The thing I am loving most about our Fitness Roadtest series is that it’s breaking down stereotypes.

Gold’s Gym is not just for muscle-bound blokes; legwarmers are not compulsory for Jazzercise; and, as I discovered this week, Curves is not just for the ‘purple rinse set’.

Back in the early ‘90s, circuit classes were all the rage. I’d troop along for my twice-weekly class and join other gymgoers in a circular quest for toned limbs. Guided by a ‘traffic light’ system, we’d move from station to station, using a variety of fixed weights to work different body parts.

Then circuits seemed to lose favour, replaced by the shinier, hipper Pump classes which claimed similar benefits .

Some twenty years on, circuits are once again finding popularity, particularly with time-poor women. This week, I popped along to Curves in Jamison to roadtest their 30 minute circuit – Curves is a franchise, so there’s probably one near you, no matter which part of town you live in (Belconnen, Gungahlin, Weston, Wanniassa and over the border in Queanbeyan).

Ok, so let’s get this out of the way first up. I’m pretty fit..I exercise about four times a week for an hour at a time. I admit I didn’t expect really expect a 30 minute circuit to test me. BUT. I was wrong…in fact, I was sore (in that good-sore-that-you-get-when-you’ve-worked-hard way) for a couple of days afterwards!

So, what does the Curves circuit consist of? Like a traditional circuit class, there are hydraulic resistance machines set around the room in a circle, interspersed with ‘rebounder boards’ which can act as cardio stations or core focus stations, depending on your workout. The workout combines weight bearing equipment with a cardio workout, so you’re improving your strength and your fitness at the same time.

Right at the centre you might find the Curves Coach on duty giving you ideas and motivation for these stations when she’s not guiding you in your resistance workout.

Essentially, during the circuit, you move from station to station – alternating weights and cardio – every 30 seconds. A soundtrack of upbeat, contemporary music plays, overlaid by a voiceover which tells you when to move stations.

This is where it gets all hi tech. Each member has a ‘Curves Smart’ wristband issued to them, with a chip that tracks their current working level. Each time they come in, they pop it in the computer and they’re given a target for their workout. As they move from machine to machine, they insert the chip into the slot in the equipment and it automatically displays the individual member’s goals and tells them when they need to work harder. I KNOW! So cool.

Walking into Curves at 9:15am, I’d expected it to be relatively quiet…but it was pumping! There were women of all ages – from their 20s to 82 (!!!!!) working away, led by Coach, Yvette, in the centre. Although Curves circuits are designed to be self-guided, the club has recently introduced several group sessions a day, with each day focussing on a different body part – i.e. tummy, bottom, etc. It’s a great option if you lack self-motivation.

A few things really struck me during my session:

(1)  the Coaches are adored by Curves’ members. More than once, Yvette was drawn in for a hug as she went to check on the ladies’ progress and offer encouragement;

(2)  these members are visibly chuffed to be members of what is quite obviously a community – they are rewarded according to the number of workouts they’ve completed both with paper butterflies that adorn the walls, and t-shirts emblazoned with 100, 200, 300 or 1200! Yes, seriously! Looking around the circuit, you can spot the ladies proudly wearing their achievements on their chests; and

(3)  it’s a safe and supportive place that cares about getting results. I met one young woman who has lost 40kg since the start of the year; another who is recovering from a stroke and gradually returning to exercise.

It’s worth mentioning that Curves offers something called “Curves Complete” – a complete program with exercise, diet, and coaching that includes meal plans, workouts and weekly one-on-one meetings with a Curves Coach.

Yvette was herself a size 16 just a few years ago – she’s now a size 8 – so she understands the journey to health and fitness and how tough it can be to take the first step.

If you’re intimated by ‘normal’ gyms and want a health and fitness experience that is not intimidating and really works, Curves may be what you’re looking for. Why not give our special offer a go – you’ve got nothing to lose…except maybe some kilos!

YOUR OFFER

Curves Belconnen, Gungahlin, Weston, Wanniassa and Queanbeyan are offering one week’s free membership, so that you can get a taste of their unique community. If you like it and want to sign up, you won’t pay a joining fee.

To redeem this offer, simply call the centre of your choice, and mention HerCanberra.

Curves Belconnen (Jamison)
8-10 Bowman Street, Jamison Centre
6251 1111

Curves Gungahlin
92 Phyllis Ashton Circuit, Gungahlin
6255 5916

Curves Queanbeyan
4/183 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan
6299 0344

Curves Wanniassa
Units 19 & 25, Sangster Place, Wanniassa
6296 7415

Curves Weston Creek
Brierly St., T3, Cooleman Court Shopping Centre, Weston
6288 8333