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