The Curves chain of women-only health clubs caters to beginning exercisers and those who want to lose weight.

Curves has special equipment that's easy to use and requires no complicated adjustments. The basic 30-minute routine combines strength training and aerobic exercise; it's designed to up your overall fitness level and help melt away excess pounds.

This is a form of circuit training. You use a resistance machine for about 30 seconds, do a little aerobic exercise to music, then go on the next machine until completing the circuit. An instructor provides supervision.

The machines tone muscle and promote some flexibility. The aerobic activity benefits the cardiovascular system and burns calories. Both of these weight-bearing routines strengthen bone and help prevent osteoporosis – and burn calories.

Curves International bills itself as the largest fitness franchise in the world, with locations from North America to South Africa to Japan, and more than 4 million customers.

• Curves’ system of exercise is simple to learn and doesn't require a huge time commitment.
  
  
• The extensive staff support is a real plus.
  
  
• Unlike many workouts, this addresses cardio and strengthening as well as some flexibility.
  
  
• Women who would feel uncomfortable in a meat-market gym should feel at ease here.
  
  
• You can get an annual membership or pay month to month, and you can work out at more than one facility.

• Not for the advanced exerciser. Once you build up a certain amount of fitness, move on to something more strenuous.
  
  
• Not for women who prefer co-ed commingling.
  
  
• Because the franchises are independently owned and operated, the quality of staff and instruction may vary from one to another. (The company designates its elite centers, which provide members an “optimal experience,” as Shining Star clubs.)
  
  
• You certainly won’t experience the level of expertise and instruction you’d get from a certified personal trainer.