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Curves is Catching On

South Burlington, Vermont - May 12, 2003

It's a typical morning at Curves, and everyone is on a strict schedule. For thirty minutes, women of all sizes, ages and fitness levels make their way around the Curves circuit.

The concept behind the womens-only gym is simple: Every thirty seconds exercisers move to the next hydraulic resistance machine, alternating with a low platform for aerobic work. "It's diversified, it's not just walking on a tread mill for half an hour," said one Curves member. "I like that it's just women so you don't feel intimidated when you walk in a room with men."

No men, but also no daunting weight machines, or juice bars at this health-club. Here it's just the basics, and women are seeing results. "A change in terms of stamina and strength and feeling better and looking better," said Pat McClain of South Burlington.

And this no-frills, no pressure program seems to be working. Curves is the fastest growing franchise in the country, with more than a million and a half members.

Cathy Michaels owns four Curves in Vermont with her business partner. The two former healthcare workers saw an opportunity to open a gym for those who might feel intimidated by the typical exercise environment. "It's like anything else, if you follow the program, it's gonna work but I think here because it's all women they feel comfortable, you don't see any spandex in here," Michaels said.

"It's gotten people excited about exercising, excited about being healthy," said registered dietician Beth Gold. But she adds, for those with long-term weight-loss goals, the Curves circuit needs to be part of a more intensive exercise program. "In my opinion, I don't think it's enough for people who really have to work at their energy balance in terms of what they're taking in calorically and what they're burning."

The circular set-up of the room encourages a sense of belonging, an intimate environment that sets this super-size franchise apart from super-size healthclubs.

Caroline Allen - Channel 3 News