around the machines once. You are suppose to go around 2 1/2 times. I
also
hurt my body getting into the machines as I am very huge. I weigh
340lbs.

I have the curves book and it has a work out you can do with a fitness
tube.
I have decided to do this workout and forget the gym for the time
being. It
not only will allow me to go more at my own pace, but it's much
cheaper.<<

It's good to take it slowly and carefully in the beginning, especially
at your weight. But if you keep at it, you'll be doing the full
circuit in a few months.

Seven months ago I weighed 365 pounds and couldn't walk two city
blocks without getting short of breath and developing back spasms.
Today, I walked more than 2.5 miles in one hour, 13 minutes.

is for my weight.<<

Do a Google search for the Taylor 400 lb scale. I had a similar one
that I bought on eBay, but I gave it away after I lost enough weight
to use a digital scale, which is easier for my middle-aged eyes to
read.

Excellent! Keep up the good work!

As always, YMMV.

Kasey
365/266/???

Talk to someone there. If it is actually hurting you to get into the
machines, they should be able to give you some kind of alternative
exercise to do instead, until you can manage the machines.

It should be challenging, not painful!

There is no shame in only being able to do the circuit once. None.
Congratulate yourself for doing it that well, because it's a sure bet
there are folks out there who could not do what you did! And remember,
the idea is to do what you can... and if you do that consistently
enough, you'll improve.

The way I think of it is that I have nowhere to go with weights but
UP! <G> I can barely do my set of overhead presses with 3 pound
dumbbells. And I can barely do a bench press with 5 pound dumbbells.

Mind you, I'm not sure what the Curves machines specifically are
like... but I do Cybex and Nautilus machines at my gym as well as a
few free weight exercises.

My husband, who is 300+ lbs. is not able to fit into the Cybex
abdominal machine and does crunches with the aid of an ab-roller.

I could fit into the machine... just, but initially simply could not
even do the lowest weight. So they had me do crunches on the ab-roller
as well. I have since decided I prefer doing straight crunches without
the ab-roller. And I have gone from barely being able to do 15, to
doing two sets of 25 each.

However, the crunches got me going enough to improve, and now I am
doing 3 plates on the abdominal machine.

Some of the arm machines, I could not do the lowest weight either, and
they gave me dumbbell exercises to do instead. My arms are coming
along much, much slower than my abs though.

That certainly can help you get started!

Sounds good!

Hey, just don't give up! It's hard starting when you are heavy, I
know! My husband has done virtually nothing but sit in front of the TV
and his computer for years. Listening to him breathe heavy just
putting on his clothes scared the heck out of me!

He is seeing improvement since taking a daily walk and doing weights.
So am I!

Cynthia

Don't be discouraged because you only went around once.  As with any type
of exercise you have to start slow and build up your endurance.

There is one machine in particular that I find hard to get in and out of at
Curves.  I can't remember the name but you sit down, position both legs
into separate moving arms and work the legs in and out.  It works the
muscles in the outer and inner thighs.

I've seen many women skip machines and simply stay on the recovery pad if
it's available or do some type of exercise standing in front of or behind a
machine.

Working with the bands at home is another good option.  Have you thought
about adding walking to your exercise routine?  Walking is an excellent
exercise.

I'm sure you'll find something that's comfortable for you.  You'll be
surprised how quickly you improve if you just start slow and easy - and
stick with it.

Beverly