The idea of spending endless hours working out, getting sore all over in the process and more often than not, spending a lot of money for a lost cause, it is no wonder fitness regimes are not everyone’s cup of tea.  People prefer to skirt the issue altogether or share a laugh about it instead. What they fail to realize is that those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.

Curves for Women, the largest fitness franchise in the world with over 10,000 locations in over fifty countries, has recently opened a branch in Riyadh where it hopes to create awareness among women about the benefits of exercising and strength training. Their main mantra is how to “get a fast, efficient 90-minute workout in just 30 minutes.”

The Curves workout is designed specifically for those who are intimidated by traditional gyms and those with very limited time. It’s a 30-minute workout program that uses hydraulic resistance machines that are arranged in a circle, where you move from machine to machine on a time interval. There are 8-12 pieces of equipment in the circuit that target specific body parts and involve warm-up, aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching and cool-down. The circuit moves you from station to station and is directed by music and taped instructions. A qualified instructor provides encouragement and offers her assistance whenever necessary.

Curves does not merely deal with problems of weight-gain; it also advocates the absolute requirement of strength training. Dieting is the first thing that comes to mind when we talk of obesity. But uncontrolled dieting can lead to muscle loss and that could lead to further medical complications. Strength training is thus an indispensable part of any fitness routine and this is where the functionality of hydraulic machines becomes so important. 

According to Nisreen Talal, manager of Curves for Women in Riyadh, “When using hydraulic resistance machines, there are no weight stacks to manage or change, it is a safe, load-bearing activity that helps to maintain bone density and fight osteoporosis. It also strengthens muscles providing joint stability which is a crucial part of arthritis treatment. Women of any age can use the equipment because it adjusts to their ability and reduces any potential for soreness and injury because one needs to first push and then pull, rather than lift and lower weights.”

We have frequently seen that many professional fitness centers do not accommodate people of different fitness levels. More often than not, we hear of soreness or injuries caused by lifting weights after the first few classes. But Curves uses hydraulic exercise machines which only offer resistance when the users are exerting force and so they are less likely to experience soreness.

The fun and social environment that the Curves facility provides is also a huge draw for its clients. Most women enjoy the camaraderie as they move along from one machine to another, sharing more than just 30 minutes of intense exercising. And because they face each other while exercising, there is a sense of support, which does not get competitive since each one gets to work out on different equipment.

“There are more young girls in this center than older women, although it is beneficial for women of all ages,” says Nisreen. “It is the need to look and feel great that brings the women here.”

It could take about three classes per week to reach one’s fitness goals, depending on the intensity of the routine and also dietary controls. Nisreen is hoping that the center here will have the services of a nutritionist in about two months.

For all the women out there who need to change the way they see their lives today, you’ve got to say, “I think that if I keep working at this and want it badly enough, I can have it.” It’s called perseverance. Four million Curves members around the world are doing just that, whether for losing weight, burning fat, toning up, gaining energy or just being very happy.

Contact Curves at: +96614633219

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