The Curves for Women fitness chain was founded by Gary and Diane Heavin. The first Curves location opened in Harlingen, Texas, in 1992, and there are now more than 10,000 locations worldwide. According to the company's own literature, Curves for Women was recognized as the world's largest fitness center franchise by Guinness World Records. Curves for Women offers several products including a workout program and weight management classes, vitamin supplements and books, and "Diane" magazine. In 2005, Curves entered a partnership with Avon to sell Curves-branded products.
Hours and Cost of Membership
The cost of membership varies by location and any advertised specials. In 2010, the company was offering $30 a month for a 12-month contract. The club hours also vary by location, but they tend to have shorter hours than other gym franchises. For example, most of the Curves for Women locations in Cincinnati, Ohio, are open between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The clubs are closed on Sundays. Comparatively, other area fitness clubs are open seven days a week, as early as 5:30 a.m. and as late as 11 p.m.
The Curves Workout
Curves specializes in a 30-minute circuit workout. Each location has a set number of machines and members use the machines in a specific order. All of the machines are hydraulic and members control the amount of resistance by how fast they push or pull the machine levers. The circuit is designed to work the whole body and members alternate between using the machines and doing cardio or stretching on the recovery boards between the machines. Curves says their workout burns up to 500 calories. However, an independent study by the American Council on Exercise found that the average Curves member burns 184 calories during a 30-minute circuit.
CurvesSmart Personal Coaching System
In 2010, Curves for Women introduced the CurvesSmart personal coaching system at select locations. CurvesSmart is a device that plugs into select Curves equipment. It monitors the member's progress, gives feedback and automatically adjusts to each user's endurance level. The device also stores user information for detailed reports on calorie expenditure and strength gains.
Curves Weight Management Programs
Curves for Women offers free weight management classes to all its members. The classes cover the basics of healthy eating and give tips on how to speed up the metabolism. The classes meet monthly and class times vary by location.
Curves Products
Curves sells a line of vitamins and nutritional supplements as well as books and workout accessories. The Curves vitamins and supplements are available at participating franchises and the books are available at online retailers, such as Amazon. The Curves workout accessories are available through Avon, although some franchisees may also sell the gear and books on-site.
References
- Curves: About Curves
- Avon: Avon Partners with Fitness Phenomenon Curves to Help Women Look and Feel Their Best Both In and Out of the Gym
- Diets in Review: Curves for Women
- ACE Fitness: ACE First to Evaluate Curves® for Women - World's Most Popular Fitness Franchise
- Ace Fitness: ACE Fitness Curves Study
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