I just finished participating in a 3 week fitness study at my local Curves. Since I knew there were some issues with the corporate owner’s politics, I went into the experience with some trepidation. But at the end of the day, I get the hype, and like these New England women, I could potentially rationalize my political discomfort and join.

Here’s why.

If there is a “the opposite of gym rat,” that’s me. I’m intimidated by both gym and locker room — they bring out my self-conciousness and defensiveness like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.

And yet, I was comfortable at my local Curves.

Roughly 2/3 of the women there were older and heavier than I am, including the staff. I never felt judged or incompetent, even when someone corrected my arm or leg positioning. My local Curves was also intriguingly diverse — I would guess 60% African-American, 5-10% South Asian, 30-35% white, and although it skewed older, in all those groups the age range was 25-60+.

It also produced results. Their 30 minute workout, done 3x/week for 3 weeks, with no other major lifestyle changes, caused me to lose 3.1 lbs and reduced my body fat by 1.4% (incidentally, to just under the obese marker). I can tell it also boosted my metabolism — during the last few days, I was HUNGRY.
The only thing that didn’t work for me were the hours that the superconvenient local franchise was open.

I was willing to inconvenience Jill and disrupt our family time together for a 3 week study, but I’m not willing to do it as a lifestyle choice. I need to find a way to exercise in the early morning and be back home roughly when Noah wakes up, no later than 6:45 am.

So I’m looking at alternatives, and I told the local Curves that if they ever open at 6 instead of 6:30, please call me back.