Curves

I joined at this location 5 – 6 weeks ago and I’m buying out my contract tomorrow! I enjoyed the actual workout, but everything else ruined it for me.
I’m in my 30s and I really think that this place is geared for women over a certain age (perhaps 50ish?). The music is very much sweating to the oldies and usually very low volume. Most of the women talk to each other (and sometimes me) the entire workout. They discuss dogs, grandkids, having kids, church, the weather. It was really killing my buzz. So, I decided to bring a mp3 player to zone out. No dice. music isn’t allowed. Yeah, seriously. not allowed.
I decided that this is not the environment for me, so I called to get out of my 6 month contract. I was so talked down to, it was ridiculous. I was asked why I was leaving and I explained that this is my «me time», the environment doesn’t fit what I need. I’m a stay at home mom with 2 under 2, so getting out for a bit to zone out is what I need, not constant small talk and unmotivating music. But I recognize that this was my mistake and I’m not disputing the contract buy out fee, I’m willing to pay.
She was so defensive that she actually made a rude comment about the fact that she has raised kids, had a full time job and worked out. No clue what point she’s trying to make, but to try and put in my face that I don’t work outside of the home is ridiculous and uncalled for. She mentioned several times that it’s «just 30 minutes» and I can stick it out, but I’m paying almost $ 70/​month here and this is MY time to spend as I see fit. It was the weirdest conversation I’ve ever had with a business.
Wow. Horrible experience.
Pros:
–30 min workout
–Hydraulic machines, simple to use
–Zumba is $ 3/​class with a coach
Cons
–Atmosphere is not geared towards younger women
–The condescending customer service mentioned above
–Music is older and low volume
–Lots of constant chatter
-«Classes» are video workouts on a tv, like you do at home (except zumba)
–Expensive compared to other local gyms (almost $ 40/​mo without Curves Complete)
–You cannot workout longer than 30 minutes, even if you wanted
–Personal music players w/​headphones not allowed
–Hours can be inconvenient for some:
Monday-​Friday– 6am-​1 pm (then closed til 3pm) 3pm-​7pm (but you need to be in by 6:30pm)
Closed Saturdays & Sundays
So, overall. a good workout for gym noobs, but not a great experience overall.