May I extend a heartfelt "cheer" for the compliments that I received this weekend at the wedding of my college roommate, Jeanette. I joined Curves in January, 2010, because I wanted to trim/tone my body and continue my wellness plan in my recent retirement from 40 years in education. When my college roommate asked me to be in her wedding in Raleigh, I was happy---but I panicked at the reality of how my body had fallen into a "sorry state" from the intense years of working many, many, many hours!!!! I had heard from friends of their personal successes at Curves---and they encouraged me to join the fun! My results after 6 months were noticeable enough to solicit many positive comments from my family and friends. Thank you Margaret, Laura, Susan, and staff for your encouragement as I continue weekly exercise. I cannot wait to see what results I gain in the next 6 months at Curves!!!!

I am a thirty year old middle school teacher, wife, and mother of a 7 year old. I have never been “thin,” even as a child. In recent years, though, it seemed that pounds and inches were gradually sneaking up on me. It wasn’t having my son that caused me to gain weight. In fact, by the time he was 3 months old I was already back to my pre-pregnancy weight. It wasn’t until he was a preschooler, and I was finishing off his leftover food, that my weight starting increasing. Also, as my son got older and more independent, my life became more sedentary as I didn’t have to carry him and all of his belongings everywhere we went. Whenever I tried to buy new clothes, it was a challenge. Not only was my size getting larger, but I would have to try on many outfits to find just one that fit well. Button-down shirts would gap open in the front, fitted pants would cut into my waist, and the stylish tops that tie in the back made me look pregnant. I stopped weighing myself because I didn’t want to face the truth. About a year ago, my son started taking Tae Kwon Do classes. About 3 times a week I would go and sit in the lobby of the studio while he took his 45 minute class. I started walking around the shopping center where he classes were, looking for something to do, and came across a Curves. When I saw it, I knew that it would be the perfect solution. I would have something productive to do while my son was taking his classes, and maybe I could get into better shape. I was hesitant to go in, though. I walked past it again the next time I took my son to Tae Kwon Do, and then finally turned around and went inside. I went in just to find out more about Curves, but signed up for my own membership after seeing what a friendly, supportive, and encouraging environment it is. My initial weighing and measurement session was shocking. I had been underestimating my weight quite a bit, and had no idea how large my waist had grown. Although my numbers were disappointing, I was even more determined to make a change. When I first started going to Curves, I didn’t make any other changes in my life. Just by working out about three times a week I lost 4 pounds and 11 inches by my first month’s weighing and measuring. I was very excited with my success, but decided that if I was going to take the time to go to Curves, I should make some changes at home, too. I started cutting back on portions at meal time, doing more grilling rather than frying, and drinking water instead of soda. I replaced many of our snacks, such as chips and cookies, with fresh veggies and fruits. As I was working out at Curves and eating healthier, I found that it was increasingly easier for me to be more active in my everyday life. Carrying laundry upstairs no longer makes me breathe hard. Instead of trying to make excuses when my son asks to walk to the playground, I suggest he ride his bike so I can jog beside him. It was one of our trips to the playground that made me come to a realization. I was playing tag with my son, instead of sitting on the bench as I would have a year ago, and two other children asked to play. As I was running around after three school age children, and not getting tired, I realized that I would never have been able to do it if I hadn’t started Curves. Just a few days after that visit to the playground I had my 10 month weighing and measuring. Overall, I had lost 25 pounds and 34 inches. My body fat had decreased by more than 8 percent. Determined not to get back to the way I was a year ago, I cleaned out my closet of my old “fat” clothes and donated them to charity. When buying new clothes, the biggest problem I had was that everything I tried on fit so well, I wanted to buy everything. Whenever people comment on my weight loss, I tell them that I couldn’t have done it without the help of Curves. If I had known what a difference it would make, I would have joined Curves a lot sooner.

For me, Curves has been the type of workout I could really stick with! It's simple and, at just 30 minutes, not too time consuming. There's no waiting for machines and each person works to their own potential. I'm stronger, I get to see friends and develop relationships with new friends. We act crazy and have a lot of fun while getting healthy! I love the music (especially the Oldies) and the wonderful staff! They make coming to work out fun instead of a chore!