“I like the atmosphere here and being with other women. It’s just a more feminine atmosphere. I am motivated to work out,” said Ann Randall of Clinton.

Randall is talking about Curves, a new fitness center in Freeland that caters to women only. Her opinion is shared by other members.

“It’s different from the gym scene,” said Andrea Abercrombie of Langley.

“More low key.”

“Fitness is part of my life,” said Gretchen Callinicos, owner of Gretchen’s Hairworks in Freeland.

“Curves offers me variety, a change from my normal routine, and it’s convenient to home and work. It’s a commitment of 30 minutes three times a week, which is easy,” said Callinicos.

Randall, Callinicos and Abercrombie are three of the 75 new members of Curves for Women. Curves opened in January in Harbor Mall.

Owner Bonnie Davis first saw a Curves club in Anchorage a couple of years ago while she was visiting her daughter.

“I liked the concept of an exercise program and club developed just for women,” she said. “The exercises are specific for women to lose weight while increasing strength and muscle tissue.”

The business is a franchise, which currently has 2,200 locations nationwide. Targeting small markets, such as that on South Whidbey, the clubs offer personal attention to members.

Weight loss is the focus and goal for those who join the club. That weight loss is accomplished through aerobic exercise and what is essentially weight training.

Davis said club members do both types of exercise on Curves’ “Quickfit Circuit,” a routine that includes eight hydraulic resistance strength training machines and eight aerobic recovery stations.

The recovery stations, which club members use between resistance routines, are padded platforms used for jogging or moving in place. Davis said alternating the exercises raises the body’s metabolism by combining strength and cardiovascular exercise.

The weight machines use hydraulic resistance, which is much like aquatic exercise with a fluid controlled movement. In contrast to other strength training equipment, there are no iron weights to move.

The interior of Curves is plain by fitness club standards, with just 16 stations placed in a circle, a sitting area and changing rooms. Recorded music plays in the background, and verbal cues every 35 seconds tell members to move to the next exercise station.

Unlike other health clubs, where members may or may not work out, depending on the week, Curves members are held to their weight loss goals. Curves staff weigh and measure members when they first join, then once a month thereafter. Davis said it is her job to keep her clients on track.

“Our goal to be very supportive of women who want to lose weight and increase their overall fitness,” she said.

Curves also sells its own brand of vitamins and a weight-loss protein shake. Davis said she will incorporate diet and nutrition into the Curves program at a later date.

Curves was founded by Gary Heavin and is headquartered in Waco, Texas.

Davis said Heavin attributes much of his success to a higher power and incorporates his spiritual beliefs into the training of new franchise owners.

“He talks about God’s service, which is to treat people fairly and honestly,” Davis said. “During training he impressed me because he remembers all the franchises and owners in his morning devotions and does not take all the credit for his success.”

Cost to join Curves is a one-time fee of $149. The club’s first 100 members pay an introductory fee of $49. Members who sign up for a year pay $29 a month if they use direct account withdrawal for payment. Others pay $39 per month.