Curves gym is a gym for females only. The workout is simplified with fixed-motion machines, timed sessions for each machine and a female attendant to help with questions. The gym experience is designed to be a 30-minute routine that burns calories and builds muscles.
History
The first Curves gym was opened in Harlingen, Texas, by founders Gary and Diane Heavin in 1992. Soon afterward, they opened a second location. Both were instant successes among women looking for a comfortable place to work out. They even had an unofficial motto: "No makeup, no men and no mirrors."
The Heavins decided to franchise the business to expand. In 1995, the first franchise was opened in Paris, Texas. After continued growth, they launched a successful national advertising campaign in 2003. Soon afterward, they began expanding internationally.
Function
Curves gym is designed to be a simple place for women to work out. The gym has a circuit-style, 30-minute workout designed to burn up to 500 calories. The routine utilizes hydraulic machines to build muscles. In between each resistance training machine is a "recover station" where participants walk, run or jog in place to help maintain an increased heart rate. The workout is guided by an automated system that tells participants when to move on to the next machine.
Products and Services
Beyond a place to work out, Curves offers products and services to help its members reach their fitness goals. One such service is a personal coaching system called CurvesSmart, a computerized calculation of your workload based on the readings of the workout activities you perform and information on your body composition. It includes your heart rate, strength and calories burned for each individual machine as well as the complete workout. Curves also has its own brand of dietary supplements and two books on the Curves program.
Geography
According to Entrepreneur.com, as of 2009, Curves had 5,659 franchises in the United States, 641 in Canada and 2,714 in other foreign countries. The Curves fact sheet says it has locations in 75 countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico and the Netherlands.
Success
Within 10 years, Curves had 7,000 locations. Curves reports on its website that it currently has 10,000 locations in 70 countries. It says it's the largest gym chain in many of the countries in which it has franchises, including the United States.
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