I had some questions about Curves and 'went to the horses mouth' for some answers. This is how my regional (Pacific Northwest) Curves answered them (bold emphasis mine):

Has anyone ever heard of damaging your immune system with this level of exercise intensity everyday? Plus, I don't get why they need to adhere to just 30 minute workouts because they advertise it nationally this way...

Also, I learned that the founder of Curves is an Evangelical Christian, and was curious as to whether my regional franchises were too. Here was their reply:

Interesting. It's really a shame they didn't offer a better reply than that. Being a personal trainer I offer you this, taken from the Aerboics and Fitness of America Association's training guide:

Several studies have shown that overtraining suppresses normal immune function and causes increased susceptibility to infections. Counseling and complete rest may be necessary to help athletes obsessed with training overcome symptoms. Overtraining syndrome may be avoided by following periodization or cyclical training type programs, alternating hard, easy and moderate periods of training. In addition, allowing adequate time for recovery between bouts of intense exercise is critical.

So yes it is possible to bring your immune system down by over training. Same thing with not getting enough rest, workaholics, too much stress...I think you get the idea. The body requires balance to function properly. Ever heard the phrase "too much of a good thing is bad"?


The ACSM Guidelines for healthy aerobic activity are as follows:

Exercise 3 to 5 days each week
Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes before aerobic activity
Maintain your exercise intensity for 30 to 45 minutes
Gradually decrease the intensity of your workout, then stretch to cool down during the last 5 to 10 minutes

If weight loss is major goal, participate in your aerobic activity at least 30 minutes for five days each week.


As for the religious reference at the end of their response, To each his/her own. There are people out there in the world that think by referencing Christ that they gain people's trust. A trust in which they have not earned and probably don't deserve. I have seen some pretty shady people hiding behind false masks of christianity. Not saying Curves is shady or anything, but always beware when your health is concerned.

I appreciate your reply, especially the AFAA and ACSM guidelines. It makes perfect sense to me that overtraining is counterproductive. But I had a hard time imagining, say 60 minutes 3 x week; or 30 minutes 5 x week, could be seen as excessive and damaging to the immune system.

I believe that Curve's time guidelines have more to do with (1) making a quick and effective program very do-able for women just starting out, and (2) keeping the amount of time women use the facilities low, thus making room for more clients.

As far as the Christianity information, I like to know who I'm supporting with my dollars. A close affiliation with a specific religion will appeal to some people and turn others off. Heck, most people don't care unless it affects them directly. I see it as more information to help those who do care make better choices.

Again, thanks for your reply!

1. The owners were responding to a specific question, which is different from putting a "tag line" on all correspondence.

2. Yes you can get sick from overtraining, but 30 min 3 times a week is hardly appoaching the limit. Might be getting to be time to try a gym that can support you in your goals, rather than trying to tell you what your goals "should" be.

3. I regularly go to my physical limit and with adequate rest and decent food, haven't had any problems. And it makes me stronger. Skip the rest and food, or get the food part wrong, and I'm in trouble.

im maybe totally wrong, but my understanding is that suppression of the immune system due to overtraining has to do with too much cortisol (which also comes from too much stress,etc etc) .. well you can read this SUPER informative post by Natruska (sp?)

info on cortisol

HTH