Why Curves is different? - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

A personal trainer recently emailed me via my website and asked about how Curves and other "ladies only" fitness centers differ from other health clubs. Because some personal trainers (especially men) may not have a grasp on curves and what they do, I thought I’d post my answer for all to see.

One of the major differences between Curves is that they do not usually incorporate eccentric (negative) muscle actions. As you know, eccentric muscle actions result in more delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) than do concentric muscle actions. Personal trainers usually fire back by stating that one does not grow as strong when the eccentrics are taken out of the equation. They are correct in this; however there is a very good reason for not using eccentrics.

People tend to not do things that hurt. If people equate exercise with pain they may be more likely to stop working out. From a health standpoint this is obviously not good. This is also not good from a money standpoint either because it means you have less potential customers/clients.

When I worked in a health club setting, one of my biggest struggles was to get novices to stay involved with exercise. For me, this meant not giving them anymore than one set of each exercise because the rate of DOMS increases when you do more than one set. Curves and others have taken this further by almost eliminating all eccentric muscle actions. Remember, women do not join Curves to become maximally stronger. They join for fun, fitness, making new friends and adding some extra strength to help them carry out their activities of daily living.

The making new friends aspect is usually missed by some but it too contributes to health. Studies find that people who have a network of friends tend to be healthier than those who don't. Curves serves this aspect of health very well because many ladies are talking to each other while they are exercising. This leads to new friends and social connections.

Another difference is that Curves allows you to complete your workout in 30 minutes or less. Some research shows that novice exercisers have a greater dropout rate when they spend more than 60 minutes in the gym. This is probably because people don't feel they can devote more than 60 minutes of their time to working out. So, anything that can help people fit fitness into their daily lives is a good thing. Curves serves this purpose very well.

A third difference between Curves and other health clubs is that Curves makes use of one of the most popular workout routines in the world – Circuits. The advantages of doing circuits are many;
1. Circuits are not boring. This is very important for beginners who don't like working out

2. Circuits provide improves in muscular strength, endurance and aerobic endurance

3. Circuits are time-efficient. Remember, if you can show people how to fit fitness into their lives, they will be more likely to continue with it

4. Circuit routines also place less stress on joints or any single muscle group. This makes circuits perfect for most special-needs individuals.

Hopefully I was able to clear up some of the questions that you have about how Curves and other similar clubs operate. I think many fitness professionals would be wise to take a page out of the Curves play book. If you’re a guy this might be the closest you get to understanding Curves however, if you’re a woman I think it’s a good idea to stop in and see up close how they do things.

[muscletrainerdh-NSCA CPT]

Great Article Joe!!

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

Thanks much I appreciate the feedback!
Joe

[cj]

Honestly, not a lot of things feel super eye opening anymore when it comes to health and training, but this did. It was a real eye opener, definately making me think very hard about the types of programs I offer my female and elderly clients. This may be the right answer for working with a lot of special populations, and working them towards using eccentric movements without set backs that will cause them to become disinterested.

For a young guy, I have had the Doms a couple times in my life, usually after a long period of not training, then running into the gym thinking I am going to warm up with 300 pounds. I can't imagine how painful that type of soreness would be to someone less tolerant than a young bull headed athlete.

#1 Priority in Personal Training, Keep them living an active life long term, permenantly if possible.

Thanks for adding this, I appreciated being able read it and reflect on it.

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

thanks again for the feedback CJ. when I worked in a health club I used to manage about 20 different classes for seniors and others with special needs. one of my biggest problems was how to get these people who may not have done anything for 20 years and enroll them in a program of fitness. My solution was to give them one set of a variety of exercises to decrease DOMS and help them stay a member longer. One set will also produce strength increases as well and is the ACSM guideline for beginners. taking eccentrics out, as curves and others do is another option although difficult do do without special equipment, like what they have at Curves etc. This is one of the reasons I like circuits so much.
Keep well!
Joe