30 Minute Workouts – Do They Work?

If I’m being honest, my weight-loss struggle did not begin with the birth of my children. I remember going on my first “diet” in high school and the subsequent yo-yo effect that followed. Ten years and 2 kids later, I have not been able to lose the remaining “baby weight.” I have tried everything from running 10K marathons to Zumba without a nudge in the right direction. I even met with a trainer who told me the 2 things I did not want to hear: Weight loss is as much about diet as it is exercise and it is nearly impossible to lose weight without strength training. For someone like me, who has always resisted any exercise involving weights, I was slightly apprehensive about trying Curves 30 Minute Workouts.

Thank you Curves International for sponsoring this post. Ready to get #CurvesStrong

What is Curves?

Curves is one of the world’s largest fitness centers for women, with locations across the globe. Their 30 minute workouts include strength training, cardio and stretching to help women achieve their health, fitness, and wellness goals.

Curves 30 Minute Workouts

The Curves 30-minute workout is built on a circuit framework, and the foundation is a set of hydraulic strength machines designed to work ever major muscle group. Every 30 seconds, you alternate between working a muscle group on the machine and doing a set of cardio on the floor mats. Curves also offers speciality classes designed to work with the machines. These classes include boxing, cardio, balance and body basics.

But Do They Work? 

Perhaps my biggest question going into my first month at Curves was, will a 30 minute workout be enough to help me lose the weight? The coach at my local Curves fitness center explained to me that the circuit workout uses a combination of cardio and strength training to achieve the results you are seeking. Each machine works at least 2 different muscles, which is why in any other facility using traditional weights, this workout would take at least double the amount of time. The addition of a personalized meal plan and one-on-one coaching (Curves Complete) simplifies the process of losing weight.

After just 1 week at my local Curves fitness center, I weighed in today and have lost 2 pounds*. This is significant, given the fact that my weight has been stagnant for over a year. I adhere to a relatively clean diet and avoid soda, processed foods, fried foods, and sugar. This is important because I have not changed anything in my diet attribute the loss to the addition of strength training.

*Curves Fitness members on average lose 5 lbs. over a 20‐week period. I received promotional consideration.

Do you know why I believe Curves works? Because their workouts are doable. I cannot think of many workouts that incorporate cardio and work all the major muscle groups in just 30 minutes. I know that time has always been my excuse for not working out. But the reality is that 30 minutes is a short amount of time to devote getting healthy.

One-On-One Coaching

Before you visit your local Curves for the first time, it is advised that you make an appointment. I did not understand this until I visited my local fitness center for the first time. The 30 or so minutes spent with a Curves coach is used to take measurements and weight. This will serve as a baseline for fitness and wellness goals. Your coach will also spend at least 5 sessions going through the circuit with you to ensure you know how to use the machines safely and effectively. This is as much about preventing injury as it is about making sure that the 30 minutes you spend working out is effective.

Curves Celebrates 25 Years #CurvesStrong

For over 25 years, Curves has empowered women to take control over their health, wellness and physical fitness. This month, the brand will celebrate its birthday at locations across the country. During this celebration, Curves will offer the following promotions and opportunities to celebrate:

• The first 25 members at each club who join between August 28^th–September 27^th can join for free with the purchase of an annual membership.
• On September 28, Curves will be celebrating the 25^th birthday around the globe with special workouts and local in-club parties. Non-members can also join their local Curves for 25 cents to celebrate the day.
• Follow Curves on Facebook and Instagram and comment on their giveaway post for the chance to win free prizes.
• Join the party on social media by following #25YearsStrong and #CurvesStrong.
• Go to https://www.thunderclap.it/curves to register and share a special birthday post on social media.
• Curves will gift 25 female veterans $25,000 each toward owning their own Curves club. To learn more about the Curves franchise opportunity and to apply, visit www.buycurves.com/veterans.

To learn more about Curves 30 minute workouts, visit Curves.com.