So I've been meaning to lose weight and gain more muscle for some time now. I've already made a MyFitnessPal account several months ago, I've tried eating fruits every two hours, the works. It seems that I could only really commit for a few days before I give up and hunger pangs rear their ugly head. Then recently I was introduced to Curves. How effective is the Curves fitness program workout? Before I can dish out my opinion on the matter (re a decent Curves circuit training review), let's establish a few things here first.
Curves Eastwood
Curves is considered a total body workout because it works every major muscle group and elevates heart rate for a full 30 minutes! I've heard people say that it's ideal to elevate the heart rate for an hour during exercise, so 30 minutes may be too low a duration to make any significant impact to the body.
But Curves features the use of equipment that uses hydraulic engineering, which promises to make any (initially sedentary) woman work their personal best, and even burn up to 500 calories per session. 500 calories is like equivalent to three sugar glazed donuts!
The Curves heart rate chart
Since Curves does not have mirrors at the workout area, it's easier for women to gain self-confidence and really focus on the hydraulic machines. Indeed, it's a very comfortable, nonthreatening place. The best exercise is the one that you will consistently do, and the Curves concept of 30-minute circuit training sessions three times a week is definitely something even a woman with an extremely busy schedule will be able to squeeze in. (Mind you, you might experience light headedness the first time you try their workout, so it might be best that you don't overwork your body the first time.)
For someone riddled with anxiety, Curves' more intimate women-only environment good way to jump-start my fitness plan. I can start with a bit of Curves workout, starting with just three workouts a week (this week) and then increasing frequency over the next weeks. Eventually, it might look like I can go for more challenging activities to further maintain muscle and cardio health, but for now I'm good with Curves. And the hydraulic machines don't cause too much muscle pain. (Alaxan worked for me in that department.)