I too have found a Curves just by Zerhs - very conveinient; but haven't yet rung them, anyone out there let me know what to expect? Is it women only or family? I should ring really you you lot often have much more inside info

OK! Right, I haven't done any form of exercise (apart from the odd swim) since leaving school a million years ago - not including walking the Henry, so I was very nervous about doing the whole gym thing.

I went along to Curves to get some info about prices and just to see what it involved and before I knew it I had joined.

There is a circuit of machines and these square bouncy jogging mat things in between each machine (recovery station). You spend 30 seconds on a machine (doesn't sound long but some of those machines are a nightmare - I don't like the squat or dip shrug ones) and then 30 seconds on a recovery station (walking/dancing/jogging) and you go round the circuit twice, do some stretches and your done! 30 minutes 3 times a week. I have been going since this thread started and have lost inches without dieting (I intend to add the diet bit soon). I feel healthier, ache less and actually look forward to going along and spending some time on me.

One nice thing is it's not intimidating, the machines are set - no changing weights or anything. It's women only and a wide range of ages and abilities, there are some young fit skinnies, lots of 30+ year olds with baggy t shits and muffin tops (me) and loads of wrinklies (I go in the day time when the oldies are about keeping busy). There is even a one legged lady.

After the initial fee the monthly payments work out about the same as weight watchers or slimming world and the girls can give you diet advice as well, so for me it seems better value for money. Once you get in the habit of going it does get enjoyable - I am even able to talk to the girls while I'm on a machine without passing out now too!

I give Curves a big

Thanks Piff Poff - I think I will pop along and see what the local one is like and then probably take the plunge ...!

Thanks again, J

Hi Piff Poff I had a look they have them all over the world, you can even start a franchise unfortunately there isn't one near us and as we are hoping to be in Canada this year not much point in starting a new business, does look good though, will join when we get there, pleased you enjoy it thats half the battle, keep up the good work

Yep there was even one in Hatfield - had I known I would have gone whilst in England - just for a break. Mind you the way I was wheezing in the UK it probably is a good job I stayed away!

That sound goods, I''ll have to make my self knuckle down and joined up!

been going to curves 3-4 times a week..i can do 25-35 minutes (depending on lcoation..one of the ones has more machines and is further away). Joined weight watchers on tues, weighed 110.4 kg.

been cycling like mad ...done over 70km in the working week (though very little on the weekend), and sticking to the kickstart program, though i have trouble eating as much as 22 points!

here's hoping come thurs the difference isn't just water weight from the period..i tend to retain a lot of liquids.

Dear all Ex-Fat friends ... please have a read through my guru guide to losing weight and getting fit .....

Sorry ladies - this just made me giggle, and unfortunately I can identify with so many of the comments - you may have seen it before - but have a chuckle

.Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it.. don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit.Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain . Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies , your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good !

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING !!! ... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

BRILLIANT ANN!

lost 3 pound according to weigh in!

lets hope i can keep this up!

well done Caitilin keep at it

Congratulations

Thats great Caitlin......I got weighed yesterday and stayed the same after having a 3 and half pound loss last week.....was a bit dissapointed but have been sucking lozengers for throat, so gather theres loads of sugar in them, therefore my points on weight watchers that I save for my weekend wine are probably down the swanny now.....still will keep trying......

Keeping healthy comes before weight loss!
try liquorice or cowslip tea too, good cough suppresants and calorie free.

just keep at it!

thanks for that! i've got some liquorice tablets but couldn't remember why and it doesn't explain it on the bottle - i got them for a persistent cough i've got!! will start taking them again now since my cough's a little more persistent after a cold i had recently!

and currently in yo-yo land with the weight, i'm sure my brain will kick into gear soon with regards food, have finally started swimming once a week after talking about it since last september though!!

positive thoughts and karma to everyone!