December 2001 / January 2002 Edition

From the Kitchen to the Health Club   By Jeanne Baratta (Fair Lawn's Kitchen Elf)   Ok I admit it, I am a tad out of shape. So when my girlfriend told me about Curves opening up right here on Fair Lawn Avenue, to her surprise, I said "Okay, let's do it". She explained to me that this was some new concept in exercise clubs, all the equipment is situated in a circle, the work out should take 30 minutes, and (here was the kicker for me) women only! My friend was calling to set up an appointment for us during their grand opening. I set my ground rules:    1st) I will not get on a scale,  2nd) No one is coming near me with a measuring tape,  3rd) If I see one thong I am out of there!   We arrived for our appointment on opening day! We were enthusiastically greeted by the Manager, Sharon. When we introduced ourselves she looked at me and said "Oh, I heard all about you", so much for friends.    Sharon proceeded to take down all our "vital" information. I found out that laundry is not considered an aerobic exercise, hummp, who knew!    When asked why I was joining, I simply told her that I had recently seen myself from the back, and none of my pants fit (enough said).   Next came the dreaded weighing and measuring. My skinny little friend jumped right up onto that scale, while I shared a friendly gesture with her. Next, she was measured and her body fat calculated. I must admit I was curious about that body fat number, but do I dare give up my right to not be weighed? Nahhh!    When it was my turn I told Sharon "Thanks, but no thanks". She wanted to know how I would know if the program was working for me? I assured her that as soon as my jeans get above my thighs she would be the first to know!   The 30 minutes goes real fast, especially while catching up with friends and chatting with other patrons. This is not a large club, as a matter of fact it is quite small. Approximately 10 hydraulic machines are set up in a large circle, in between each machine is a platform for jogging or dancing if you are so inclined. You are at each "station" for about 36 seconds (you may be thinking "36 seconds, that's ridiculous!", believe me there are a couple of machines where the 36 seconds seems too long!).    Music is constantly playing in the background and a voice (we'll call her Bertha), lets you know when it is time to move to the next station. Three times during your workout "the voice", will tell you to check your heart rate. When you have finished your three rotations on the equipment, it is time for some stretching, a stop at the water cooler and you're on your way.   It has been about a month now since I stared this new exercise routine. I have only lost a couple of pounds, but my energy level is definitely higher and yes, the pants fit!  I try to get there a least three times a week. Curves may not be for everyone, if you are more "outgoing" when it comes to health clubs, then this may not be the place for you. But if you are "health club challenged" like I am, you may find this concept appealing. If nothing else, I get to catch up on some chit chat with my friends and take a break from work. And here is the best part.... so far, no thongs!