Curves bucks trend

Iola Curves is bucking a business trend.
“The Curves in Chanute recently closed,” said Iola Curves owner Cindy Hesse, “but we’ve added 60 new members since the first of the year.”
Hesse is preparing to celebrate her first anniversary as owner of the women-only gym, which specializes in a 30-minute full body workout.
She attends quarterly training sessions to reinforce her knowledge of the Curves program, she said. That knowledge is necessary because the workout and machines used at the gym are unique to Curves, Hesse said.
“Gary Haven founded Curves and invented the machines specifically to fit women’s bodies,” Hesse said. The machines use hydraulic resistance rather than weights to offer strength training that Hesse said better suits a woman’s physique.
Since beginnning her own weight management program in January, Hesse has lost 57 pounds.
Perhaps it is her own involvement in the program that motivates other women who come to the club. Whatever the reason, the national Curves board noticed.
Hesse was recently given a “Shining Star” award from Curves International for being an outstanding franchise.
“There must be an 80 percent or higher satisfaction rate from club members to get the award,” Hesse said. The shining star also addresses “guest production” and member services.
Hesse will celebrate her one-year anniversary as owner of the club on Saturday with a luau-themed party from noon to 2 p.m. A weight-management-appropriate barbecue, games and free prizes will be part of the event. In addition, a representative from Silver Sneakers, a program wherein Medicare will pay for Curves memberships for seniors, will be on hand to discuss that program.
Saturday also marks Curves fourth year in Iola.