Choose the Workout for Your Personality
Just like Curves members come in different shapes and sizes, we have a rainbow of personalities, too. Some of us are go-getters who like to sweat to the max during our gym workouts. Others prefer a slower paced, gentler session. Others still see the best routine as one that combines a variety of activities and intensities to mix it up. Research shows the better a workout suits your personality, the more you will enjoy it. And the more you enjoy exercise, the more likely you will be to stick with your workout plan.
Luckily, Curves offers classes in addition to the standard 30-minute Curves Circuit full body workout, so you can create the perfect training plan for you.
To help you pick the best workout to fit your personality and your fitness needs, here are some tips:
High intensity workouts – If you’re a ball of energy
First of all, congrats—most of us wish we had more zest to get through the day! To channel that energy the right way, try high intensity interval training coupled with stretching and cooling down. A HIIT full body workout class incorporates strength, speed, power, and yes, stretching. Alternate the cardio class with the Curves 30-minute whole body workout on strength training equipment, and you’ll be good to keep on going!
Compound exercises – If spontaneity is your thing
Spontaneous people get bored easily and like variety in their exercise plans. To keep your body and your mind challenged, try doing the Curves 30-minute whole body workout one day, boxing the next, balance the next, etc. You will work every muscle in your body and hit all the fitness targets—strength, cardio, balance, and flexibility—to boot. You can also throw in a few jumping jacks, planks, and lunges to mix things up.
Group exercise classes – If you’re social
For social butterflies, an exercise session where you’re surrounded by caring, supportive women is just what the doctor ordered. Curves is the perfect place for you. Not only will Curves provide companionship, it will also help boost exercise intensity. Research has shown that adults who exercise with others exercised harder than those who exercised alone. Plus, exercising in a group setting seems to yield better health benefits than working out by yourself—bonus!
Lower intensity workouts – If you’re quieter and more reserved
If you value peace and tranquility in your everyday life, chances are, you will respond best to a workout that’s similar in its pace. It’s still important to give your body some cardiovascular exercise, which you can do with the Curves Circuit and a weekly cardio class. The lower intensity Body Basics class, which focuses on strength based functional movements that emphasize arms, core, and legs, will also work well for you. Balance classes will add stability and a stronger core. An occasional yoga class can also help you maintain your inner zen and flow.
Full body workouts – If you’re tough and competitive
Some people respond best to workout plans that make them set goals and reach—or beat—them. In one study published in the Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis, researchers looked at the effects of goal-setting in college-level rugby players. They found the players who set specific goals showed enhancements in the specific areas of performance they set out to improve.
If you crave this kind of goal-reaching, challenge yourself by doing the Curves Circuit at a medium intensity the first day, slightly higher the next, and build your way up. Throw in a boxing class once or twice a week to combine cardio, strength, coordination and balance, all while feeding your competitive edge. Cardio classes, which are higher intensity and provide a full body workout complete with speed, power, and agility, will also fit well into your personalized training plan.
30-minute circuit workout – If you’re sensitive
Sensitive people respond to the mood in the room as they engage in a gym workout, and they pick up on vibes from people who exercise around them. Curves is all about sisterhood and support, so the 30-minute Circuit or any of the Curves classes will be a good place for you. Try all the classes to incorporate strength, cardio, flexibility, and balance, and focus on the areas that best match your fitness goals.
The good thing about Curves is there is so much to offer, so you can change your workout plan to match how you’re feeling physically and emotionally that day. Feeling feisty? Go for the boxing class. A little glum? Pick yourself up with some energizing cardio. You’re in control.
Remember, no matter what combination of classes or intensities you choose to engage in at Curves, you’re getting stronger and healthier. As you go through the Curves Circuit and sweat in classes, you will increase your stamina, your flexibility, your balance, and your overall physical fitness and set the stage for a healthy, active future. As a Curves member, you can show up as often or take as many classes as you choose. Your best workout is one you customize to your emotional and physical needs.
Calling All Curves Members: Share the Love!
At Curves, we want to shout our benefits to the rooftops! We are all in this together, and we want to give each other the support we all deserve. That means it’s time for you to help empower someone you care about to take control of her future. This is a responsibility we’re asking you all to take seriously: If we each bring just one new person to Curves, together we will help change the lives of TENS OF THOUSANDS of women. In turn, these women can then become healthy role models and inspire many more people around them as well. So, make it your mission to partner with Curves over the next 30 days to help someone you know and love to live a healthier, stronger life.
The Curves women’s gym workout is convenient, combining strength training and cardio plus stretching – all in just 30 minutes – to strengthen your whole body. For more information about Curves and the full body workouts the Curves Circuit provides, visit ‘Why Curves’.
