Curves is a no frills fitness club that targets small-town women as part of the company's business strategy. Curves was founded by Gary Heavin, 50, along with his wife Diane in 1992. The first franchise operation started in 1995. They now have over 9500 franchise locations with headquarters in Waco, Texas.
Curves has no locker rooms, no saunas, no treadmills, no mirrors, no aerobics classes, no free weights. The standard routine is over in 25 minutes and is supposed to burn over 450 calories. The only equipment used for these workouts is 12 hydraulic resistance machines that are used in a well-paced circuit. Customers in the 35-60 year old age bracket are the prized demographic.
Heavin was a millionaire by age 30 after taking over a failing health club in Houston and expanding it into a chain. "We're the McDonald's of fitness centers in America and Canada. Soon we'll be around the world," Heavin announces. Gary Heavin is a born-again Christian that has been criticized for his conservative political views and donations to anti-abortion causes. Some members have quit Curves over his political stands.
The cost of a Curves franchise is $30,000 plus a monthly fee of $395. You'll also have your building lease costs, utilities, advertising and injury insurance is very important. Members usually pay a monthly membership fee of $29. This doesn't include paying yourself or an employee to manage the location.
One out of every four fitness clubs in the United States. is a Curves operation.
