Kate’s Story - 6 weeks to Get the Habit of Exercise
in 2021 member Kate wrote her story for us. Since then she’s clocked up another hundred workouts bringing her to over 500 and well on her way to the next milestone!
At the end we’ve added Kate’s own update on how she’s kept that workout habit going and what you can expect from your Curves Ilkeston membership. Plus, her thoughts on our “Wear the Shorts” campaign.
Kate won our Top Attender award in her second month after “just joining for 6 weeks”
Four years ago I needed some new clothes for work and holidays. To my horror, the size I expected to be trying on and buying wasn’t to be. I’d gone up to the next size. That wasn’t something I was prepared to accept but had no choice at that time.
I went on holiday and yes, struggled to keep up the pace with my husband without getting out of breath and always was out of breath climbing stairs, both at home and work.
Returning from holiday a leaflet came through my door for Curves with an offer for 6 weeks, I thought 6 weeks - why not? I can always quit if I don’t like it!
The hardest part was actually making that phone call to make an appointment, then hard part stage 2, on 14th August 2018 driving into the car park and walking through that door for the very first time.
Looking back, there was no need to be anxious or nervous. Meeting Sally for the first time completely removed these worries, I remember being horrified at the numbers on the scales though but talking to Sally about why I wanted to join, I knew I was in the right place and immediately felt Curves was for me. I joined up there and then and haven’t looked back since that date. I’d tried a gym many years previously but knew within a short space of time it wasn’t right for me and then pressures of family and work were my priority rather than looking after myself.
I’ve now clocked up over 400 workouts. Every time I walk through the doors, I’m treated by a friendly smiling face.
“Work sometimes gets in the way and there are days when all I want to do is go home and flop in front of the TV but I’ve now set my Sat Nav to automatically start directions to the gym straight from work. ”
After a busy, hectic, tough day, spending 30 minutes on the circuit is a great stress reliever.
Curves is great, the coaches and members, 30 minutes on the circuit is easy to fit into my daily routine. We have lots of fun and laughs while exercising. Our coaches are always encouraging us and the various challenges throughout the year keeps us on our toes - we all love stickers and prizes.
When it’s your birthday AND Man-day at your gym for Movember!
Why do I still come to Curves? Do I need to answer this question? I’m fitter and healthier than I was 4 years ago. My eating habits have improved greatly with help from my Curves Complete Coach - Dannii. Yes, I dropped that dress size, plus one more as well.
I can now run upstairs and not be out of breath at the top. I walked 26 miles in one day on holiday this year, sometimes over rough terrain, I didn’t struggle at all, enjoyed the walk and my legs didn’t ache the following day. I certainly couldn’t have managed that 4 years ago.
Curves is great for my fitness and mental well-being.
Thank you Curves for being there for me for the past 4 years, for over 400 workouts, here’s to looking forward to all my future workouts.
Update; July 2023
I've been a member for several years and originally didn't think I'd stick at it but I'm still there and now working my way towards 600 workouts. Curves isn't just a gym, it's also a community. I recently had a few months off due to a serious illness. Curves kept in touch to see how I was, and when I was ready to return made sure I didn't overdo it on the circuit and only worked within my limits on each machine. Our coaches are always there for us.
This is why I love Curves and keep walking through those doors.
Kate celebrating her results in a recent Coaching & Accountability session with Coach Dannii
Before Curves I'd only wear shorts when on holiday or in the garden. I'd definitely not wear them to the shops or anywhere in my locality, probably due to my age and worrying what people would think.
Curves put an end to this. The encouragement of Curves having the campaign 'Wear the Shorts' inspired me to break out of the mold of only wearing them on holiday. So I ordered a pair of gym shirts and wore them to the gym. No judgement on shape of my legs or how pale they are, or they don't suit me. All anyone did say was love the shorts. That was the first time wearing shorts to the gym and now wear them regularly to the gym and will wear them out as well.
If you have listened to the podcast and still aren't sure, just do it, you'll surprise yourself xx