Thank you Curves International for sponsoring this post. Ready to get #CurvesStrong?
If you look up the word “curve” in the dictionary it will say that a curve is a line or surface that bends in a smooth, continuous way without sharp angles. That definitely does not describe my current body. However, As I have gotten older I have learned to embrace the fact that even though I don’t look or weigh the same as I did in my 20’s and 30’s I am still curvy. I just wear it bigger now. Unfortunately being “bigger” has led to some serious back problems for me. So I decided I was going to do something about it. I need to strengthen my core and build up my muscles to support my lower back.
In the past I have belonged to several gyms but I was always so intimidated by the super fit and tight bodies in there and the hard-core classes. I knew I needed to find a place that I felt embraced and comfortable in my own skin. Lucky for me I found that last week at my local Curves® Gym.
Tracy Downs, owner of Laguna Niguel Curves welcomed me with open arms on my first day and I instantly felt “at home”. She and all of the coaches have taken a genuine interest in my success and are helping motivate me when I need it. When you first join Curves, you will have a trainer for the first 5 appointments. This helps you get familiar with the equipment and the circuit requirements.
What Makes Curves So Special?
Curves is a 30 minute, total body workout on our strength training machines. 30 minutes people, that’s it!!!! Any place that I can get in and out of quickly and still get a full body workout has a special place in my schedule. I can just walk in and jump on any machine in the circuit! In my 30 minute workout, I work every major muscle group with strength training, cardio and stretching.
Not only that but Curves is a supportive environment where I can gain strength, balance and flexibility with the guidance of a coach.
Peek Inside A Curves
There are between 10-11 machines within the circuit. Curves’ exercise equipment uses hydraulic resistance to combine a cardiovascular workout with strength training. The low-impact machines work at least two muscle groups and as many as four at one time by pushing and pulling, rather than lifting and lowering weight. The coaches have told me I should move as fast as possible through full range of motion on each machine so that my heart rate increases and my muscles begin to fatigue.
Here are a few of the machines that are in Curves:
- CHEST/BACK MACHINE-This machine works your chest and back with its pushing and pulling action.
- AB/BACK- This machine strengthens your core from your abs to your lower back.
- LEG EXTENSION/LEG CURL- This machine strengthens your quads and hamstrings.
- GLUTEAL MACHINE- This machine strengthens the gluteal muscles in the buttocks.
- BICEP/TRICEP MACHINE – This machine helps to strengthen and tone your arms.
My Curves Commitment
I am so happy to have found something I know I can stick to. In my first week I went 5 days in a row. 5 days people!! I have never done 5 days of any exercise in a row ever so I am very proud of myself. I did notice I was extremely fatigued my first week so perhaps I was a little over ambitious and I will probably cut back to 3-4 days a week. But I am loving being held accountable. My goal is to firm up and drop a few pounds in the next 4 weeks and I think that is a reasonable and attainable effort.
For more information connect with Curves on Facebook or sign up for a free trial!
This post was sponsored by Curves International but the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
