Analysis of exercise intensity and energy expenditure of women participating in the Curves exercise program.

The Curves program is designed to improve fitness. The purpose of this study was to identify exercise intensity, HR and energy expenditure in a group of women participating in the Curves program. Seventy-eight women (53.6 ± 7.09 yrs, 192.1 ± 30.43 pounds, 43.5 ± 4.52 % fat) performed the Curves workout on two occasions. Results show that mean HR was 119 ± 15 b/min which was equivalent to 79% max HR or 63 % HRR. Thirty-three women (52.7 ± 6.68 yrs, 193.1 ± 31.73 pounds, 1.8 ± 0.28 L/min VO2 max) performed the Curves 30-min workout on two occasions. Results show that the mean RER to perform the 30-min workout was 1.00 ± 0.07 and 0.98 ± 0.05 for the two sessions. Estimated caloric expenditure was 164.5 ± 25.19 kcals and 160.6 ± 28.36 kcals for the two sessions. Results indicate that the Curves program qualifies as moderate intensity exercise.