I joined Curves - Kirkwood during its grand opening in 2003. I worked out faithfully three times a week and some days I thought I wouldn't make it to the next day! It took a few months, but then I started to see results. I lost weight and inches. After about a year of Curves I felt strong. My blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels were all down to normal! I worked out at Curves three times per week and ran on the other three days. Due to some health issues, I had to stop working out for several weeks. When I could go back, I told myself it was okay to skip it for a while. BIG MISTAKE! I lost strength and energy. It was hard to get re-started, but I'm back at Curves three times a week. Strength is returning. Once you get started, DON'T STOP! It's too hard to get going again.

I started working out at Kirkwood Curves at the end of October 2003. At first I did not lose, but I definitely felt better. Then I took up the Curves Challenge (6 Week Solution - Diet) and began to think about what I was eating. I learned how to modify my eating habits in a healthy way that fit me. Since beginning at Curves, my cholesterol has dropped from 240 to 160! I have also lost around 45 pounds and 40 inches! Even though I have lost and toned, what matters most is that I feel better. Plus, for my birthday, I was able to eat my birthday cakes guilt-free!

Another great thing about Curves is the opportunity to visit other Curves. When I use my travel pass, I'm greeted just like I am at our Curves in Cedar Rapids. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming!

Each day, I look forward to coming because Curves is not just an exercising thing, it is a social outing. The members on the circut have become family. Our conversations and their encouraging words and compliments are a mental boost to my day. The 30 minutes goes by fast while visiting with other members. I have even met neighbors for the first time on the circut! Curves has become an important part of my day.

I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have helped me to do. I started at Cedar Rapids Curves in September of 2004. I had been going to another women's workout place and had seen results. However, dramatic results didn't really happen until I started here. I just can't believe how much better I feel and look.

Curves has helped me not only meet, but beat my weight goals. All told, I have lost about 90 pounds and 74 inches. I am in the very best shape of my life. I didn't have to do anything crazy or go on some weird diet. When people ask how I did it, I tell them. I eat less and exercise at Curves. I had always heard that this system would work and now I know. I never really liked to work out before. I have been one of those women who pays for a club membership and never uses it. I can't imagine doing that with Curves. Working out at Curves is fun and I see results.

I look better. I feel better. I am setting a good example for my children. What could be better?