Curveeeeeey

One of my goals for the year is really to feel more healthy in my own body.  Even though I like my weight and shape, I know I need to be more physically active, or one day I will NOT like my weight and shape.

Interesting note - I read today that 70% of the known causes of cancers are totally avoidable and related to lifestyle only - isn't that amazing?  I can basically choose a lifestyle that will lower my chances of getting cancer by 70%, and if I don't do it, I have to take responsibility...

At any rate, Wes and I were members of a big awesome gym, but it wasn't an easy gym, i.e. it took me an hour and a half to really get to all the machines, do cardio, stretch, feel good.  So someone suggested Curves to me, which I sort of wrote off.  I had this incorrect idea that Curves was for older, really overweight women - which is not a bad thing at all, but I didn't think it was for me.  But because I liked the idea of only women in my gym, I read about it a bit and decided to check into it.  I visited the Curves in Vinings and had a great experience.  Things I like:
1. There were women from 21 to 65 there.
2. Some of the women I met have been Curves members for years, and they look fabulous.
3. The circuit only takes 30 minutes to complete twice, which is a hard, full-body weights and cardio workout. Faster = better for busy women.  Fun music plays, and it tells you when to change machines every few minutes.
4. The atmosphere is fun (music), social (people were welcoming and helpful), and very non-judgmental.  There were also things all over the walls celebrating the members' achievements, weight loss, number of workouts, etc.  Recognition helps.
5. The CurveSmart program is very cool - your magnetic wrist band sticks onto every machine you use and records what you do (calories burned, etc.) and the computer tracks your goals and workouts so you can really see it for extra motivation.
 6. They sell items specifically for women (protein shakes, etc.)

Overall, it was a really good first experience.  I am going to try to go 3 or 4 times each week, starting next week.  I am hoping to find a few workout buddies.  

Soon I will be curvy (I already am) but feel fabulous. :)