More than what’s in the mirror: My journey at Curves Part 3

Dani TietzJanuary 21, 2016

0 5 minutes read

*Mahomet Curves purchases advertising space on the sidebar of the Mahomet Daily. My decision to workout at and talk about my experiences at Mahomet Curves was not influenced by the advertisement on the Mahomet Daily. Instead, I chose to make a decision for my body and to be with my friend, Jan Smith, owner of Mahomet Curves because I trust her. In no way is this content promoted by or scripted by Mahomet Curves or the Curves organization.

I’m not going to have a long post about what I’ve done at Curves this week because I have been very sick all week. On Sunday night, my throat started to hurt. By Monday morning I was crying because I was so cold and every muscle in my body hurt. I have been up and down with a fever, aches, cough, upset stomach all week.

I was pretty bummed about being sick on Monday because my friend wants to give Curves a try. And that’s what I’m going to talk to you about this week.

I haven’t really mentioned this, but my person joined me at Curves when I began. Although Jan and I had this little exchange, I still thought the workouts would be more enjoyable with a very fun friend by my side, so I pretty much told her that she was coming with me. She, too, wanted to see some results from working out, so it was a win-win for both of us.

Being with my person while at Curves has added an extra layer for me too. When we are on the mats in between the machines, we will often look at each other when doing fast feet or jumping circuits and compete. Also, I am not the most coordinated person in the world, so when she’s there it is easier for mirror her movements than it is for me to figure out how my leg and arms work together.

While hanging out with a few friends last week, my person and I were talking to a few groups of friends about why we are loving the Curves workouts: they are 30-minutes, we feel like we’ve worked out when we are done and there is variety. That last part really perked some interest because some of our friends thought that Curves only offered the traditional Curves circuit.

Some said they’d left Curves even though they saw results because they got tired of doing the same circuit over and over for years. So. I’ve been inviting people to come back or visit for the first time just to give it a whirl.

Let’s talk about the classes offered at Mahomet Curves. But first, I want to say this: the workout is what you make of it. I have been at Curves at a regular circuit and some people are going all out and others are working at their own pace. Some people come 10 minutes early and stay 10 minutes after, walking in the back to keep their heart rate up. There is a lady who has worked out with an oxygen tank. Some people march on the mats and some people do planks. I am working to beat Karen Metzger’s pace. But what I love about Curves is that it is a safe place for everyone, no matter what pace you are comfortable with. Curves is responsible for giving you the tools and the opportunity to reach your goals-you’re paying them for that. But you (I) am responsible for putting in the effort to make my goals happen.

Mondays are Strength Training: This is the traditional Curves Circuit, but the focus goes on the machines. When I’m doing some of the more mat intensive classes, I find the machines harder to do, and I’m not sure that I get the most of out the machines. I know I’ll get stronger over time, but I really loved doing Strength Training Monday because the cardio on the mat was dictated by me, so I could use that energy to blast through on the machines. I was still tired after the workout, but in a different way than when I do the more cardio intensive workout. I think if I were doing Jillian Michaels or boxing all the time, I would burn myself out.

With that said, Jillian Michaels and Boxing are my favorite workouts right now. Not only does the mat work bring your heart rate up, but there is also a level or strength built into these 30-second intervals. That’s why the machines are hard for me to do at this early stage in my journey. These classes also help me really focus on my balance and coordination. My core is messed up-from babies or milkshakes or whatever. I feel like over the last three weeks, I am starting to build some of that up again.

After two weeks of Jillian Michaels and Boxing classes, I wanted something “fluffy,” so I went to a Body Balance class. Honestly, this isn’t a fluffy class; it’s core intensive, helping you to focus on the muscles that stabilize your body movements. On the mats, it helped my body to quiet, and then when I was on the machines, I was able to focus on that strength component again. This class was refreshing and worthwhile, and I really can’t wait to do it again.

If you’ve met me, you might think, “Wow. Dani is pretty hip. I bet she can really dance.” But you’d be wrong. I cannot dance at all. This is why I am very excited about trying Dance and Tone. My plan was to try Dance and Tone today (Thursday) but after a morning of work, I am realizing that I’m still not better. So, I’ll have to go next week. Another thing you might think is, “Dani was an athlete so she must have been flexible.” That’s also a no. I’m not sure if this is ALL basketball players, but the ones I played with weren’t superstars when it came to stretching. I’m hoping that Curves’ Stretch and Strength class will help me with that, though.

Mahomet Curves has a stretching machine that I really enjoy using. After each workout, members spend about 5 to 10 minutes stretching all the major muscles groups on a machine that makes stretching easy and enjoyable.

So. Here’s the deal. Mahomet Curves’ programschedule is on the top of this post. I may not make it tomorrow, but if you’d like to workout with me next week, please send me an email at mahomet@mahometdaily.com and we will set up a time to workout together.

Jan, owner of Mahomet Curves, is offering 3 free classes with no obligation to buy into a contract through the end of January. So, if you’re interested in trying some of these new programs, working out or learning about how exercise and nutrition will benefit and change your body, give Mahomet Curves a try. I guarantee you that Jan, Karen and Annie will take care of you.

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