"Curves for Women" is one of the fastest growing franchise chains ever. Obviously the business model is successful, but is it as successful as a productive workout/fitness regime? I do not have any personal experience with it simply because of its "women only" policy. One of Excellence In Fitness’ most devoted clients decided to try it out in order to add some variety in her workout program and to also satisfy a curiosity surrounding the latest fitness trend.

The following is a first-hand account of the "Curves for Women" experience:

I recently decided to check out Curves, the new workout franchise for women. I am a committed walker and strength trainee (5-1/2 yrs. with Excellence In Fitness), but I wanted to burn some extra calories and Curves looked like a fun, easy way to do it.

During my first visit I was given information combined with a free tryout supervised by a Curves employee. The workout sent so fast I hardly remembered anything about the correct form on the hydraulic machines. I was told the object of the workout was to complete as many repetitions as possible during each 30-second period. I was also assured that safety is a given because "you push, then pull, rather than lift and lower weights." Ok, no problem! I signed up! The second workout was also supervised – a good thing because I had clearly forgotten the correct form on many of the eight machines there at the time.

When I showed up for the 3rd workout I was on my own as there was no employee on the floor – big problem! I rushed through the circuit, and then went on to do errands. That night my lower back felt strained a bit. Just tired, I thought. The next morning I couldn’t put any weight on my back when I got out of bed, but I went to work anyway. By the time I came home from work I was in agony and, for the first time in my life, I called a back specialist for help. The experience led to a complete back workup which showed no serious pathology, but Curves had led me straight to back strain! The doctor's conclusion – avoid the manic pace of a Curves workout. Now I am focusing more on eating fewer calories, staying with my strength training program and walking as always. I have friends who swear by the Curves program but I won’t be returning there anytime soon!