BUSINESS MEMO: WOMEN'S FITNESS CENTER

Curves For Women, 30-minute fitness and weight loss centers, is the fastest growing fitness franchise in America. On average, a new site opens every day. They are now in 26 states and are the largest fitness chain in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Iowa and many other states. If you haven't heard of it, don't be surprised. The program is getting such great results, that they don't need to do any national advertising.

Locally, Curves for Women is at 416 S. Kingshighway, Suite 1. According to Lindsey Clark, manager, they have been open since September.

In January, it had 150 members. Since then, its business has nearly tripled with about 425 active members.

Curves is a unique concept in the exercise service industry. It provides an exercise facility and weight loss counseling in the same place. Company founder Gary Heavin says, "Before Curves, towns with populations of less than 50,000, did not have women-only exercise facilities. Our Quickfit circuit allows us to provide a quality facility in the smaller population markets. Quickfit is a breakthrough in technology, which allows us to offer a superior facility in under 1,000 square feet." He adds, "Sam Walton brought discount shopping to small town America. We've brought quality, women-only fitness."

The facility is built around a breakthrough in exercise. A truly complete workout in just half an hour. The Quickfit circuit is a system of exercise that alternates in hydraulic resistance machines with aerobic recovery stations. As you move around the circuit, enjoying the music and being motivated by an instructor, you perform both a cardio and strength workout, at the same time. You end with a three-minute stretching routine. This 30 minutes total workout burns as much as 500 calories. Because you're moving fluid rather than weights, it's safe for any age or physical condition.

Curves on-site weight loss guidance program, Fit & Slender, is the first to blend exercise and diet. It was developed by registered dietitian Elizabeth Sommers, author of "The Nutritional Desk Reference." The age of just dieting to lose weight is over. People know that you must also exercise for lasting results. Curves for women is the first program to meet both these needs in the same place for the same price.