Curves Routine Passes Workout Test

With 8,500 locations, Curves for Women is the world’s largest fitness center franchise and the fastest-growing franchise of any kind in U.S. history.

But does its unique blend of efficient workouts and enthusiastic socializing really work?

It does for women seeking light-to-moderate exercise, according to a new study by the American Council on Exercise.

Kristin Greaney, a researcher from the University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse, who headed the study, puts it this way in the organization’s March-April magazine:

“For the very active, it’s not that spectacular of a workout. But for those who have been sedentary, Curves is just what they need.”

ACE hooked 15 Curves members to various monitors, including a portable metabolic analyzer. The exercisers burned an average of 184 calories in a 30-minutes session, comparable to the amount expended in a brisk walk.