 20 lbs and 21 inches without doing anything but going 3 x a week. I actually wanted to go! staff at the 1st Curves I joined were pretty well trained and were required to be out on the floor with the clients. the Curves I'm with now is different, not well staffed but I am determined to keep my muscles and my bones. at 61, I am still very active and have lost another 17 lbs this spring. All Curves are independently owned. I feel healthier now than I did 15 years ago. You can make it work for you or not. Won't recommend it for a young girl who isn't really overweight. There are so many who are and don't want to work out in front of guys. I have never stuck with anything before curves.
posted Jun 10th, 2008 8:58 amnoha
i have a question...im 20 years old, and im very thin, actually a few punds underweight, so i'm not interested in losing weight, i just want to get reaaallly toned up..as in have great abs and sculpted legs and arms...i just want to really get in shape..will joining curves do that? or do i need a regular gym with weights and all?..wen i went to visit, i noticed most women there were older and more interested in losing weight... please help me on this! thanx :)
posted Jun 5th, 2008 7:00 pm