By: Shallin Squire
"No makeup, no men, no mirrors," are the unofficial rules of any Curves club. The largest fitness franchise in the world (according to curves.com), Curves has a center in Vernal and one in Roosevelt.
As you might have guessed, Curves was created specifically for women. It includes a 30-minute circuit training workout and also offers weight management classes. However, its goals aren't limited to fitness and nutrition. "[C]lub promotions and events encourage women to support charitable causes, learn about health related issues and forge lasting friendships as part of the global Curves community."
Kerrie Randall owns the Vernal Curves club. Recently named "Business of the Month" by the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, Curves is "more than just a gym," as Kerrie explained. Her club recently collected 1665 pounds of food for local food pantries. They also sponsor several annual programs like Relay for Life, Sub for Santa, and Trees for Charity, to name a few.
Vernal's Curves also gives back to its members with promotions and creative motivation. Currently, members are working toward a summer "Hawaiian vacation." With an ocean mural on the wall as a reminder, members earn "miles" by bringing in friends to try the workout, writing down their success stories, and reaching their personal goals. "We're getting in a row boat and rowing to Hawaii together," Kerrie stated. "It's been a lot of fun already."
Kerrie's favorite aspect of being a Curves owner is the camaraderie she sees among the members, who, at the Vernal club, range in age from 10 to 94! Working together toward the same goals of personal health and community improvement, the women support each other, serve others, and have fun together.
Yes, you read that correctly. The Curves circuit was designed to be enjoyable. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin noticed that "even while exercising, [women] like to talk and benefit from each other's company," and they used that observation to create an atmosphere where women would feel comfortable and be able to socialize with each other while working out.
A favorite of many Curves members is the Curves with Zumba workout, and participants will tell you it's "fun." Both the Vernal and Roosevelt clubs offer the class several times during the week.
Roosevelt Curves owner Jody Priebe happened to notice that the club was for sale when she first walked through the doors 3 years ago. "I did the Curves workout once, and then I bought it!" she said. During those 3 years, Roosevelt's club members have lost a total of 1092 pounds and 1603 inches. They've sponsored several community events and recently collected 914 pounds of food, and their donation will be matched by another entity for a total of 1828 pounds donated to local pantries.
While I was interviewing Jody about the Curves workout, she said, "Why don't you come down and try it, and then you'll know what you want to write!" Jody treated me to a session of personal instruction through a workout, but not because I'm special; they do that for everyone! Anyone who works at Curves is trained on the proper use of all the equipment, and they're on their feet assisting members in staying safe and getting the most out of the workout.
The machines use hydraulics as resistance, so members of all ability levels complete as many reps as they need to optimize their workout. The routine is designed to strengthen all the major muscle groups as well as provide a cardio workout. Done properly, as Jody explained to me, the workout leaves one feeling "like you've done something, but not sore." The next morning, I knew exactly what she meant, and I can't describe it any better than that!
I'm quite possibly the world's least coordinated person (recently I decided to try step aerobics, and it literally took me 4 weeks to get down a 25-minute routine from the 90's that online reviewers had claimed was as simple as it gets!), so I've avoided public classes and facilities, and until I visited Curves, the only fitness machine I'd ever used was my own treadmill. I warned Jody about this, but she said it wouldn't be a problem, and she patiently coached me on each machine twice, and by the 3rd time around (Jody kindly acknowledged that most people catch on the first time when I prodded her about it), I remembered what to do and actually got a workout , all in less than 40 minutes and with very little embarrassment plus kind words from the other women—complete strangers—who were there!
In addition to having knowledgeable facilitators, both Uinta Basin Curves centers are equipped with "CurvesSmart" training, a computerized personal training system that "knows" each member and monitors her heart rate, repetitions, calories burned, and other data to ensure every workout is as successful as possible.
Curves has tens of thousands of "success stories" from around the world, and among those are 2 employees of the Vernal club.
Savannah Brown joined Curves in February of 2010. From day 1, she worked out religiously and followed the weight management plan strictly. She's lost 40-50 pounds, but more importantly, she feels that she's made a lifestyle change, and she credits Curves with keeping her "on track." She is thrilled with her improved health, namely that she no longer struggles with asthma as she did before. Savannah has also gained the confidence and stamina to complete her first triathlon, the DinoLand, this month.
Savannah began working at Curves in February of this year, attended Zumba training in March, and now instructs the Curves with Zumba class.
Briana Blackwood joined Curves in September of 2007. At age 23, Briana felt depressed and knew she needed to change her lifestyle in order to be happy, but she wasn't comfortable going to the gym. "I was self conscious, and I didn't want to be judged," she explained. "So, I chose Curves because of the atmosphere. I didn't feel like I had to put makeup on before I went, and I could go there and focus on doing what I needed to do."
Briana was inspired by other women at Curves, including Kerrie Randall. "I would see Kerrie and know that she had lost over 100 pounds through diet and exercise, so I would tell myself that I could do it, too." Briana is nearly there! By completing the Curves workout 3-5 times per week and following the diet plan, she has lost 98.5 pounds, and she gives a lot of credit for her success to Kerrie and other women who have provided "good examples, encouragement, and support." Now an employee of Curves, Briana is providing that inspiration to other members.
For more information about Curves, visit curves.com, or call Kerrie at 781-2386 or Jody at 722-2889.
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