Curves for Women has a new location and a new owner, but her face is not unknown to the community of Ortonville.
Rita Skelly was born and raised in Ortonville and is very happy to be back in the community.
‘I really wanted to be back in my hometown,? said Skelly.
Having purchased the Ortonville Curves in February, Skelly is excited to bring inspirational ideas to the studio.
‘I don’t want to change the way the program works, but I want to focus on a fun safe environment to enjoy better health,? said Skelly.
In March, certified nutritionist Linda Daniels will teach a weight loss program based on Gary Heavins? book ‘Permanent Results Without Permanent Dieting.
‘Linda will teach a six-week program based on the book, in conjunction with a 30-minute workout,? said Skelly.
Curves for Women is a quickly growing fitness franchise with more than 5,000 gyms throughout the country.
The technique is a fun and safe program called the Quick Fit Circuit. The Quick Fit Circuit, designed for today’s busy woman, is a carefully-calculated 30-minute workout. Incorporating hydraulic equipment, specifically designed to the shape of women, the program is effective for muscle strengthening and cardiovascular aerobics.
‘It’s a team effort and the staff is great,? said Skelly. ‘New members work with the staff for 15 minutes first, then it’s on to the equipment, which is fun.?
Prior to assisting clients in their programs, Skelly and husband Mike, along with her nine staff members, spent time either at the Texas Curves headquarters for training in client assistance or attended regional training in Chicago and Atlanta.
‘We have training options quarterly and we will continue to rotate the staff for training,? Skelly said.
Curves members spend 30 seconds on each machine and do in-place jogging to keep heart rate levels up during the workout.
After three rotations of machines and jogging to condition upper and lower body muscle strength, the client winds down with a series of stretches.
‘It works because it’s easier to stay with a half hour workout,? she said. ‘It’s also a half hour social workout. It’s a fun atmosphere and a lot of fun doing it.?
To ensure a safe program, a staff member initially meets individually with the client to set goals, determine exercise levels, and do a complete health history review for previous or current treatment issues. At that time, body fat levels and weight measurements are recorded and a personal review of proper equipment use is performed.
To make the program even more fun, Skelly offers gifts and incentive programs in recognition of a client’s hard work.
In February, Skelly introduced Circuit Trivia for more fun and prizes.
T-shirts are awarded for the enthusiast who refers a friend. Curve bucks are collected and traded in for Curves t-shirts or sweatshirts.
‘They get rewards for show up and doing what they want to do anyway,? Skelly said.
Skelly said community response to the new location has gone very well.
‘The community is more aware of us in the central location,? said Skelly. The higher visibility and the larger parking area is a plus.
Most members visit three times a week, but can come in for a workout at any time without an appointment. There are no stop and start times, no wait on the equipment, and a staff member is available at all times for assistance.
Curves for Women is located at 1552 S Ortonville Road (M-15). Hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Telephone is (248) 627-7733.