Curves

So I won a two-​month trial membership to this Curves without really knowing what kind of a gym it is. Curves is a gym/​program for women that combines circuit-​training (hydraulic weights in a specific sequence, each for 30 seconds alternating with 30 seconds of recovery exercise — or with more heavily aerobic exercise on alternate days when you don’t do the weights as hard) with a schedule of taped classes (including some by Jillian Michaels) to use between the weight machines, and nutritional planning and counseling regarding diet. There are also little platforms and mats in between all the weight machines so you can do your recovery exercises on these if you prefer. There is a great stretching machine that makes all the stretches easy to do. The whole workout can be completed in 30 minutes. It’s sort of a well-​designed assembly line of fitness.
This style of workout is not just aimed at older folks and those needing to lose weight, but these are some of the ladies who may especially benefit. Indeed, seniors with some Medicare programs can attend Curves free through the «Silver Sneakers» program! Another group that might find this workout ideal is people with injuries or other impeding disabilities. After multiple injuries, I had a lot of difficulty getting back into strength training. I kept injuring joints and the effort of keeping track of my weights on various machines, carrying the card around with me, etc. was just one more task to keep track of. Because the Curves machines are hydraulic, the resistance increases with the force and speed of your own effort, so you move quickly and easily between the machines and progress happens naturally and imperceptibly. I much prefer this style of weight-​training, where I can put in full effort with minimal thought, to my regular gym’s.
I also liked the Curves «soundtrack.» The music is a combination of oldies from different eras (50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, etc.), Latin, and other melodic and energetic music remixed to an appropriate beat, with cues every 30 seconds to change machines. The music at my regular gym is usually irritating pop with an aggressive edge, sometimes even offensive lyrics.
As for the specifics of this Curves location, it is quite nice, one big room facing onto the street with a big window wall, a couple bathrooms, and a back office area. Clean, well-​lit, well-​kept, and inviting, always with plenty of clean hand towels, bottled water, a couple changing rooms, cubbies that don’t have locks but are in plain sight of the workout area. Everything is nicely laid out, and the atmosphere is friendly. So are the staff! I mostly worked with Denise, who did my initial evaluation, and Diz. Both ladies are affable, relaxed and low key but full of energy and attentive, giving instructions, tips, and reminders when you are doing the classes and the weights. I felt like I was in good hands and enjoyed talking with them. The customers are also a really nice group. Occasional chat is friendly and on different topics.
Logistically speaking, the location is quite convenient if you live in West Seattle (and I understand some customers commute from farther). I live in High Point, and this is either a long walk (about 5 miles round trip) I can add to my workout, or an easy bus trip via the 128 (get off at the Spokane stop and walk about a block north).
Comparing Curves with a typical gym is really comparing apples and oranges. My other gym offers a lot of things Curves doesn’t have, such as more weight equipment, aerobic equipment (including some that is truly low-​impact, which I need), live classes, and a sauna. It doesn’t offer the Curves program though, which I found perfect for getting back into strength training and which indeed is completed in 30 minutes and therefore easy to maintain. During my two-​month trial period, I think there was only one week where I dropped below attending 3 – 4 times a week, and I am significantly stronger! The one real drawback for my particular situation is that unlimited hours work much better for me, since I don’t own a car and have an unpredictable work schedule. The evening hours don’t go late enough that I would always be able to make it to Curves. Extending the hours would be the one change I would really love to see.
I am very grateful for the trial membership and trust I will see this gym continue to thrive. Curves is a great resource for West Seattle. I especially hope more «silver sneakers» folks and those recovering from injuries will find their way through its welcoming doors.

I loved my time at Curves. The workout worked very well for me in getting my heart rate up and the 30 minute time made attaining the goal of 3x a week doable. There is a tracking system which can help you push yourself and your workout. I had to stop because of a shoulder injury and many of the machines are workouts which affect the arm. Otherwise, this facility was helping me meet my exercise goals. It was clean. It didn’t smell like sweat socks. The staff was knowledgeable, helpful, and personable. You could work out at your own pace. The early Saturday morning crowd was a blast! The trainers have personality.

I love curves! The ladies that work there are so helpful and always greet me with a smile. Lana and Diz are my favorite staff members there.