The lady who helped me was very friendly and nice, but I did not feel that she was particularly knowledgeable - or maybe just not forthcoming with her knowledge. I guess I expected that there would be more of a trainer type person on hand to explain, not just how to use the equipment, but how to use it so that it benefits your particular body or condition. For another person, with more experience with gym equipment and capable of being more self-directed, Curves might be just fine, but it was not for me. (Maybe I'm just a big baby! ha ha)