Let me start this post by giving a little background about myself.
I do not have an active lifestyle. The only sports I know and I love are surfing and table tennis, which I don’t even play often. I’m not into outdoor activities too. When it comes to my appetite, I really love to eat… and I love rice! I guess I was just lucky to have fast metabolism when I was young until I realized I’m gaining a little weight and getting too sickly. This is when I thought I badly need to exercise. So, what happened? The most I did was abdominal exercises, which I’ve actually been doing since I was in high school. I tried running, but it didn’t even last for a month. I also tried going to the gym – for a month! Basically, nothing happened.
And then, my sudden trip to Nepal happened. For me, you’ve never been to Nepal without seeing the Himalays from the top. So, I decided to go hiking even if I didn’t have any prior experience. (Yes, my first ever hike happened in Nepal!) The moment I posted my photo on Instagram (@lush_angel) that I made it to the top of Poon Hill, one of the popular “easy” trails, I got several messages asking how I did it. All of my friends who knew me well couldn’t believe it. For someone who didn’t have any exercise, how was I able to do a 4-day hike. Honestly, I almost died! Going up and down hill for 5 to 7 hours per day isn’t a joke. It wasn’t an easy hike for me, but I was able to do it. Aside from my determination and my company, I have to give credit to Curves. Why? How? Read on.
Two weeks before my trip, I started going to Curves 5 to 6 days a week. I realized I really need to prepare for the 4-day hike. By the way, Poon Hill may just be a “hill” in Nepal, but it’s actually higher than our highest mountain in the Philippines, which is Mt. Apo. So now, you probably have an idea how nervous I was before the trip, which gave me the drive to go to Curves almost everyday. My hard work wasn’t put to a waste at all. Being able to make it to the top and seeing this view is priceless – and probably, a once in a lifetime experience for me.
What is Curves?
Curves is a facility specially designed for women. Curves Circuit Training is about fitness, health, and moving away from disease; gaining strength and losing weight; reaching your goals in a community of support and encouragement; and strengthening women. Currently, Curves is the largest fitness franchise in the world and is present in over 85 countries.
How long and how often should you workout?
Forget spending hours in the gym. The Curves workout has been tested safe, effective, and efficient at 30 minutes per day, at least three times a week. When I heard this, it was like music to my ears! This is one of my drives to workout. I can’t say, “I don’t have time” anymore. I workout before or after office, or even during lunch break! It’s that quick! More so, the 30-minute workout exercises every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories through a proven program of strength training, cardio and stretching. In fact, they do not recommend exercising longer than the 30-minute program per day since it’s important for the muscles to recover. Therefore, it is a must to work hard and give it your all within that 30 minutes.
The Curves Circuit
The circuit is made up of resistance machines that work every major muscle group, two muscles at a time. With hydraulic resistance equipment, the force is determined by speed. This means, the faster you move, the more resistance you will feel.
Then, in between the resistance machines is a stepper or recovery board. It’s a multi-purpose recovery station, where you can jog, jumping jacks, plank, etc.
You only need to spend 30 seconds in each station. All through out the workout, there’s a circuit coach to instruct you on how to properly use the machines and what to do on the recovery station. You only need to complete two rounds and that’s already 30 minutes! Don’t worry, there’s an audio to guide you when you need to move to the next station.
Curves also has classes like Zumba and Body Basics. The classes are incorporated during the recovery station, which means you still need to go through each resistance machine in between.
After the 30-minute workout, it’s important to stretch to avoid muscle pains the following days. This is their stretching machine.
Curves Circuit Training Review
As I mentioned above, my trip to Curves only started because of my Nepal adventure. I wouldn’t have made it to the top of the mountain if it wasn’t for my continuous workout here. I know how weak my body was, especially my legs. I couldn’t even jog for 2-minutes straight prior to my workout sessions at Curves. No doubt, Curves gave my body the strength it badly needs.
Because I saw and felt the big difference – muscles are leaner and body is strong, I decided to continue going to Curves even after my Nepal trip. Honestly, I thought my enthusiasm to go wouldn’t be the same anymore since my hiking trip, which is supposedly my drive to exercise, is done. I was surprised that I still find myself going to Curves more than three times a week! Here are my top 5 reasons why I keep on coming back to Curves:
- First, I can’t say I’m lazy or I don’t have time. I always tell myself, it’s just 30 minutes. I really make time for it – before work, after work, or during breaks.
- Next, it’s an all women gym. “No makeup, no men, and no mirrors” is the unofficial motto of Curves. It sounds simple but it actually works. Imagine if you’re too conscious with the way you look, there would be times you wouldn’t go to the gym just because you’re lazy to fix up. With Curves, you won’t have to dedicate that extra time to look good. You won’t have that excuse anymore. In fact, I even go right after brushing my teeth in the morning, without even checking how do I look or what I’m wearing.
- I really feel it works! My body feels stronger. Plus, the weighing scale and measuring tape do not lie. They got my measurements before I joined Curves. After a month, they got my measurements again and I was able to shed a few pounds.
- The circuit coaches are very encouraging, friendly, and accommodating. I’ve gained friends along the way.
- It keeps me healthy. Curves is not all about losing weight and gaining strength. It’s also about being healthy. I used to be sickly, but now I have stronger immune system, without having to take extra vitamins.
I just wish they’re open the whole day, like 7:00am to 9:00pm, and on Sundays. Currently, they’re open Monday – Friday (7:00am – 12:30pm; 3:30pm – 8:30pm) and Saturday (8:00am – 1:00pm).
Recommendations
I highly recommend Curves Circuit Training to all ladies, even first time gym joiners. I swear, it’s not intimidating at all. No men. No need to be conscious. Just come as yourself. “Circuit training” can also sound terrifying and “hardcore”. It’s not. Curves has super friendly circuit coaches to guide and encourage you throughout your journey. And of course, Curves is perfect for those women on-the-go and who are always busy. 30 minutes a day, three times a week- that’s all you need to become fit and strong.
Remember, exercise is not just about losing weight. It also helps in gaining strength and being healthy. It can serve as your insurance or investment for your health to avoid any illnesses in the future.
Here are a few more photos
Even their posters around are very encouraging…
locker room with some success stories posted
They also have a “Women On Top” corner, where they post the names of their hardworking members
with Coach Leizel
Curves is located at the 4th floor Eastwood City Walk 2 (old mall). They also have another branch in BGC. For inquiries, contact +63 2 584 98 41 or +63 917 7377835. Also, follow them on Facebook (Curves Eastwood), Twitter and Instagram (@CurvesEastwood).
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