We asked members of Curves in Ilkeston for their own stories. Why not join them and see what Curves can do for you?
"I joined Curves in May 2006. I had tried other gyms in the area, but never felt comfortable. I was very
self-conscious about my size and weight. The fact that Curves was only for women really appealed to me.
Since I joined Curves, I have lost two and a half stone, 28 inches and four dress sizes. I have had to have
two new wedding rings - and the third is slipping off. However, I refuse to buy a new one yet since my husband
and I plan to renew our wedding vows and I will get a new ring for that. I love the fact that I will need
to buy a new wedding dress. Last time it was a size 20. Now I am a size 12! "
Joanne (age 34) - March 2007
"I have been coming to Curves since February 2005. Curves was recommended to me by my hairdresser who
said how good it was. I made an appointment to get some more information and a free tour and figure analysis.
I liked the fact that it is a women-only gym with a friendly atmosphere and no posers. I enjoy meeting
lots of new people since I come in to workout at different times. At Curves, you can come whenever you want!
Since I reached the age of 40, I had started to think more about my health and fitness as a way of preventing
illness. I was concerned about gradual weight gain and I did not want to go up a dress size. Also, after sitting
on my bum all day at work and driving to and from work, I needed some physical exercise. The staff at Curves
are very supportive, offering advice and a weigh and measure session every month. This helps me keep on my
toes and achieve my goals.
I have completed over 300 workouts and have recently moved up to the Advanced Workout which has really made
me realise how I can improve my 30 minutes at Curves. Although I have not changed my eating habits, I
have lost a full dress size and I am heading for the next - which is something I never thought I could do.
"
Kim (age 44) - March 2007
"Fast approaching the big 40, it became apparent to me that my social life was far exceeding my exercise
regime. I had quite taken to dining out regularly and drinking indoors even more regularly. This would
have been fine if my clothes had continued to fit. I decided that if my lifestyle was to continue in
this way, I just had to do something about my fitness. A friend told me about Curves and I thought I
would give it a go
I opened the door at Curves and was greeted by a friendly face. My first impression was how relaxed
everyone was. On the circuit were ladies of different ages, shapes and sizes. With not a man or a mirror
in sight, I felt very comfortable. At my first session, I was introduced to the machines. I was initially
guided in the areas needed and, when ready, left to workout at my own pace - always with someone in the
circuit ready to offer advice when necessary. I couldn't believe how easy it was to incorporate three or
four workouts within my already busy week.
Within a couple of weeks, I started to feel much healthier. I could actually walk up the steep hill
from Curves to the market place without gasping for breath. At my first weigh and measure, I had lost
inches as well as weight. I have continued working out at Curves and feel much happier and healthier for
it. I can call in before or after work. Curves is a place where I can feel comfortable to come and go on
my own or, on occasions, I meet a friend and we work out together. For someone with a busy life who
cannot commit to exercising at a set time each day, the way Curves operates is excellent. I would
recommend Curves to anyone wanting to start exercising.
"
Amanda - March 2007
"I joined Curves when my baby was six months old. I wanted to lose about a stone to get back
to my pre-pregnancy weight. I didn't want to have to diet, but just needed something to shift the last
bit of weight. I also needed something that would keep me motivated.
I chose Curves as it was only a small gym. I liked the fact that it was women only and a workout
only takes 30 minutes. I am able to fit it in between work and child care commitments. I have found it
motivating as you chat to other members on the circuit and I feel that the staff give it a personal
touch. After a month, I had already lost 9 inches. After just ten months, I had achieved my goal of
losing that stone and I had also lost around 20 inches. I managed to achieve this without dieting at all,
not even altering my eating habits.
I now enjoy Curves for fitness and socialising, and also for some time to myself away from work and
children."
Natalie (age 26) - March 2007
One of our members, Eileen Bestwick, recently put her thoughts about Curves into verse:
I do it three times per week, Others do it more
Mainly I do it standing up, Sometimes I do it on the floor
I stretch my arms and my legs, My belly and my bum
I exercise while I have fun
It keeps me supple, Others lose weight
I'm monitored and measured, Even my heart rate
There's lots of good music, To keep me on the go
But mirrors, lycra and men, Are a definate No, No
So where do I recommend you go, To get fit without pain
I vote for Curves on Bath Street, Again and Again