Get the power to amaze yourself

Published 2:00 pm Saturday, July 15, 2006

One South Whidbey fitness studio focuses on empowering women and helps them get fit or lose weight.

Curves is the largest fitness franchise in the world — with more than 10,000 locations worldwide — and one of them is right here in Bayview. It’s a club for women and their programs are designed to provide affordable, one-stop exercise and nutritional information for women.

Cindy Calder, owner of Curves in Bayview, said what sets them apart is that their programs reflect the busy lives of women.

“We offer an efficient 30-minute workout combining strength training and cardio exercise, which protects muscle, increases metabolism and burns fat. We have a fun, friendly and supportive environment and we are here to help women reach their fitness goals,” she said.

“It’s comfortable for everyone, elderly, beginners, athletes.” 

Curves has been on South Whidbey for a while, but the studio recently relocated.

“We moved to a new location in April to the original Whidbey Island Bank Building in Bayview Center. Members love all the windows and cheery colors. We get giggles about our dressing room in the vault,” Calder said.

Calder runs Curves with her husband, Doug, and another employee.

“I work along with our new employee, Sarah Palmer. Sarah is currently getting her certificate in fitness and nutrition, studying fitness related issues in school,” Calder said. “She is very passionate about our mission and loves working with members on getting an optimal workout.”

While the women handle the training side of the business, Doug Calder works on the administrative end, handling the books and marketing.

The Calders’ transition into fitness was a natural progression

“I have worked customer service roles for many years, including over 10 years with REI as both customer service representative and supervisor,” Cindy Calder said. “With my experience I have learned a lot about people, motivating people, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Through REI and other jobs that I have had, I have developed some good organizational skills. Doug has 15 years of experience in sales and marketing, and has good business sense.”

Fitness became even more important when health issues arose within the family

“Both of our mothers died of cancer. We understand the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle,” Doug Calder said.

Passing this knowledge on to others is satisfying.

“Obesity, and particularly among the young, has become a national issue. It gives us both great personal satisfaction to be actively involved in helping address the many health issues confronting our communities,” he said.

The summer is a good time to start a new chapter in your life and get fit, Cindy Calder said.

“We are running a midsummer special: Join now, and get the next 6 weeks free,” she said.

Curves also provides a series of nutritional supplements that address women’s specific needs.

And $29 a month is a good price. People can take Curves membership with them when they travel or relocate. 

Doug Calder said there are classes and training for everyone, as well as massages.

“There are a number of services that are not directly affiliated with Curves, but that we like to be able to make available to our clients,” he said. “Several of these include yoga classes that gets raves from our members, and have grown from one to three sessions. There is also services on-site several times a week on a walk-in and on an appointment basis.”

Julie Gersten offers a free introductory class on-site to members, he said. She teaches clients the benefits of the Feldenkrais method to increase flexibility.

Besides 30-minute workouts, Curves also offers an advanced workout to women who want more intense training. Curves is also partnering with many health insurance providers and has members that are getting their membership for free from their Medicare supplement insurance.

Michaela Marx Wheatley can be reached

at 221-5300 or e-mail mmarxwheatley@southwhidbeyrecord.com.