Keisha Shakespeare, Staff Reporter
Co-owner of Curves Gym, Mrs. Shelley-Anne Chang assists Donna Moo while she works out on the chest back machine. The chest back machine is designed to work the chest muscles and romboid.
IT APPEALS strictly to women and as the name 'Curves' suggests, it leads to just that. Curves' philosophy is to implore women to take charge of their lifestyle. And to provide a place where they can feel comfortable and have fun. Also, to provide a good workout so that they may reach their goals.
Curves is a newly-opened women's gym in Liguanea Post Mall in St. Andrew. It began operation on February 27. It is open Mondays to Fridays from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. then from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon. It is a franchise of Curves International in Waco, Texas, in the United States, and has joined the ranks of the many other branches across the world providing fitness care for women.
TREMENDOUS RESPONSES
Shelley-Anne Chang and Wendy Wong, co-owners said that since the opening, responses have been tremendous. Mrs. Chang further noted that they have received over 130 members already. She added that they have signed up women both old and young (ranging from 12 to 60 years old). Ms. Wong pointed out that she especially likes to see the mother-daughter teams that come in to work out.
Though the gym is opened to whomever wants to work out, there are a few steps one has to follow. Firstly, you have to do a 30-minute figure analysis assessment. "The assessment is to explain the programme to the women, weigh, measure and set goals," said Ms. Chang.
Secondly, a 30-minute workout programme is set up for you. It includes one minute for warm-up, 20 minutes for cardio and strength workout and nine minutes to cool down. Ms. Chang said that there is no need to work out for more than 30 minutes, as all the machines are hydraulic and the faster you move the greater the resistance. She added that they also recommend that each person works out for at least three days per week. Also, a cue tape is in placed to instruct those working out when to move to the next workout station.
NUTRITIONAL ASPECT
As with any workout programme, there has to be a nutritional aspect if one wants to reach and maintain a healthy lifestyle. At Curves, the nutritional programme has one slight prerequisite. It requires that before you start the nutrition programme you should have been working out for one month. Ms. Wong explained that they advise their clients to wait a month because by then their metabolism would have increased.
The gym owners have been trained and certified at the head office in Texas and have a great deal of knowledge geared towards catering to each person's need. The programme was designed for lifestyle change.
Donna Moo, a member who was working out when Flair visited the gym said she loves it. For her, it is like a big party, "I enjoy the music and the cue tape tells you when to change workout station," she said.
