Is Curves Worth it? (Review + Pros & Cons Explained) - Trusty Spotter (2024)

Since 1992, Curves gyms have been providing a fitness space exclusively for female members.

They provide a supportive all-inclusive environment for women of all shapes and sizes.

However, while Curves is well-known for giving women a safe and supportive place to workout — is it actually any good? Does it get results?

And most importantly, is Curves gym worth it?

Is Curves Worth it? (Review + Pros & Cons Explained) - Trusty Spotter (1)

Curves is a great option for women who are total beginners to fitness and need a safe space to get their bearings. The workouts are easy to follow and the instructors are top notch. You’ll likely see good weight loss and basic fitness results your first few months with Curves.

However, many women outgrow Curves quickly and find they need more challenging workouts, custom routines, or more freedom to use other equipment. If that’s the case, you’ll want to look into a good mid-range gym with amenities like childcare, free weights, and more.

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of Curves.

What is Curves?

Curves International is a women’s fitness gym franchise that has been operating since 1992.

It is variously known as Curves Fitness, Curves for Women and simply Curves.

They have around 400 franchises around the world, making Curves the largest women’s fitness franchise in the entire world.

However, Curves is not a regular big box gym with equipment that you use on your own.

The Curves model is built around circuit training workouts.

Women move through a series of stations, alternating between a hydraulic machine resistance exercise and a cardio or calisthenics exercise designed to burn off calories.

Sessions are led by an instructor and last for 30 minutes, during which time the women do exercises for all major muscle groups in the body.

Curves instructors also provide weight loss and dietary guidance for women.

They even sell a range of nutritional supplements, including protein shakes and omega-3 fatty acid capsules.

Curves International has its headquarters in Waco, Texas.

How much does Curves cost?

Curves franchises may vary slightly in their fees.

A basic monthly membership at most centers is around $69 to $99 per month depending on location.

There is also a joining fee of $149.95.

Your membership gets you unlimited access to classes throughout the month, one-on-one sessions with a coach, use of the app, and more.

Every gym will run periodic special offers so it will pay to check your country’s website and find your nearest location to see what specials are coming up.

Depending on the location, you may also be offered a 7-day complimentary pass.

Curves also offers a free 7-day on demand free trial, where you can try their workouts online.

Curves gyms have a minimum 6-month contract.

When you sign up for 12 months, you can use your pass at any Curves location.

This pricing makes Curves a bit more expensive than the average gym membership, which is somewhere around $30-50 per month with a smaller start-up fee.

However, you get a lot more bang for your buck at Curves than at most other gyms.

Curves Equipment, Features & Amenities

Curves follow a fitness model which is based on a circuit program.

On this program you alternate between a resistance exercise and a cardio move as you work your way around the circuit.

Each station lasts for 30 seconds and you should be able to work through the circuit about one and a half times in a 30 minute workout session.

Equipment

Most of the equipment used in Curves gyms is machine based.

The specific machines that are available will vary between locations. However, the following stations are standard in all facilities:

  • Leg Press
  • Chest Press
  • Lat Pulldown
  • Leg Extension
  • Leg Curl
  • Tricep Pressdown
  • Bicep Curl
  • Shoulder Press
  • Hip Abductor

These machines use hydraulic resistance.

This feels very different from the resistance you get when using free weights or plate loaded machines.

With hydraulics you are not working against gravity. Instead, your resistance is in the form of fluid and a piston.

There is no negative resistance, so you do not benefit from eccentric training.

With the circuit system, there is little opportunity to progressively increase your resistance between workouts.

You also cannot benefit from the traditional set and rep system to work muscle groups.

As a result, the resistance part of the workout is designed more to complement fat loss than muscle gain.

Group Fitness Classes

Curves gyms offer an extensive range of fitness classes.

These include Body Basics, Cardio, Zumba, Boxing, and Balance classes.

They cover all fitness and intensity levels. Boxing classes combine cardio, strength and coordination and balance training using traditional boxing moves.

Pool/Sauna

Curves gyms do not provide pool or sauna facilities for their members.

Childcare

There are no childcare facilities on offer at Curves.

This is a bit of a disappointment as you’d think that childcare would be a no brainer, especially for moms during the day.

Other Amenities

The only amenities on offer at Curves are changing rooms and bathrooms.

There are no showers at Curves fitness centers.

This is quite a rarity in the gym business and not very good in terms of member friendliness.

If you’re planning to go to work after your workout, you’re going to have to go home first to have a shower and freshen up!

What real people are saying (reviews, pros & cons)

There are hundreds of customer reviews on Curves gyms online.

As you’d expect they include many people who are very enthusiastic about Curves as well as those who hate the gym.

Because Curves is a franchise business, the level of customer service that they offer can fluctuate.

A large percentage of reviewers, however, were pleased with the level of attention they received from the instructors and desk staff.

Here are the key common features that stood out in the many reviews that I checked over …

Pros

  • Attentive instructors
  • Easy to follow workout system
  • Good results in terms of weight loss

It is great to see a gym that generally gets good grades for instructor engagement.

Lack of engagement from instructors is one of my pet peeves as I’ve been in too many gyms where the instructors spend their time on their phones while everyone around them is butchering their exercise form.

That’s not the case at Curves.

Of course, there are also a number of negative comments about Curves online.

Here are the key points that were mentioned …

Cons

  • Not enough workout variety
  • Unhygienic
  • No workout progression

Curves uses a cookie cutter workout plan.

Everyone does the same workout, moving from one exercise to the next every 30 seconds.

That does not allow for differentiation or for increasing the resistance as you get fitter and stronger.

The speed of movement from one exercise to the next also does not allow time to clean equipment between users, which is an essential requirement these days.

The general consensus of the reviews is thatCurves is set up well for women who are new to exercise and intent on losing weight.

More serious female weightliftersand athletes, however, will be disappointed with the workout system offered at Curves.

Alternatives to Curves

There has been a rise of women only gyms in the United States over the last decade.

The most popular alternatives to Curves are:

There are few women’s only gyms and fitness studios available nationally, however, so you’ll have to check your local area and take a few tours to find the best options.

If you’re not a total beginner and you’re ready to join a gym and work out on your own, but you still want a safe and comfortable environment, check out the YMCA.

The Y is known as a family-friendly joint with great childcare and friendly members — you won’t have to deal with too many annoying gym bros here.

Wrapping Up

Curves Fitness is the largest women only fitness franchise in the world.

However, it’s not like your typical gym.

Rather than allowing free rein to work out at your own leisure, they provide controlled circuit sessions under the watchful guidance of an instructor.

These are ideal for ladies who need a lot of structure and are trying to lose weight — especially total beginners who need help getting started.

If you’re looking to take the next step in your fitness journey (or you need childcare and other amenities), Curves probably won’t be worth it for you.

For more options, check out:

  • Is LA Fitness worth it?
  • Is Life Time worth it?
  • Is Burn Boot Camp worth it?
  • Is EOS Fitness worth it?
  • Is Fernwood Fitness worth it?

Hope this helps!

Is Curves Worth it? (Review + Pros & Cons Explained) - Trusty Spotter (2024)

FAQs

Is Curves a good program? ›

Curves is a great option for women who are total beginners to fitness and need a safe space to get their bearings. The workouts are easy to follow and the instructors are top notch. You'll likely see good weight loss and basic fitness results your first few months with Curves.

Is Curves effective for weight loss? ›

However, just a small amount of fat loss can make a big difference in how you look and feel. Participants of the Curves Nutrition Program lost a total of 4.7% of overall body fat – over 60% more than those on the popular diet program.

How often should I go to Curves? ›

The World Health Organization recommends 150 minutes of exercise per week. To achieve this, working out at Curves would be three to four 30-minute sessions, plus one or two 30-minute at-home workouts with MyCurves On Demand.

How many calories do you burn in a Curves workout? ›

The typical workout burned off about as many calories as in half a Krispy Kreme. The study monitored 15 healthy women aged 25 to 56 through two Curves workouts. It concluded that each circuit training session burned an average of 184 calories. The most calories burned by a study participant was 233, the low 150.

How long has Curves been in business? ›

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 1992. As of May 31, 2019, Curves lists 367 franchise locations open in the United States on their Facebook page.

Can you cancel Curves membership? ›

If you're on the free or Curve X subscription tier, you'll be able to cancel your account directly from the Curve app. To do this, head over to the "Account" tab and select "Settings" and scroll down the the "Cancel account" option - Clicking this will allow you to instantly cancel your account.

What weight loss program has the best results? ›

Healthline's picks of the best weight loss programs
  • Mediterranean diet.
  • Plant-based diet.
  • WW (formerly Weight Watchers)
  • Noom.
  • PlateJoy.
  • Mayo Clinic diet.
  • Low carb diet.
  • Anti-inflammatory diet.

How long do you stay on each machine at curves? ›

depending on how you are feeling during the work out. one lap around the floor using each machine takes fifteen minutes, and it is recommended to do the routine twice making it a 30 minute strength training workout. so far, i am really excited about joining Curves.

Is curves cardio or strength training? ›

Curves incorporates both upper body and lower body strength training exercises, cardio moves, and stretching, allowing you to work every major muscle group. The workout uses hydraulic resistance gym equipment specially designed for women and can be used by a variety of fitness levels.

How can I make my curves more noticeable? ›

6 Easy Ways to Accentuate Your Curves Without Cinching Your Waist
  1. Shop your own closet and head to the tailor. ...
  2. Use colorblocking to create the illusion of a curvier shape. ...
  3. Choose lower necklines. ...
  4. Wear an A-line skirt when you want to tuck in your top. ...
  5. Wear more peplums. ...
  6. Try off-the shoulder tops.
26 Feb 2014

How do I stop losing my curves? ›

And Jordan's Top 5 Tips for Maintaining Your Curves:
  1. WEIGHT TRAINING!
  2. Don't cut out carbs. Make sure you have a good intake of complex carbs.
  3. HIIT (high intensity interval training) instead of cardio.
  4. Low (5-8 reps per set) and slow repetitions.
  5. Do all of your cardio on an incline (Stairmaster, bike, or treadmill).
5 Nov 2013

How do I get the perfect curves diet? ›

Consider reducing your daily calorie intake.

If you have weight loss goals, a combination of diet and exercise is the best way to shed fat and get more flattering curves. Try reducing your calorie intake by around 500 to 700 calories a day to lose roughly 1-2 lbs. a week.

Why do Curve treadmills burn more calories? ›

A curved treadmill burns calories faster

Thanks to this higher intensity, curved treadmills are perfect for High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). You'll increase your heart rate faster and keep it up, increasing your need for oxygen and helping torch more calories than regular aerobic exercise.

Do people in better shape burn less calories? ›

People who are the most physically active seem to become more efficient at using energy, and so burn fewer calories when not exercising than the rest of us.

Do in shape people burn more calories? ›

“From your lungs to your muscles to your heart to your brain, your body becomes more efficient as you become more fit.” That's why a newbie might burn significantly more calories than someone who's been doing the same workout for years — and it's why changing your workout routine can increase your fitness level and ...

Why did curves go out of business? ›

Courtesy of Curves International Inc. Franchisees and industry experts point to a failure to keep up with changing trends—including more flexible hours for busy working women—cheaper competition and the tough economy as major reasons for Curves' decline.

Who is the owner of Curves? ›

Gary Heavin (born 1955) is an American businessman from Texas. He is the founder of the fitness chain Curves International.

How many curves are left in the United States? ›

It has 173 open locations in the United States. That number grows to 248 when Canada, Australia and New Zealand are added. This year, the company opened three new locations with a fourth to open soon.

How much does it cost to start a Curves gym? ›

Curves Franchise Costs & Fees
Name of FeeLowHigh
Initial Franchise Fee$50,000$50,000
Application Fee$500$500
Travel and Living Expenses While Training$1,500$4,500
Real Estate and ImprovementsVaries
22 more rows

How much did Curves sell for? ›

For A Grand Total Of $6.4 Million.

Which is approximately what Gary Heavin, the founder and CEO of Curves For Women, was getting. FYI: Curves For Women was created for women, offering a complete fitness and nutrition solution. The famous Curves 30 minute workout started it all.

Do Curves gyms have showers? ›

Like many fitness centers, Curves offers shower facilities for its members.

What is the healthiest breakfast to eat? ›

The 12 Best Foods to Eat in the Morning
  1. Eggs. Eggs make a simple, nutritious breakfast choice. ...
  2. Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a great option if you're looking for a quick breakfast. ...
  3. Coffee. Aside from water, coffee is the world's most popular beverage. ...
  4. Oatmeal. ...
  5. Chia seeds. ...
  6. Berries. ...
  7. Cottage cheese. ...
  8. Whole wheat toast.

Which fruit is good for weight loss? ›

They include peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, and apricots. Stone fruits are low-GI, low-calorie, and rich in nutrients like vitamins C and A — which make them great for people trying to lose weight (2).

What is the easiest weight loss program to follow? ›

The Mediterranean diet is a low-carb, moderately high-fat diet that emphasizes vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, olive oil and fish, according to Dr. Landry. Why is it easy? The wide array of acceptable foods on this diet make it easy to adapt to personal needs and incorporate a variety of different foods.

Does Pilates get rid of curves? ›

"Pilates lengthens and tones in all the right places," says Martin. "This toning will lift and accentuate your natural curves without developing bulky muscle mass. With more muscle mass, you will naturally burn more calories."

What is the Curves Complete program? ›

The Curves Complete Meal Plan encourages eating lean proteins, healthy fats, fibre, and good carbohydrates. It is unique in that it works hand in hand with the Curves combined Cardio and Strength Training Workout, helping to increase metabolism and burn fat.

How do I tone my curves? ›

The moves
  1. Banded side step. Great for a warmup, the banded side step will get your hips and glutes ready to go. ...
  2. Step up with reverse lunge. Step ups will not only give your booty a nice lift, they're a practical exercise, too. ...
  3. Dumbbell lunges. ...
  4. Superman. ...
  5. Med ball side lunge. ...
  6. Donkey kick. ...
  7. Single-leg deadlift. ...
  8. Bridge.
2 Aug 2019

Does cardio get rid of curves? ›

When women begin a new exercise routine, they may lose some of those curves due to fat loss. Proper cardiovascular training, as well as a good strength-training routine can enhance the muscles in your curviest body parts, allowing you to keep the figure you embrace and still remain healthy.

What kind of machines does curves have? ›

The Curves exercise circuit consists of hydraulic resistance machines, and women move from one to the next with aerobic exercise in between, such as jogging in place or using a mini trampoline.

What is the difference between straight training and cardio? ›

Cardio burns more calories during your workout and burns fat faster, so it's ideal for weight loss. Strength training helps you build muscle and burn more calories all day (even while on the couch).

Should you speed up on curves? ›

Reduce your speed before approaching a curve. Watch out for road signs warning of approaching curves so that you have ample time to slow down before steering through the curve. It is advisable to drive below the posted speed limit as you approach and drive through curves. Turn as little as possible.

What exercises lift your buttocks? ›

20 exercises that shape the glutes from every angle
  • Glute bridges. ...
  • Hip thrusts. ...
  • Frog pumps. ...
  • Leg kickbacks (quadruped hip extension) ...
  • Standing kickbacks. ...
  • Lateral band walk. ...
  • Clamshells. ...
  • Fire hydrants.
17 May 2021

What's the best exercise to lose weight on your hips and stomach? ›

Wall sits. Wall sits, also known as wall squats, are great for working your thighs, hips, and lower abs. They can be a great move to build core strength, test your muscle endurance, and lose weight. Stand up straight with your back pressed against a wall and your legs a few inches away from the wall.

Can you just lose belly fat? ›

In a nutshell, spot-targeting fat isn't very effective—in most cases. But if you're trying to lose fat around your stomach, a mix of resistance training and high-intensity aerobic exercise, along with a healthy diet, may help reduce your belly fat.

How do you keep your hips from shrinking your waist? ›

How to Lose Belly Fat & Keep My Hips
  1. Reduce your caloric intake slightly to promote weight loss in your stomach. ...
  2. Consume snacks between your meals. ...
  3. Sprint your way to a leaner stomach. ...
  4. Perform weight-training exercises that target your hips, such as squats, lunges, leg presses and hip abduction.

Is the curves workout good? ›

Curves is a great option for women who are total beginners to fitness and need a safe space to get their bearings. The workouts are easy to follow and the instructors are top notch. You'll likely see good weight loss and basic fitness results your first few months with Curves.

Can you grow your hips wider? ›

The bottom line. There's no natural way to change the bone structure you were born with, but by training thoughtfully and following a balanced diet, you do have the ability to reshape your midsection and hips to showcase an hourglass shape.

Is curved treadmill good for walking? ›

THE BOTTOM LINE. Curved treadmills can be a great way to burn more calories, work on your form and build strength in your legs, glutes and core. Try incorporating them into your routine as a way to keep walking fresh.

Is it harder to run on a curved treadmill? ›

A study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport shows that runners work about 30 percent harder on the curved, non-motorized running surface of a curved treadmill, which also leads to more calories being burned.

Why are curved treadmills more difficult? ›

Running on the curve may help some athletes or fitness users reduce the stress on their legs from vertical ground reaction forces. However, because curved treadmills are designed uniquely, measuring forces on them is a difficult process because force plates are usually large and obviously flat.

What movement burns the most calories? ›

Running is the winner for most calories burned per hour. Stationary bicycling, jogging, and swimming are excellent options as well. HIIT exercises are also great for burning calories. After a HIIT workout, your body will continue to burn calories for up to 24 hours.

What exercise burns the most calories at home? ›

According to Healthline, running burns the most calories. A tried and true exercise that requires little more than your legs and the open road, running burns just over 800 calories for a 155-pound adult per hour.

How many calories do you burn walking? ›

On average, a mile burns about 100 calories when walking. Another point: ANY exercise pales in comparison to a much more important part of the weight loss equation: nutrition.

What muscles burn the most fat? ›

The largest muscles (and therefore the largest calorie burners) are in the thighs, abdomen, chest, and arms.

Is getting in shape more about diet or exercise? ›

Exercise helps you lose weight by burning mostly fat; diet alone won't do that. And because muscles takes up less space than fat, exercise will help your cloths fit better. Exercise also helps boost your metabolism, meaning you burn more calories all day long.

How many calories should I burn a day to stay in shape? ›

She recommends burning 2,000 calories per week by exercising, and then trimming 1,500 calories a week from your diet, which breaks down to about 214 fewer calories per day. A general rule is to aim to burn 400 to 500 calories, five days a week during your workouts.

Is Curves cardio or strength training? ›

Curves incorporates both upper body and lower body strength training exercises, cardio moves, and stretching, allowing you to work every major muscle group. The workout uses hydraulic resistance gym equipment specially designed for women and can be used by a variety of fitness levels.

How long do you stay on each machine at Curves? ›

depending on how you are feeling during the work out. one lap around the floor using each machine takes fifteen minutes, and it is recommended to do the routine twice making it a 30 minute strength training workout. so far, i am really excited about joining Curves.

What happened to the Curves company? ›

The brand no longer is the juggernaut it once was. At one time, Curves was listed in Guinness World Records as "The World's Largest Fitness Center Franchise." During the past 15 years, many Curves locations closed. In February 2018, Japanese company Koshidaka Holdings Co Ltd., purchased Curves International.

How can I get curves easily? ›

To get curves, do strength training exercises that will tone your glutes, hips, and thighs, like squats and step ups. You should also do upper body exercises, like planks and pushups. Try to alternate between upper and lower body workouts so you develop a balanced hourglass figure.

Is the curve treadmill accurate? ›

Scientists measuring the physiologic intensity of a standard motorised treadmill compared to a non-motorised, curved treadmill reported stronger results from the latter. Thanks to this higher intensity, curved treadmills are perfect for High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

Why do curves fail? ›

CEO Gary Heavin Blamed Curves Failures on Greedy Franchisees. The Curves growth frenzy and subsequent decline spawned a secondary market of Curves “resales,” established Curves franchises sold from original or 2nd or 3rd franchise owners to new owners.

How much did curves sell for? ›

For A Grand Total Of $6.4 Million.

Which is approximately what Gary Heavin, the founder and CEO of Curves For Women, was getting. FYI: Curves For Women was created for women, offering a complete fitness and nutrition solution. The famous Curves 30 minute workout started it all.

What kind of machines does Curves have? ›

The Curves exercise circuit consists of hydraulic resistance machines, and women move from one to the next with aerobic exercise in between, such as jogging in place or using a mini trampoline.

How much should workout plans cost? ›

Normally, a session like this will cost from anywhere between $20-40 per session if it's a live training. If you're simply receiving exercise programs in a group setting, you can expect costs to be around $30-100 per month.

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