Curves: Empowering Women Through Exercise

These women got Curves! 😉

Curves is a workout space designed for and focused on women. Founded in 1992 by founders Gary and Diane Heavin, its concept of a 30-minute fitness session centered on both cardio and strength training became an immediate success, developing into the first Curves franchise in 1995.

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The program was originally designed around circuit training, allowing women to complete a full body workout using hydraulic resistance equipment. In 2007, Curves introduced the CurvesSmart personal coaching system which allows each individual to attain a specific goal with particular exercises; the system provides women with immediate feedback and progress reports to keep them motivated!

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Curves also offers Curves Complete, a personalized weight loss solution that includes the Curves Fitness Program, customizable Meal Plans, and one-on-one coaching.

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In order to understand the impact of this wonderful exercise program, I spoke with Rena Cohen, a long-time customer of Curves and first-rate mom.

How did you discover Curves?

I met some women when my kids were in elementary school who were going to this all women’s place where you could exercise. So, I thought I would check it out!

What was your reaction after trying Curves for the first time?

I was so happy! First of all, it was a no-frills place so people weren’t concerned about anything other than getting a good workout in. It was also time-limited and there were women there of all ages which really appealed to me.

Were there always Curves in the different areas you lived in?

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Every place I moved and traveled to, whether it was Disneyland or Florida, I always did Curves. I usually went about three times a week. When I didn't go to Curves, I make sure to walk between five and ten miles every day.

What has Curves provided for you physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually?

What I noticed is that my endurance really increased. One day, I was taking my kids to a movie and we forgot something in the car so I had to race up five flights of a parking garage stairwell and then run back to make it to the movie on time. I did that without being out of breath and I thought, ‘this is because of Curves.’

Mentally, it was like therapy! You talk with all these women while you’re on the circuit and nobody cares what you look like or what you’re wearing. So, it was very therapeutic and there was just a camaraderie; we cared about each other a lot, like if somebody didn’t show up at their usual time, we worried!

What do you think is the importance of a women’s only workout space?

Well, at Curves, I wasn’t embarrassed and I didn’t have any reservations about my body. I could wear what I wanted, I didn’t have to be aware of any kind of modesty issue, and I liked that it was run by women. So, I think the importance of a women’s gym is to have a safe and sacred space that’s really about working out for women.

What does Curves mean to you?

Via curves.com.my

Curves has a special place in my heart. It’s a very sacred space where women of all varieties could go, would not be judged, and were able to work out to whatever degree they wanted. The trainers there also offered other options like watching videos on balance, especially for older women. So, I liked how Curves catered to you without making you stick out. You were one among many but an individual in a group.