– by Barry Mathias –
This is the first in a six-part series of profiles on some great local businesses that are working to keep us all in good health.
The Curves Sidney Fitness Centre and Gym has been a fixture on Bevan Avenue for more than 10 years. “I have owned this franchise for the past three years,” says Carolle Batham, “although I joined this fitness centre seven years ago.” When Carolle first attended Curves she was suffering the effects of a chronic tissue disease that affected her heart and her lungs. It was important for her to improve her health and, after starting as a client, she discovered the benefits of the Curves approach to cardiovascular training and strength training. “I became a staff member, and this worked out so well that I bought the business when it became available.”
The concept of Curves evolved in America 15 years ago, and quickly spread throughout the country and into Canada. It is an approach designed for women of all ages. “We have clients whose ages range from 16 to 90,” Carolle says. “Our 90-year-old has been an active member since 2007, and has attended more than 2,000 workouts.”
There is no dress code at Curves; women are encouraged to wear whatever they feel comfortable in that is loose fitting; jeans would be unsuitable. “There is no competition involved,” Carolle explains. “Clients work at a level that suits them.” The fitness program requires three 30-minute sessions a week, and the workouts are designed for women of all ages. “We refer to the range of machines and exercises as the circuit.”
Joining is easy: “Simply book an appointment, and a member of the staff will show you how the program works and will work with you,” she says. There is a free fitness assessment for each individual, and a safe workout of healthy exercise.
There are five components of the Curves workout. The first is the “Warm-up:” this lasts from three to five minutes and allows clients to move on the machines slowly to gradually elevate the heart rate. Next is “Cardiovascular Training,” which lasts about 20 minutes, and encourages more intense movement on the machines. “This allows you to effectively burn stored body fat, and receive all the amazing benefits of cardiovascular training.”
The third component is “Strength Training,” which uses hydraulic resistance “in a safe and efficient way” to stimulate muscle mass gains. Then comes a three- to five-minute “Cool Down.” This allows “heart rate, body temperature, and breathing to return to normal.” To complete the workout, there is a short period of static stretching that prevents joint pain and encourages strength gain.
Carolle emphasizes the fact that this is a flexible approach to improving health and strength. “If a client finds a machine on the circuit that does not suit them, they can move on to the next part.”
The Curves program includes Zumba Fitness. This is a dance session that uses South American rhythms, and is both fun and high energy. “It’s a 30-minute cardio workout” that each person tailors to their own ability.
The encouraging part of the Curves circuit is that the machines can be programmed to give individual reports on a client’s progress, telling each person how their strength and stamina is improving. The circuit has a voice prompt that tells them when to move on, so they exercise for 30 seconds and rest for 30 seconds.
In order to accommodate the range of ages and life demands, Curves Sidney is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and to 6:30 p.m. on Fridays. Saturday hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The last workout is 30 minutes before closing. “Those who are retired are the ones who choose the morning sessions, and those who are working tend to come at night,” Carolle notes.
“My greatest satisfaction is seeing members who have lost weight and gained bone density,” she says, “especially, those who are using this program to aid their recovery from cancer.”
Visit www.curvessidney.com.
