Newspaper Article

Taking It Off in 30 MINUTES / At Curves for Women, inexpensive circuit training is attracting members and satisfying critics

John Hanc. Fitness writer John Hanc is a regular contributor to Newsday

2003

Overview

Circuit training can be done using almost any type of resistance training equipment, including free weights. But [Gary Heavin] added another twist: The studios in his chain are stocked with a line of hydraulic resistance machines, designed and manufactured by Curves. These machines - 3 inches shorter than conventional strength training machines, to better accommodate the average female frame - use hydraulic fluid, instead of plates or weight stacks, as resistance. \"There's nothing to set or adjust,\" says Heavin. \"You just jump on the machine and blast.\" .ivillage.com), decided to visit a Curves after receiving the umpteenth e-mail from one of her iVillage correspondents, raving about the club and the concept. \"At first, I was skeptical,\" [Liz Neporent] says. \"But I have to say, I really think the idea is very, very good.\" Neporent, who also is the author of \"The Ultimate Body: 10 Perfect Workouts for Women\" (Ballantine, $14.95), says she thinks the hybrid cardio-strength training workout is perfect for the Curves audience. \"If you concentrated on pure cardio, you might burn more calories,\" she says (conversely, if you focused more intensely on weights, you'd see greater results in strength and musculature). However, she says, \"it's a good, solid, all-around workout.\" We, too, were skeptical when we went to visit Curves, and also came away impressed: As is the case with most clubs in the chain, the Curves in Manhasset is small and sparsely furnished (compared, say, with your typical Bally's or World Gym). There are no mirrors and no showers. It's basically an 1,100- square-foot room, with little more than the machine circuit and a few exercise mats. While the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, there was no dawdling, none of the standing around and talking - or gawking - you see at most health clubs. To the beat of pleasant, up-tempo hits from the '70s and '80s, in which a voice every 30 seconds instructs exercisers to move to the next station, women of all ages and sizes were getting a workout. (One complaint heard among Curves-goers is that there is a wait to get on the circuit at certain \"rush hours.\" Another is that the clubs have limited hours, are open only half a day on Saturdays and closed Sundays.)

• Publisher: Newsday LLC
• Subject: Heavin, Gary / Neporent, Liz