Working out doesn't have to be such a stressful experience, but with the way gyms operate these days, the thought of going to one can be daunting. It seems like everyone you go to the gym with is already in perfect shape, and with the wall-to-wall mirrors and other gym fellows, it can be tough to let your guard down and concentrate on working out.

Luckily, there is now a gym ladies can call their own. Located in Bonifacio Global City, Curves is a fitness center that was created for women who want a workout space where they can be themselves. Here, you don’t have to worry about makeup, mirrors, or the distraction of male gym-goers. You can be 16 or 60 and still have a place at Curves. With a warm, friendly atmosphere and female circuit coaches who are dedicated to bringing out the best in their members, this all-woman gym draws even the biggest gym skeptics to their door.


STARTING OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

Curves really works with a woman’s personal health and fitness goals in mind. Members are given a fitness assessment, which, among other things, takes into consideration their desired results and motivations for getting in shape.

There’s no need to be shy or embarrassed about what you want to achieve at Curves. The circuit coaches are genuine in every sense of the word. They know everyone’s names and are always ready with encouraging advice. Curves or no curves—everyone here is given the same positive attention.


FEELING THE BURN

Joi, senior circuit coach at Curves, let FN in on their 30-minute workout, which combines cardio exercises and strength training. Here's how it works: basically, there are a number of hydraulic machines and recovery mats alternately arranged in a circle, which is also called the circuit. You spend 30 seconds on each machine, where different areas of your body are targeted, and 30 seconds on the recovery mat, where you can walk, run, or jump in place—anything that keeps you moving.

Working out on the machines elevates your heart rate, while the recovery mat allows you to maintain that level. It may sound easy, but the whole experience is a lot more challenging than most people realize. According to Joi, you need to do as many rounds on a machine as you can within 30 seconds to get your heart pumping. The more elevated your heartbeat is, the more calories you burn.


CURVES WITH ZUMBA

There are also days when Curves has a certified Zumba instructor come in to get everybody dancing. The Latin dance exercise regimen is deftly incorporated into the 30-minute workout, taking the place of the time spent on the recovery mat. FN was lucky enough to catch Zumba instructor Dina Grieve in action as she led a group of members into a high-energy routine that had everyone smiling and just plain having fun.

The whole Curves experience is more than exhilarating.  At the end of the workout, you will feel more energized than you did coming in, and it's easy to realize that this was what a gym should be—empowering, encouraging and definitely enjoyable.


Check out the gallery below to a peek at what happens in Curves.


Read these articles for more exercise tips:

• Barre3: Combining Ballet, Yoga, and Pilates for a Leaner, Longer Physique
• How I Learned to Love Exercise
• Walk It Out! 3 Tips for More Efficient Exercise while Walking
• How to Stop Making Excuses to Avoid Exercising
• Running 101: 13 Tips for Newbie Runners
• 9 Tips on Getting Back into Running after a Break

(All photos courtesy of Jennifer Chan)

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