About Curves

Those working in the rehabilitation and fitness field are often entertained by new fads.  Many in the industry initially believed that the Curves franchise would be one of those passing fads, but the franchise continues to expand.  Since 1992, Curves has grown to 8,500 locations worldwide to become the world's largest fitness center franchise and fasted-growing franchise in any industry in US history.  To date more than four million women have joined Curves’ 30-minute circuit-training gyms.

How Curves Works

Curves has designed a no-frills centre (no change rooms, no showers, limited hours) attracting previously inactive, primarily middle-aged women, largely because there is no “intimidation factor”.  Curves’ 30-minute workout includes a 25-minute circuit composed of 30 second intervals on 12 hydraulic resistance machines with alternation of 30 seconds active recovery (stationary jogging, marching or walking) followed by 5 minutes of stretching and cool down.  The centre has upbeat music, commands station changes, and offers a supportive, positive group environment.

The Curves Circuit

(1)  Abdominal Curl / Back Extension
(2)  Hip Adduction / Hip Abduction
(3)  Biceps Curl / Triceps Extension
(4)  Chest Press / Seated Row
(5)  Triceps Pushdown / Upright Row
(6)  Leg Extension / Leg Curl
(7)  Chest fly / Shoulder Retraction
(8)  Shoulder Press / Pull-up
(9)  Leg Press
(10) Squat
(11) Trunk Rotation
(12) Hip Extension

The Study

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recently commissioned a study at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse on the efficacy of the Curves for Women workout.  They studied 15 women ranging in age from 26 to 56 from two local Curves locations.

Results

The Curves workout burns an average of 183 calories with the resistance circuit, accounting for 163 calories at a moderate intensity.  This workout compares to walking on a treadmill at four mph for 30 minutes.

- The resistance training makes the workout a whole body workout.
- Heart rate was above 75% of maximum heart rate during the workout.

Comments

- The Curves workout is not the best choice for active individuals but excellent for sedentary individuals.
- Hydraulic resistance training machines are not adjustable for great comfort for petite participants.
- There is no way of quantifying the effort put into the resistance machines.  One could just go through the motions.
- Workouts could become social sessions and affect the effort put into the workout.
- The knowledge in personal training or exercise science in Curves’ staff is limited in many locations.

For more details on the Curves study, visit:  http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/curves.aspx
 
References

Anders, M. (2005). ACE puts curves to the test: millions of women love it, but does it really work? ACE Fitness Matters, vol 11, issue 2.

Schnirring, L (2002). What's behind the women-only fitness center boom? Physician & Sportsmedicine, vol. 30, issue 11.

Tuffs University Health & Nutrition Letter. (2004). A gym for the non-lycra crowd?  vol 21, issue 12, p 1-2.

Article written by Rick Kaselj - rkaselj@healingthroughmovement.com

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