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Cache Valley women 'Curve' to the beat
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By Shauna Leavitt
January 30, 2006 | Exercise is as varied as
the people who do it. There is hiking and biking,
kicking and skipping, rowing and bowing, marching
and arching, wrangling and angling -- and then
there's curving.
Created by a man but reserved for women, "curving"
has been adopted by more than 4 million women
throughout United States, Canada and 37 other
countries. They all belong to one of the 9,000
health clubs called Curves for Women.
"It's a good workout and you get to visit
with some great people," said member Sally
Hunsaker.
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COOLIN'
DOWN: Season Kelsey works
on a cool-down station during her
30-minute workout. / Photo by Shauna Leavitt
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Logan's Curves, at 541 N. Main St., consists of a large
workout room where 13 strength-building machines and
13 cool-down stations are arranged in a large circle.
The 26 stations alternate between strength and cool
down positions.
Each strength machine targets a particular muscle of
the body. Members' muscles are pushing and pulling,
lifting and twisting.
The cool-down stations are square, cushioned boards
where members keep their heart rate up and prepare their
bodies for the next strength machine. They can walk,
jog, jump or dance on the board.
Every weekday morning at 5:30 and weekends at 7, the
doors of Curves open and ladies start arriving for their
30-minute workouts. There is no specific start or stop
time. The circuit runs continuously all day. Members
slip into the circuit when they arrive and step out
30 minutes later.
No time is wasted in adjusting or programming machines,
wondering where to start or waiting for a favorite treadmill.
Each workout station on the circuit is made to fit the
height and fitness level of all members.
"It's fast and easy," said member Irene
Weatherston. Members walk in the door and know exactly
what they'll be doing for the next half-hour.
"I like the variety. This is the only program I've
been able to stick with," said member Krissa Martillo.
Fast dance music from the last four decades is played
in the background. Every 30 seconds a voice comes over
the speakers telling the participants it's time to move
to the next station. The same voice tells the members
when it's time to check their heart-rate.
A chart on the wall advises members how fast their
heart-rate should be for an optimal workout depending
on their age.
"The system allows women of all ages and fitness levels
to perform the components of a complete fitness program,
combining strength and cardiovascular training through
hydraulic resistance," says a Curves press release.
The atmosphere is different from traditional gyms.
There are no mirrors on the walls, or model-like figures
running around in spandex. The majority of the members
are middle-aged women dressed in T-shirts and sweats
just trying to stay in shape for daily life.
New members receive a one-on-one consultation with
a personal trainer. They are measured, weighed and calculated
for their percent of body fat. Theses numbers are gathered
each month so members can track their personal progress.
A fitness trainer is available during office hours
for members who have questions about the equipment or
want some one-on-one coaching.
Curves members can use any of the locations around
the world. Finding a place to exercise during vacation
is a little bit easier.
Curves is opening locations in Hyrum and Smithfield.
The Logan location has been open for seven years. To
find out more, call 435-755-9293 or visit www.curves.com.
Logan's Curves location soon will be joined by operations
in Hyrum and Smithfield. / Photo by Shauna Leavitt
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