Curves

kwillia

kwillia

n/a
BS Gal said:
Yes. It was $70 to "sign up" and then $29/month, but the first month was waived so more like $40 for the first month and $29 thereafter for a year. I can, however, get out of the contract by getting my dr. to write a note, which wouldn't be a problem if I decide to go that route. I'll give it a few months and then decide. Basically, I can leave there and be home in 5 minutes and jump on the treadmill, so I'll probably just do that.

I can also use the one in Leonardtown after work, then head down there and use that one, but it seems like I shouldn't have to do that. After my dad died, my sis and I went every morning in California (I went on a "guest" pass) and they let you go around as many times as you wanted. It's crap, I tell you.
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If you can do your cardio at home, you can probably make the best of it. Be sure to take some time to warm up before you start your circuit! You want your muscles warm before you begin. When you are doing your weights, you really need to make sure you are concentrating on your form and that you are doing the reps slow and methodical. If you do it right, you can fit a good muscle workout in the time they allocate for you.



1) Set a Goal. Decide what you want to get out of your workout. Are you after Jennifer Aniston's arms or a job with World Wrestling Entertainment? Are you lifting weights to improve function, health, appearance, or sports performance? Once this has been determined, you can better tailor your routine, choosing exercises that will target the proper muscles.

2) Be Consistent. Once you commit to weight training, stick with it. True, a long day at work doesn't provide much inspiration, but resist the urge to skip sessions. "If you can't do a lot, do a little," recommends Thompson. "Something is better than nothing."

3) Learn Proper Form and Technique. "Exercise is like medicine," says Laskowski, "it's based on science." If you have no experience with weights, experts recommend investing in a couple of sessions with a personal trainer. One thing to keep in mind is to avoid hyper-extending or locking out any joints. This allows the muscle to relax, which is counterproductive. Also, be sure that your whole body is properly aligned in order to protect the lower back.

4) Get Tired. While many theories exist on the best ways to build muscle, recent research indicates that a single set of 12 repetitions with the proper weight can build muscle just as efficiently as three sets of the same exercise — good news for people trying to squeeze weight lifting into a busy schedule. Laskowski recommends a single set of exercises using a weight heavy enough to tire the muscles after a dozen repetitions. "When you work a muscle to fatigue, you are releasing factors that build endurance and strength," adds Hoffman.

5) Muscles Are Sexy. Many women avoid weight lifting because they are afraid of looking too buff and muscular, opting instead for the treadmill or the elliptical machine to burn calories. In truth, weight training converts fat into lean muscle. Lean muscle burns more calories, aiding in weight loss. "It's like having a V-8 engine instead of a 4-cylinder. You have a bigger engine to burn more calories because it takes calories to keep that engine running," explains Laskowski.

6) Vary Your Exercises. "You can fall in love with your trainer but don't fall in love with any one exercise," says Thompson. If you repeat the same exercise, you will overdo a particular muscle group. Everyone undoubtedly has a particular asset they may want to develop, but don't overdo it. Use a full variety of exercises, machines and resistances. Try lifting free weights, water, household items, and even your own body weight. Changing it up will shock the muscles, challenging them to lift the weight.

7) Move Slowly. Don't cheat by racing through your exercises. Remember, it only takes one set so be sure to get the most out of your time in the gym. Take one to two seconds to contract the muscle, hold the contraction for half a second, and then lengthen the release to three or four seconds. You are 20 percent to 40 percent stronger on the way down so following this time breakdown will maximize strength gain.

8) Work Balanced Muscles Groups. People generally work out only what they can see, says Laskowski, "it's as if they have a 'Cadillac in the front, and a Volkswagen in the back.'" But too much time devoted to one side may create posture problems. Since, every muscle has an opposing muscle, be sure to work the entire pair. For example, follow stomach crunches with back extensions and bicep curls with tricep kickbacks.

9) Find Female-Focused Exercises. Women should pay particular attention to building strength in the upper back and shoulders. This will protect against poor posture later in life, a common problem related to osteoporosis. And don't neglect your lower body — females are five to six times more likely to suffer a knee ligament tear. To protect against knee injury, focus on building the hamstring muscles.

10) Choose a Get-Buff Buddy. A lifting partner is helpful not only for spotting but for motivation as well. When your arms are feeling like Jell-O and you think you've got nothing left to give, a little encouragement from a friend may be all you need to push out that final rep.

11) Drink Caffeine Before Lifting. Although optional, a little caffeine may give you an extra boost of energy to lift after a long day. You may be surprised by the effects a cup of coffee or can of soda can have on your performance.

12) Be Patient. "Rome wasn't built in a day; you won't be either," says Thompson. It takes time to incorporate the benefits of weight lifting. Changes in muscle fiber won't show until four to six weeks, but in the meantime, your muscles are learning how to act more efficiently.
 
BS Gal

BS Gal

Voted Nicest in 08
DoWhat said:
Can't remember, it was a rough 31st night.
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Well, the individual in question did look like he had had a rough night and it was after noon....think back. I know you can remember if you try.
 
BS Gal

BS Gal

Voted Nicest in 08
kwillia said:
If you can do your cardio at home, you can probably make the best of it. Be sure to take some time to warm up before you start your circuit! You want your muscles warm before you begin. When you are doing your weights, you really need to make sure you are concentrating on your form and that you are doing the reps slow and methodical. If you do it right, you can fit a good muscle workout in the time they allocate for you.



1) Set a Goal. Decide what you want to get out of your workout. Are you after Jennifer Aniston's arms or a job with World Wrestling Entertainment? Are you lifting weights to improve function, health, appearance, or sports performance? Once this has been determined, you can better tailor your routine, choosing exercises that will target the proper muscles.

2) Be Consistent. Once you commit to weight training, stick with it. True, a long day at work doesn't provide much inspiration, but resist the urge to skip sessions. "If you can't do a lot, do a little," recommends Thompson. "Something is better than nothing."

3) Learn Proper Form and Technique. "Exercise is like medicine," says Laskowski, "it's based on science." If you have no experience with weights, experts recommend investing in a couple of sessions with a personal trainer. One thing to keep in mind is to avoid hyper-extending or locking out any joints. This allows the muscle to relax, which is counterproductive. Also, be sure that your whole body is properly aligned in order to protect the lower back.

4) Get Tired. While many theories exist on the best ways to build muscle, recent research indicates that a single set of 12 repetitions with the proper weight can build muscle just as efficiently as three sets of the same exercise — good news for people trying to squeeze weight lifting into a busy schedule. Laskowski recommends a single set of exercises using a weight heavy enough to tire the muscles after a dozen repetitions. "When you work a muscle to fatigue, you are releasing factors that build endurance and strength," adds Hoffman.

5) Muscles Are Sexy. Many women avoid weight lifting because they are afraid of looking too buff and muscular, opting instead for the treadmill or the elliptical machine to burn calories. In truth, weight training converts fat into lean muscle. Lean muscle burns more calories, aiding in weight loss. "It's like having a V-8 engine instead of a 4-cylinder. You have a bigger engine to burn more calories because it takes calories to keep that engine running," explains Laskowski.

6) Vary Your Exercises. "You can fall in love with your trainer but don't fall in love with any one exercise," says Thompson. If you repeat the same exercise, you will overdo a particular muscle group. Everyone undoubtedly has a particular asset they may want to develop, but don't overdo it. Use a full variety of exercises, machines and resistances. Try lifting free weights, water, household items, and even your own body weight. Changing it up will shock the muscles, challenging them to lift the weight.

7) Move Slowly. Don't cheat by racing through your exercises. Remember, it only takes one set so be sure to get the most out of your time in the gym. Take one to two seconds to contract the muscle, hold the contraction for half a second, and then lengthen the release to three or four seconds. You are 20 percent to 40 percent stronger on the way down so following this time breakdown will maximize strength gain.

8) Work Balanced Muscles Groups. People generally work out only what they can see, says Laskowski, "it's as if they have a 'Cadillac in the front, and a Volkswagen in the back.'" But too much time devoted to one side may create posture problems. Since, every muscle has an opposing muscle, be sure to work the entire pair. For example, follow stomach crunches with back extensions and bicep curls with tricep kickbacks.

9) Find Female-Focused Exercises. Women should pay particular attention to building strength in the upper back and shoulders. This will protect against poor posture later in life, a common problem related to osteoporosis. And don't neglect your lower body — females are five to six times more likely to suffer a knee ligament tear. To protect against knee injury, focus on building the hamstring muscles.

10) Choose a Get-Buff Buddy. A lifting partner is helpful not only for spotting but for motivation as well. When your arms are feeling like Jell-O and you think you've got nothing left to give, a little encouragement from a friend may be all you need to push out that final rep.

11) Drink Caffeine Before Lifting. Although optional, a little caffeine may give you an extra boost of energy to lift after a long day. You may be surprised by the effects a cup of coffee or can of soda can have on your performance.

12) Be Patient. "Rome wasn't built in a day; you won't be either," says Thompson. It takes time to incorporate the benefits of weight lifting. Changes in muscle fiber won't show until four to six weeks, but in the meantime, your muscles are learning how to act more efficiently.
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Good advice, but Curves seems to "limit" you on what they will "allow" you to do. I'll hang in there a month or so, but if it seems it isn't doing all I want it to do, I'm outta there. Good thing I have the treadmill at home.

Oh, and the ab-lounger. Now THAT was a real good investment (for the cat to have a place to sleep).
 
FancyBelle

FancyBelle

I'm 2 old 2 die young!
Have you thought about Lady Slender or Workout express? Know anything about them? I have got to do something, but I don't want to go by myself OR with somebody skinnier than me. Think I could start a fat ladies thingie where we'd just sit around in a circle and talk about people or knit?? BTW, anybody seen the previews for Campus Ladies? That show looks like it'll be funny as hell. Kinda reminds me of BSGal and me!!! I am the dark haired fat lady.
 
ememdee19

ememdee19

Southern Beyotch
It isn't worth a penny, IMO. I went on a buddy pass one time - it sucked. It's been a while since I've been, so maybe they've upgraded their equipment by now. :shrug:
 
S

sinwagon

New Member
BS Gal said:
Not chubby, just trying to keep off what I lost years ago and tighten it all up. I went there yesterday (just the 2nd time) and wanted to go around a third time on the circuit and the owner wouldn't let me. She said if I felt like I had to go around again, they needed to "work on increasing my reps." Seems like b.s. to me. So I finished, did the stretching thing, then went home and pounded the treadmill......I'm not sure this place is going to be the place for me.
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They say, and I don't know if it is true or not, that you can only work out for about a 1/2 hour. After a 1/2 hour they say your body begins to burn lean muscle instead of fat. Thats why they "say" only to come 3x per week. They also "say" the only muscles you can work on a daily basis without burning muscle is the stomach muscle.

I don't belong to that curves, but I do belong to curves but have kind of been neglecting to go for quite a while!
 
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