For patients who are new to exercise, traditional gyms can be intimidating and time consuming. Curves, however, provides a safe, efficient and effective workout for women of all ages and fitness levels in an environment that's comfortable and welcoming.

The Curves workout takes just 30 minutes, three times a week. As research has shown,* it works.

AN AMAZING WORKOUT

The Curves program is based on a circuit using hydraulic resistance machines, and incorporates aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching for a complete workout. Researchers from the Baylor University Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory, led by Dr. Richard Kreider, Ph.D., FACSM, found that during the Curves workout, women averaged about 65 percent of their heart rate maximum--plenty to improve cardiovascular fitness but not so strenuous as to discourage women from coming back. They also increased muscular strength.

Many of the Curves hydraulic resistance machines allow exercisers to push and pull--instead of lifting and lowering weight--to safely and efficiently work two opposing muscle groups simultaneously. The equipment's resistance increases to meet the force generated by the exerciser, so exercisers get out of it what they put into it.

Baylor researchers also found that the least fit exerciser expended 164 to 238 calories per 30 minutes during the Curves workout, while the most fit burned as many as 522 calories. This adjustable intensity helps women stick with the workout for substantial, ongoing improvements in weight control, fitness and overall health.

IMPRESSIVE RESULTS

The Baylor studies found that sedentary and overweight women who followed the Curves program for 14 weeks raised their resting metabolic rate by as much as 400 kcals/day. They reduced their weight by an average of 14 pounds and lost an average of two inches from their hips and three inches from their waists while showing a 20- to 30-percent improvement in strength and a 15 percent increase in aerobic capacity. Their blood cholesterol, resting heart rate and resting blood pressure also improved.

IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE

Beyond improvement in those key biomarkers, the Curves workout was also shown to enhance women's self-esteem. After 15 weeks of three Curves workouts a week, women in the Baylor study scored significantly higher in "quality of life"--a basic measure of how happy they were with themselves and the world around them.

BETTER FOR WOMEN

Unlike traditional gym equipment that needs to be adjusted for each person and is typically sized for men, Curves equipment was designed for women and tested by physiologists and biomechanical engineers. This ensures safe alignment and range of motion. The equipment is arranged in a circle so exercisers face one another; the workout is accompanied by upbeat music, and a qualified exercise coach is positioned in the center of the circuit to encourage exercisers and ensure proper form.

While studies have confirmed the advantages of group exercise for improving exercise adherence, Curves also adds a supportive dynamic. There's no competition because no one is performing the same exercise at the same time. Instead, Curves members work out in a highly social environment that they report doesn't feel like work at all.

SUPERIOR CONVENIENCE

With more than 10,000 worldwide locations benefiting over 4 million women, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise--and is likely to have a facility that's convenient for your patients.

*To date, the Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory at Baylor University, led by Dr. Richard Kreider, Ph.D., FACSM, has conducted 15 studies examining the Curves program. All initial studies were performed on 150-160 overweight, sedentary, women divided into the following groups: Control (C), Exercise and No Diet (E+ND), High Calorie High Carbohydrate (HCHO) Diet, and Low Calorie: High Carbohydrate (HC) Diet, High Protein (HP), or Very High Protein (VHP). The research is sponsored by an unrestricted grant from Curves.