Curves or a Gym?

I would try a water-based class. I too have knee problems and a hernia, and everything I try hurts one or both of my issues (I also have a heart condition...will the fun ever end!!? LOL!!!). Anyway, water aerobics is great, its varied and you can do some "free swimming" after the class, that is really fun to do with your daughter, for more great toning exercising. Its also a great way to get over the fears of being in a bathing suit which everyone hates. Good luck!!

www.jazzercise.com better than anything else!!

Hi M.,

I had joined a Curves back when I was working and I loved it! It works as long as you go 3 or more times a week and eat right. It's easy and fun. If you get borded easy you might not like it though. It has you do the same circut of machines every time but honestly that's why I liked it. You just went in, did your 30 min and you were done. You didn't have to think about where to go or how to start. I went to the one in North Andover and the people were great. I highly recomend Curves.

J.

I used to go to curves- I'm 7 months pregnant now and my hubby has been out of work on disability so extra funds to continue going have been low! But, I've always loved it! It's 30 minutes, there is no waiting for a machine. You go at your own pace, which is especially good if you have some health problems. I will never step foot into a gym again, because they're all the same (I've been to so many), they don't care about you. All they care about is getting their monthly dues (ridiculously expensive and not worth it at that!). It's especially good if you have a nice curves in your area. They're individually owned and I've been to a few. Some are focused on too many things OTHER than excersising such as tanning, or selling Avon, or purses, etc. They should be NOT crowded with other 'crap' and stick to what's important. But definitly go for curves- they're great.

Hi there, M.!

Okay, believe it or not, you have listed a variety of things here. So, I'm going to try my best to address each one as clearly as possible, but, they also overlap each other, so... here goes.

I have to admit, I'm a bit of a gym rat, myself. I used to workout at home, before kids. Then I joined a gym which didn't turn out so well and I returned to home exercise (I bought an aerobic step with levels and would watch my recorded soaps--guilty pleasure and reward for boring exercise--while I stepped). I began running outside and LOVED it, until it started snowing. I joined a different gym this time. That was back in 2002 and I love going to the gym every day. They have great child care and my girls enjoy playing in the "kids' club."

So, that is me. I'm sure that there are a number of options for you. I like to see the number of calories that I burn, so the treadmill is my addiction--with weights/crunches/stretching. I wouldn't be able to tolerate it, though, if it weren't for the mini TV screen in front of each machine. That is how I get my mind away from the boring routine of it. So, perhaps look for some way to occupy your mind while you do the exercise. (I realize that you mentioned not liking the treadmill--I didn't either until I got my mind on something else. Maybe an option?) Also, you mentioned knee problems. At a gym there are so many options for knee-friendly exercises: treadmill walking, cycling, elyptical, swimming, so on. Also, a trainer at the gym would be able to point you in the right direction. I have found that a gym provides pretty much everything that I, personally, need.

Don't know anything about your abdominal hernia, so I'm sorry, but I can't help you there.

Doctors are infamous for giving the "you need to exercise" directive, but don't know how to go beyond that. In 1999, I finally began going to a dietician who is also an exercise physiologist. I have been going to her ever since. My 2 daughters actually benefit from her directly, too. Whenever I have an exercise or nutritional question (for any of us), she is right there. It's great. I have always had trouble with my weight, but it is an amazing feeling to go into a doctor's office and say "this is what I'm doing and how I'm doing it." They never give me the exercise lecture--I'm already ahead of them. I would check with a trainer or someone else in the exercise/nutrition field to find out just what it is that you should be doing.

Lastly, if your daughter will be joining with you, you probably don't want a "traditional" gym. Is there a YMCA near you? I actually need to leave my gym (which I have been delaying) and join our local Y. My present gym is adult only and has no pool. The Y is family friendly and has everything that my gym has plus more--but old habits are hard to break.

Anyway, like your previous poster mentioned, calories that you burn while "playing" with your children are valid. I like knowing that my exercise is accounted for, so I'm particular about getting it in; that way everything else is in addition to the calories I have already burned. You could take the family on a "letter boxing" hike. If you google letter boxing, a lot of information will come up about it and you can find local trails. I have not done this myself, but have been told that it is a great family activity--endless options and opportunities--and is great exercise. Or, go for a walk around the neighborhood. Take lessons and learn a new sport with your daughter--tennis? golf? volleyball?

Here is the catch: the trick to sticking with ANY exercise routine is to do something that you like to do. As for me, I've always been an active and athletic person, but hated to run for the sake of running. I was a swimmer, played tennis, went to aerobics classes. Along the way, I found out that I have exercise-induced asthma. Suddenly, with the proper meds, I was a runner, too. So, you may not know yet what that "hook" will be until you try a variety of things--you may be surprised, like me. Try anything you can--again, a YMCA has a wide variety of options and one is very likely to be the answer for you. I would assume that there are other things like a YMCA that provide similar services for the family.

Hi M., I don't know much about Curves, but I do go to the gym reguarly and I would suggest you talk to a personal trainer. Most gyms offer a free consult with a trainer, and you can tell him/her what your health problems are and they can design a work out plan suited to your needs.

Good luck!
G.

2 girlfriends and I did curves for a while, we really liked it. Im the type of person who needs structure for things like that, and they have the circuit so its the same thing everytime. they weigh you in and check your numbers once a month to see how youre progressing. It wasnt an overbearing workout, but felt good. I just got lazy, and was never a real work out person, so I stopped going, lol. They have reduced prices for teenagers too. Good luck...

Hi M.,
I have spinal issues and knee problems as well. I have found freedom in the pool. I go to a low-impact water aerobics class at the YMCA. There are other gyms that also have pools. World Gym in Seekonk just opened a new pool and Healthtrax has a pool. Each one should have low-impact classes that would be real easy on the knees. It has been a positive experience for me-especially knowing there are others with similar problems out there who are getting in the water to get the exercise they need. You can make some wonderful friendships.
The YMCA also has childcare programs, so you can take a class and not worry about where your children are. They are certified cildcare providers. If you are low-income, the YMCA also has financial aid programs which are based on your income and are easier on the wallet. I hope this helps. I am better for being in the water and doing much better physically and emotionally!

I joined Curves last year in October, and am not really liking it anymore. It becomes very mundane and repetitive. It's always the same circuit, same 15ish machines and you always go around the same way.
I've found excuses not to exercise before, and my thoughts on joining curves was that it would keep me there to finish the workout for the 30 minutes-since there was a definitive stop and start. But to me now, it didn't seem to do much for me (inches or pounds) and I didn't feel challenged.
I would say, it depends on what you what to achieve...if you're just looking to raise your heartrate and get healthy, it's a great place and Women's only is a bonus! But, if you're actually looking to tone or lose weight, I personally don't think it's a great route.
Hope it helps...
Good luck!
K.

I've been a member of the Ashland Curves for three years, and love it. Not just for the exercise, but for the contribution the other women make to one another's lives. Seems whatever you're going through, someone else has been there and has some insights to share. Other times it's just fun to chit-chat on the circuit which makes the time go by quickly. It's really become a welcome part of my "village". I also take advantage of the yoga mats they have, and do a bit of my own exercises and yoga postures after my 30 minutes on the circuit. If their hours work for you, and your physical challenges allow for it, I say give it a try! They'll usually let you try it for a week without having to sign up, and if you're willing to make the commitment to getting fit it's a great place to be! Good luck!

I second all of these responses. It's sometime tough to get out of the house, especially if you're running a business there! I have two small kids and work full time. Since their birth, I haven't been able to get to the gym nearly as often as I used to. Sometimes all I can squeak in is a 20 minute jog around the park or a video. If you have On Demand as part of your cable system, they have GREAT programs for all levels. You'll find pilates and yoga to hardcore cardio and muscle - you pick! They even have programs for children. Of course, only do at-home exercise once you're certain about your hernia, etc. It's tough getting started, but once you see and feel the results, you'll be addicted. Good luck!

I used to be a member of Curves, and it was ok. It is a good place to start, but then I got bored. The gym is overwhelming to me, and I prefer to workout at home.

I did a post a while back about getting into shape and got some good advice.

Check out www.collagevideo.com - you can see previews of videos before you buy them! It is great.

Also checkout www.trimfitness.net - the owner is also on Mamasource, and she sells a great Ebook with exercises that you can do at home with NO equipment (with diet and nutrition tips to boot). I highly recommend it.

The other thing is to get outside with your kids and play. Or put on your favorite music and all of you dance together. It is great exercise for the whole family!

Hi M.,

As a trainer and fitness instructor, I will give you the advice I would give a client.

First, just to be sure, your doctor has cleared you to work out with a hernia? My mother is going in for hernia surgery.

Assuming your hernia is in check, the first thing I would do is consider how you are going to get your cardio activity. Walking outside? Taking fitness classes? Working at home with a video? All are valid options, pick the one that works best for YOU right now, without uprooting your schedule/work/life too dramatically. You need to make this a habit. Do it every day, no excuses. Google: Cardio Interval Training for Beginners and you'll find some info on what a trainer like me would do with you.

Next, you need weight bearing exercises - Muscle Conditioning. Do this 3x per week. Again, find a way that works for you, video at home, Curves, Gym, the point is to make it easy so that it can become a habit. I'm a big fan of 'body weight' exercises. Again, Google: Body Weight Exercises for Beginners. You don't need any equipment and you can do it ANYWHERE! Yeah!!!

Lastly, there's always pay-as-you-go. You could go to a Yoga or Pilates studio, they often have group personal training that is much less expensive ($15 a session or so) that one-on-one, and you pay a lot less than joining a gym or curves.

My last point - I'm sorry but I have to respectfully disagree - playing with kids doesn't count toward exercise. That's your personal level of daily activity, which is great! Get more of it! However, don't mistake it for exercise.

Most of all - believe in yourself. I know that as mom's and caregivers, every woman that I have ever trained has the mental strength of 10 men. Once we're on fire for what we want - get out of our way! Make a commitment to yourself...today! Don't wait for Monday! Get out and get moving, you'll love yourself for it and the benefits you receive will come through to everyone in your life!

Please feel free to email me off-line if you have more questions. Good luck to you, I know you can do it!

Hi!
I think you need to look at exercising not as a chore or a need to join a gym but rather a fun lifestyle change. Goes hand in hand with eating. If you need to exercise, your diet probably also needs some examining.
You may benefit from the help of a professional but keep in mind that you are ultimately in charge and before feeling the need to sink in a lot of money to "make the problem go away" you should take a close look at yourself and what everyday things could stand some improvement.
I am not sure about your health issues.... but our bodies definitely endure unnatural stress and ailments from being overweight.
Try encorporating more walking into your everyday routine to start. Put on some fun music and get moving!
But at least start feeling better about yourself and get moving.
The upcoming weather is the perfect time to get going, too. Enjoy the outdoors for free, not cooped up in a gym.

I'd go for a gym with a pool and try some water classes, which will be easy on the knee. I'd also invest in a bit of personal training--give your trainer your goals and limitations, and he/she will design a program that works for you.

how about bike riding?

Dear M.,

The best way to get started in my opinion is to bite the bullet and hire a trainer. They will provide a customized workout. I had one that I met with every other week and he gave me little assignments and goals in between.

I go to the Newton YMCA and there is a really nice female trainer named Mo. You can also get together with three friends and do group training sessions and they have a youth room for younger kids to exercise as well as many programs for kids.

If you prefer to work with a class/group just make sure that the instructor will keep an eye on you to make sure you don't aggravate your knee or hernia.

I hope this helps,
A.

Hi M.,
My opinion, as a former personal trainer, is that you should join a gym and get a qualified professional to help you out with a fitness plan. You have a couple of injuries that need to be taken into careful consideration, and although Curves can work for some women, it is a one-size-fits-all approach. Also, because each is individually owned, I'm not sure how you would be sure that the person working with you is qualified to deal with your situation (I have a friend who only needed a quick training to work at one...). Be sure your trainer has some sort of certification and is somebody you're comfortable with. You frequently have the option of having just a workout plan made for you to do on your own, or to have someone work one on one with you.

I'd suggest a real gym. They cost the same as curves, but you'll have a lot more options available to you such as spinning classes, aerobic classes and weight training classes. Curves may be good to start out with but they are limited in what the offer.

Hi! If you are local... natick area, Lady of America is an all womens gym and they have the workout express(curves) room. YOu can get the best of both worlds. go online and print off the 7 day pass to go try it out for a week. Your daughter too.
P.

Hi M.,

Either place can provide you with a good work out. I think you should seriously consider someplace very close to home.

If the gym is too far you may find yourself making excuses not to go.

I've never gone to curves, but I hear it has a relatively quick circuit that ensures a pretty complete workout. I would think if excercise has not been a very regular part of your life then you may find it easier to stick to this consistent workout.

If you are successful there then you may wish to increase your workout at a local gym. If you start at the gym, you may find yourself overwhelmed and with not enough support to be successful.

J. L.

I personally like curves, I like the fact that it's all women. You don't have to change weights on equipment. It's quick and you feel like part of a community. You would just need to see if you daughter can join. I'm not sure if 10 is too young for most gyms.

If you want an all female gym then Curves is the way to go. I know many people that joined & love it! One woman (patient where I used to work) lost 20 lbs in a very short amount of time just by going to Curves & she looked great & loved it there. But if you want a female & male gym then go for a gym & skip Curves. But many people I know that joined Curves joined because they have medical problems & said Curves is "safer" and yet you get results.

Curves is great for a while but it gets boring.I always liked the gym there is a bigger variety and less boring.I also do walk away the pounds tapes which I do like.They have a few versions for a change. T.

M.

It sounds like you are a good candidate for aquatherapy .Its so much easier to exercise in the water.Maybe you can join a gym that has a pool or you can check with a local hotel that has one .They will sometimes let you use their pool for you to exercise The arthritis foundation has programs that with your conditions you can be a good place for you to learn safe ways to get the most out of your workouts.

Good Luck Roni

I joined curves a few years ago, but really didn't like it. You should go and look at it before you decide. It was just too boring going around in a circle. The average age was about 55 or so. It might be good for you if you have some injuries, but I didn't enjoy it. A gym has lots of options - classes, gym, pool, sauna, etc. It just depends on your preferences. Curves is cheaper than the YMCA. I go to the Y, but it's still hard to get there with my work schedule. The good thing about the Y is that they will watch your children, while Curves does not. Good luck!

Hi M.,
I used to work at a curves and it is a lot of fun! It's only a half an hour workout and it would be perfect for you and your daughter to do together. Also, the machines are hydrolycs so they're better on your joints. Of course, it's like every workout, you get out of it what you put into it.
Good luck and have fun!

I would strongly recommend Curves since you are just starting out. Most people I know that try and work at home end up not being motivated enough to stay consistent and end up discouraged. Some Curves do allow daughters to work out with the Mom present (both working out next to each other). I was a member of Curves for 5 years and found it very beneficial during that time. If the Curves is a "star rated Curves" then you will have a fitness trainer in the center of the circuit that will train you on the machines at first, then be there to make sure you are using the machines correctly; since you have knee issues and an abdominal hernia you can let the fitness trainer know this and they can teach you ways to do the machines that will not cause injury or to skip one machine all together if needed (I had to do this with a shoulder issue). I really liked having a place to go where people noticed if I wasn't there, it helped with motivation; also knowing that I would see the same people around the same time I went was nice. Curves is very much a community that can usually be very supportive. There is also new "smart equipment" that allows you to see that you are using each machine properly and working as hard as you can. I found that when people actually worked out hard they saw results, when they were just there to socialize then they didn't see results as much (I tried to talk to people more before and after working out). Another aspect of Curves that I liked was that you can see results if you work out 3 times a week, so it doesn't take a lot of time either, where in a traditional gym you have to spend more time working out to sometimes get the same results. I always hated doing cardio machines and knew I needed something different, Curves was perfect for me when I was a member there. I ended up switching to a traditional gym that was cheaper b/c we needed to make cuts in our budget, but found out later that there is a new program where my new insurance would pay for the monthly fee at Curves. I hope you find what works for you.

Hi M. Like you I also have knee problems and abdominal he rnias.I love to walk but my knees dont .I bought a Gazelle Edge The one that Tony Litle Has And I just love it. Its fun and I saw results in just 2 weeks Good Luck

Hi,

We have a family membership at our town YMCA. It's a great facility with a gym, pool, and activities for the whole family. The staff is great and can work with you on your individual challenges. If you have one in town, check it out. Good Luck!

M.,
I know it's hard to get back into exercising and a gym can be intimidating. Just going on walks can be super beneficial to your health with many other great benefits. You can do some resistance work by doing some light lunges and squats given your knee issues. You can buy a resistance band and do a ton of exercises with those. I do Stroller Strides, but your daughter might be too old for that. Hope this helps! Good luck!

Hi M..... I'm not sure what's right for you, but our Y membership just went up considerably, so we're going to give it up. It makes no sense to pay a monthly fee and then be charged every time you want to take a program!

I'm researching other gyms and Gold's is only $20 a month with no initiation fee...

Curves might be a good bet to get you started though, and if you can do that (though it might be aggravating to your condition).

If you go to a gym, you might pay a bit extra at first to work with a trainer who will get you going in the right direction so you won't hurt yourself.

Have fun!

I worked with a teacher who started going to Curves along with her daughter. She loved it! She and her daughter (I think her daughter was 17) were very pleased with the weight they lost. Other than that, I don't know, but I think it's great that you're motivated to try. Good luck!