Linda Clay,

Alpharetta, GA

My Curves experience has been nothing but positive. I joined Curves the end of January last year and so far have lost 29.5 pounds, 36 inches, and have gone from a body fat of 35.7% to 29.3%. When I joined Curves ten months ago I was wearing size 16 pants. Today I am wearing a 6 - that's 5 pant sizes! My loss has not been fast, but it has been steady. I actually feel that a slow loss is best. It's healthier, and gives your body and mind time to adjust to a new size and life style. I still have ten pounds and some body fat to loose, but I am confident that with the support of my Curves friends this will happen before I know it.

In addition to helping me slim and tone my body, Curves has really helped my self esteem. When I first joined Curves I was so self conscious and unsure of myself that I had to force myself to walk in the door the first time. I have never been athletic and I was sure that I would feel clumsy and out of place. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Curves gals are great! They coach you through all the exercises, and make the time go by quickly with their friendly chatter. I guess you can tell that I am a big Curves fan. Do yourself a favor, join the Curves family and commit to changing your life forever.

Cheryl Nichols, Norcross, GA

Dear Elaine and Curves Staff,

Most of my adult life has been spent overweight. I tried many diets over the years, some with good, but all with temporary results.

In February 2004, with a cholesterol level over 300 and the big "5-oh" looming ahead, I once again approached weight-loss with a new resolve. All of my past weight-loss tries were on my own, with no support or guidance, so I signed up with a weight loss program. Happy with the early results, I soon realize4d a piece of the puzzle was missing. Eating less or better is only part of it-the key to long-term results is exercise. UGH! My idea of exercise was walking between the fridge and the couch or sear4ching for the remote control. I had tried gyms before, but didn't care for that environment-solo workouts were not successful for me either.

The thing about Curves that appealed to me was a support network of circuit coaches and members, no men or Barbie-doll instructors. I signed up in March 2004.

Curves makes me feel like a big loser-in the absolute best way possible. Since February I've shed a total of 37 pounds-34 since signing up with Curves. Inches and body fat were things I never considered. I began my journey last February in a size 18 and as of October, continue in a size 8 empowered with the tools and the support I need. And fun? Whoever thought exercise could be fun? It's like going to camp!

I know I have to do it by myself-but I don't have to do it alone. My Curves experience has been, and will continue to be, a life changing one. I can only hope to inspire one person 1/10^th as much as the Curves staff and members inspire me. Curves will always be a part of my weight management routine!

Joan Robb, Norcross, GA

Curves! What a blessing you have been to me. Looking back on pictures of myself with my children and grandchildren, I realize the importance of being fit and healthy. At the weight I am now my energy level is much better than before. I feel like I can do much more with my grandchildren and I know that I will probably live longer and be with them longer because I'm healthier. God tells us in the bible that our body is a temple. If we treat it as a temple, we will continue to maintain our healthy lifestyle.Curves, my friends and my family also play a big part in maintaining this. I'm excited because I know God has opened new doors through Curves for myself and many others. What a Blessing!!!!!!

Gail Salva, Alpharetta, GA

When I joined Curves in October 2003, I had very low self-esteem. I hated the way I looked and I didn't feel healthy. I was very self-conscious when I walked into Curves for the first time but I was immediately made to feel comfortable. I was extremely over weight and had always been too self-conscious to work out at large, co-ed gyms. I liked that Curves was small, dedicated to women and didn't have any large mirrors on the walls!

I had been working out at Curves for several months when the manager convinced me to try the Six Week Challenge. I had lost some weight working out at Curves but I needed to lose a lot more. The whole experience of the Six Week Challenge was wonderful. The meetings were very informative and inspiring and it was great getting to know the women going through the program with me. I lost 13.5 pounds during the six weeks, but more importantly, I learned how to continue the program on my own. Thanks to Curves and their "Permanent Results without Permanent Dieting" program, I have lost 43 pounds and am over half way to my goal weight.

I can honestly say that Curves changed my life. I've dropped 3 sizes and I feel great. The inches I've lost as a result of exercising has caused many people to tell me they think I've lost a lot more weight than I actually have. It's wonderful to buy form-fitting clothes instead of the baggy clothes I used to wear to try to hide my body. My whole outlook on life is more positive and my self-confidence has increased tremendously. My family is very proud of my results and my children lover the fact that they can wrap their arms around me when they hug me. Thank you, Curves, for helping me realize what I'm capable of and for all of the constant support.

Carrie Ann Ledoux, Norcross, GA

I began coming to Curves in August of 2003. I started because I just could not keep up with my almost 2-year-old daughter and I am a teacher that really enjoys doing exciting things with her class! After I had my daughter, I was 236 pounds and I thought I would lose most of my weight nursing her. When my daughter turned 9 months, I stopped nursing her and realized that I was still 223 pounds. I was miserable and I knew that my daughter would be walking before I knew it. I began trying to diet and watched what I ate, but I really was not seeing any results. By August 2003, I was 216 pounds and by this time my daughter was not only walking, but also walking and running faster than I could go. At this time, my mom told me about Curves and offered to pay for a membership for my birthday if I promised to try it for one full year! I lost eight pounds and six inches the first month. I then got the book " Permanent Results without Permanent Dieting" from my mom and I read it through. It helped me realize that I had to change my eating habits for life, not just go on a fad diet and I had to exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3 times/week. I continued to work out and eat better and the inches and pounds began to shed off. I began to feel less tired and more energetic. My daughter and I began to play more and take walks with our dogs. My husband also began to notice and was impressed. That February, I did the Six Week Challenge and it really inspired me to continue drinking the protein shakes for extra vitamins and minerals that I definitely need! This January I was so excited to see that I had lost 36 pounds and 13.75 inches last year!!! Thank you Curves for helping me get my life back and looking good again

Heidi Weiss, Roswell, GA

Disheartened, Disconsolate, Demoralized. These words for many years summarized my feelings about my weight, culminating in the fall of 2003. My husband had already started a weight-loss regimen that summer. My husband at 6'3" tall and me at 5"7" both weighed exactly the same weight, 250 lbs. I knew it was time to make a change.

I have a most wonderful family. Other than this one persistently frustrating area, my weight, I had and continue to have a wonderful life in every way. In past years, I had tried books, exercise equipment, fad diets, calorie counting, and programs based on special foods or points, all to no avail. I even went as far as having stomach- stapling surgery. I simply couldn't get my weight under control and going through menopause wasn't making it any easier.

In June 2003, I began to walk just to get started. I began eating healthier and feeling better about myself but I knew I still needed help. In October 2003, I saw an ad for Curves. The skeptic that I was. I advised that I was willing to join for one month but I wouldn't consider signing a contract. I still had my doubts. I finally embraced a system that allowed me to take control of my health. I absolutely loved the 30 minute work out! Two weeks later, I signed a one-year agreement and told the Manager, Nancy, that my goal was to get out of Plus Size clothes and into a size Large. Curves has presented me with so many choices that it almost seems too easy. I shed 14 pounds during the Six Week Challenge and I now know how to speed up my metabolism so I will never have to diet again. The Curves Supplements, GlucoCrave Extreme, Stress Eze and Curves Protein Shake have helped me maintain a healthy body as well as a healthy mind.

In July 2004, I ran the 10K Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta and crossed the finish line in my size MEDIUM Curves t-shirt. My 15 months with Curves has been life altering. I have lost 62 lbs,. Lowered my percentage of body fat by almost 10% and have more energy than I ever could have dreamed possible. As my teenager would say, CURVES ROCKS!

Penny Bell, Alpharetta, GA

I joined Curves September 1, 2004.  I had just had a bout with high blood pressure, (220/115).  My doctor highly recommended that I needed to lose weight and start a regular exercise program.  I had already heard about the Curves program from my sister-in-law. I had seen her results.  I liked the idea of 30 minutes three times a week.

The day I joined I heard some talk about a "Challenge."  I got some more information about it and decided to do it.  I did not lose like I wanted to, but I stuck to it.  I am now in my third Challenge, and losing weight and fat.

Not only have I lost weight, I have also gotten more flexible.  I am 54.  A few weeks ago I went through the McDonald's Play land with my 2 ½ year old grandson.

Thank you Curves, and all the staff for helping me to feel better and look better. My family and I now have a longer future together.

Carla Hewitt, Alpharetta, GA

My On Going Story.....

On August 21, 2004, a very special person in my life passed on after living with cancer for several years. We had made a pact several months ago that for every pound he gained back (he lost about 20 lbs. due to loss of appetite from the chemo) I would lose a pound. Well, thanks to some wonderful appetite stimulating prescriptions and an all you can eat restaurant called China Buffet, he gained back 16 pounds! I on the other hand was not living up to my part of the bargain. On July 14, 2004 I stepped on my doctors scales for my annual checkup.205 pounds. I couldn't believe my eyes. Never, even during my 9th (and 10th) months of pregnancies with my three girls did I ever see the scales tip 200. I was so ashamed. The next six weeks I starved myself, drank 'health shakes', weighed everyday and lost 16 pounds. Then summer ended. We had our two oldest girls going off to college, and our youngest starting her junior year in high school. Then this very special person entered the hospital, with fever, for a ten-day stay. Thanks to hospice he was able to come home on Friday, August 20, 2004. My middle daughter, Jess, attends college in my home town. My sister Janet and her family live there also. On September 1, 2004 Jess and my sister Janet, joined Curves!!! They encouraged me to join. My weight was finding me again. On September 20, 2004 I drove through the parking lot where I thought there was a Curves. The space was dark. They had moved, but I didn't know where. I went on to work. The next day I was stopped at the light by the same shopping center and I saw a banner for Curves with a phone number. I called. They said they were around the corner in a bigger space in the same shopping center. That's life isn't it, sometimes we just don't look hard enough, or quite go far enough! She said please come on in!! I made the block and found a parking spot. On September 21, 2004 I walked in the Main Street Curves center in Alpharetta, Ga. and took back control of my life. They were kicking off a Six Week Challenge that week. It was just the start I needed. I begged to be included (they had put off the kickoff the week before because of a hurricane). It was meant to be! I told them and they agreed. I started this journal entry on October 21, 2004, one month after I started Curves and two months after my daddy passed. I miss him. I am adding to this On going Story this day, October 25, 2004. My 4 week weigh in and measurements say it all, weight loss 9.5 lbs, 8.25 inches and 7.14 lbs of body fat! And I feel great! God has Blessed me with a special Place to take control of me.Thank you CURVES.for a great start!

Elise Ray, Alpharetta, GA

I've always had issues with my weight. But when the scales hit 160 pounds, I knew it was time for action. Upon, the great things I heard from a friend I looked into Curves. I had my figure analysis and checked the place out. One week later I joined and it was one of the best decisions I've made! I started really watching what I ate and working out 3 times a week. In the first month I lost 7 pounds. I was feeling great and had tons of energy. Before joining Curves I had a hard time hiking long trails with lots of steep inclines. This summer I was able to hike up to Glacier Basin on Mt. Rainier to meet my boyfriend after he summated the mountain. It was 7 miles round trip with an 1800 foot elevation gain. All told in the past 10 months I've lost 19 pounds, almost 20.5 inches and 6% body fat. I couldn't have done it without the love and support I get from the great staff at Curves.

Member since: April 1, 2003

Pam L. Alpharetta, GA

"Just prior to Christmas, when I became a Curves member, I was already thinking ahead. I told Jackie that my personal goal was to be fit enough come spring, that I would not hurt when I started gardening. But in March a more demanding job presented itself. My husband and I decided to lay procelain tile on our new porch by ourselves. I didn't grasp the size of the project until we went to pick up the 14 boxes of tiles, 15 sheets of concrete board, 250 lbs of thinset mortar and 40 lbs of grout. My husband had a herniated disc in January so lifting heavy weights is not something he does unless under duress. I carried each 60lb box of tile from the truck into the garage and later from the garage to the porch. I helped to carry the concrete boards to the same sites. I poured dry mortar from the 50lb bags and I mixed mortar (by hand....now that's an arm workout!). I set 700 screws and laid and grouted all 216 sq ft of tile. It was a total of 19 hours on my hands and knees, leaning, lifting, pushing, pulling, bending and twisting. Yes, of course I hurt, but only for a day and only from tired muscles. No strains, no intense pains. I know absolutely that if I had not been regularly doing the Curves workout, there is no way I would have tackled this project let alone survived it. And you know what? I am very proud of me. I am 50 years old and I did something that required more stength than I had at 25. And it's a darn good job too! Thanks Barbara, Gail and Jackie! Now bring on that gardening.....

Member since December 15, 2002

Suzanne Terry, Roswell, GA

Words can't express the difference Curves has made in my life. In June, 2002, I had a stern talk with myself. I had become depressed and became an emotional eater. I took a long look at myself in a store mirror - I didn't even recognize myself. I looked every bit the middle aged mother of four that I am and I didn't like that.

So I low carbed and lost 30 lbs but I had only dropped to a size 20 from the 22 I started at. I was discouraged, to say the least, and quit my diet, except I realized I felt terrible allowing carbs back into my diet and depression tightened it's grip on me.

I was forced with a choice -returning to depression medication, which I hated to do, or my doctor suggested I try a regular exercise routine that alters metabolic levels. I would have done anything to avoid prozac, again!

So in April of 2003, I returned to my low carb lifestyle, but THIS TIME I added the Curves 3x/week workout. In 6 weeks, I lost 30 more lbs(compared to the 12 weeks it took me before, without exercise). But more exciting than that, in 12 weeks I went from a size 20 to a size 10/12!! AND I have been able to stay off medication!! Five months later, I am still at goal size and loving every minute!! I now have the energy to play with my four kids. One day shortly after reaching my goal weight, I was wrestling on the floor with my 5 year old. He stopped, grasped my face with his pudgy little hands and said, "Momma, this is so fun. How come we've never done this before?? It brought tears to my eyes that my excess weight had robbed me and my son of precious
moments like these.

I now regularly shop in the Juniors department! People I don't even know at work come up to me and ask what caused such a dramatic change. I'm not as afraid of the camera as I used to be. I wore a bikini this past summer for the first time in more than 20 years!

Dropping all those inches has meant so much to me. And I wouldn't have been able to do it without the support and comradery I found at Curves. I will forever be indebted.

Member since April 3, 2003

Bonnie Sharpe, Alpharetta, GA

Curves is so good for me.  It is a place to heal, grow and make friends.  My marriage was ending, my weight was increasing and my friends were drifting away.  After being on the pity pot so long and not liking myself I knew something needed to be done.   

When I was younger I was able to eat, eat, eat.  Then I turned 35 and it started getting a little harder.  Once I hit 40 it was like my metabolism was in slow motion or non-existent.  It certainly didn't help that I had a child at 38 and two c-sections under my belt - so much for a flat tummy.  A few years after my child was born, I had to have a hysterectomy.  Boy did the pounds just find me.   I would read Women's World and try all their diets.  Some worked for a short while but those pounds kept finding their way back to me.  I even walked a mile or two several days a week.  Success just never came and the self esteem kept getting lower and lower.  You can get caught in a cycle and after trying so many diets, you just give up.  Then one day I heard of this new club called Curves.  I'd heard women were having success in loosing weight and inches.  After a week at the beach in a bathing suit, I knew it was time to do something. I came back and signed up.  I knew I had nothing to lose. I stopped by the Abbotts Bridge location and I received this welcome that was really warm and inviting. It just made my day.  The enthusiasm was so contagious. Even those who were working out on the circuit welcomed me.  Randy showed me around, talked about the circuit and read me so many success stories I just signed on the dotted line.  She said the only condition was I needed to show up three times a week.  Well the first four weeks went by and I started to see a difference.  I didn't lose 20 pounds but I didn't expect it this time. I was much more realistic and was happy to see some reduction in weight.  Then I got measured.  Wow over two inches and only four weeks into the program.  The next month I stayed the same but Randy kept encouraging me.  Just keep coming and the weight and inches will come off. I heard this a lot. At the end of three months I had lost six pounds and seven inches.  This was the first time since my surgery that I was able to lose so much weight. I even had several days I ate anything I wanted.  I just couldn't believe it. I have several pounds and inches to go but I now know I can do it.  I found the secret ingredient "Curves".  

Well losing weight is only one reason to go to Curves.  It's also an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.  It's a place where you can work out your frustrations, talk (while on recovery stations of course) and feel good about yourself.  Your self-esteem improves; you look better and feel better.  You get to taste success.  We all know success breeds success.   I can't think of a better reason for going to Curves. 

At Curves you don't need to dress up in expensive workout clothes, worry about looking fat or feel like you're the oldest one on the block.  It is a place to come and be yourself. You can come alone or with a friend.  For me, I call it my weekly medicine for improving mind, body and spirit!

Member since July, 2004

Yvonne Iundate, Norcross, GA

Member since October 2002

I was wearing a brand new pair of black jeans, size 18, and I could hardly breathe in them. I had enough and with a girlfriend joined a weight loss program but I knew that wasn't enough. At 43 and over 200 pounds on my 5'4" frame, I power walked 2 to 2 ½ miles at least three times per week and was not getting any results. On October 10, 2002 that all changed. I joined Curves and the inches started dropping. I loved the atmosphere and diversity of the "real" women, not work out goddesses that went there. After about a month or so of Curves conditioning, I decided to go on one of my walks and I was amazed at how easy it was. Instead of two miles I walked four and I felt I could go longer. My body started dropping the flab and building muscles. I am now wearing size 9 and even some 6's ad I have lost over 60 lbs. More importantly, I feel great and I'm finally not Forty and Fat! If I can do it , you can too!