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Business Spotlight: Curves Provides a Supportive Place for Women to Get Healthy

By Madison Fisler Lewis

For many women, hitting the gym can be an intimidating experience. The typical gym is filled with brawny men throwing weights and super fit people on treadmills. But Curves is different. This gym, made specifically with women in mind, is a place where women can get a great workout in a healthy, supportive and nonthreatening environment.

“Curves is first and foremost a facility for women only,” said Amy Presley, manager of Curves in Boone.

“That is really what sets us apart from other gyms. It creates a supportive environment for women to come and get healthy.”

The gym offers a special fitness program that is designed for busy women on the go, who may not have time for conventional workouts.

“Our main thing is our 30-minute circuit,” Presley said. “Our unique 30-minute circuit workout utilizes rotations of machine and mat workouts, which are instructed by Jillian Michaels on video. It is very structured and everything is already planned out for you, so all you have to do is come in and work out – and it’s just 30 minutes a day for a full body workout!”

Though Curves was first started in 1992, the organization has definitely made some changes in the past few years, revamping its image and creating new workouts to better address the goals of the woman on the go.

“Curves has changed so much,” Presley said. “We had a stigma for a long time, and that was one of the reasons the program partnered with Jillian Michaels. We wanted to revamp the image and remind people that this is a place where you can come to get a really good workout. A lot of people that participated in the program before are coming back and seeing a huge difference.”

Some of the changes implemented include higher-intensity workouts, coaching, meal plans from a registered dietician and more.

“The new Curves workout after Jillian Michaels came on board has added a completely different dynamic,” Presley said. “People were getting bored and feeling like they weren’t getting a good workout. Curves really revamped the workout, increased the intensity of the workout so people could get more out of it.”

In addition to the new circuit workouts, Curves has introduced strength and tone classes, strength and stretch exercises, yoga and Zumba.

Another huge difference is the new Curves Complete program.

“We offer Curves Complete, which is exercise, a meal plan and health coaching,” Presley said. “You would get the fitness part of the membership, and then you would get a meal plan done online by a registered dietician. You aren’t counting calories or trying to figure out what you are supposed to eat – the work is done for you. Then we have the coaching. Members meet with us once a week to go over their meal plans, discuss barriers and problems and refocus on their ultimate goals.”

If you aren’t convinced, you are welcome to come in and try it for yourself.

“We offer a free week so that they can come and try it,” Presley said. “That is really the best way to understand what Curves is all about. Just come in and have the experience of working out. If people want to try it, we recommend that they give us a call and we can talk to them about their goals and their options.”

While Curves offers great programs for all women, the 30-minute circuits make it particularly good for busy women who may not have time for traditional workouts.

“I hear it all the time – that women are too busy and just don’t have time to work out,” Presley said. “The common demoninator is that everyone is trying to fit workouts into their day. But we strive to provide a place to come and work out that is a nonthreatening, supportive environment. It allows you to set aside just 30 minutes of your day to do something for yourself and your health. Everyone has 30 minutes to spare, why not spend 30 minutes getting healthier?”

The gym caters to women of all ages, demographics and health needs.

“We offer different programs that are tailored to different people,” Presley said. “When people come in we will work with them to find their needs. We want to help them reach their goals. We have people of all ages and fitness levels. We have people who are just starting out and people who have been working out forever. Some people come to lose a lot of weight, and some come in just to move their bodies. We really can cater to all needs. We have all kinds of people here and everyone is welcome.”

For more information about Curves in Boone, click here or call 800-704-5908. Curves is located at 249 Wilson Dr. #1. 

Hours:

Monday through Thursday – 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; 3:30-7 p.m.
Friday – 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; 3:30-6 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Closed Sunday.

Photos by Ken Ketchie

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Curves is located at 249 Wilson Dr. #1 in Boone
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Manager Amy Presley
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Amy Pressley stretches before a workout.
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The kind fitness instructors at Curves are happy to help you reach your goals.
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Curves utilizes alternating mat and machine exercises.
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A life-size portrait of Jillian Michaels helps to motivate members during workouts.
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Manager Amy Presley and owner Stephanie Dekeyzer
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Amy Presley assists Mary Louise Roberts with a workout.
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The Curves team is always ready to help.
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Presley assists a member with her workout.
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Presley assists another member with her workout.
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Zumba classes are a popular option for exercise at Curves
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Zumba instructor Brie Powell leads a Zumba class.