Last year, Oxford’s Curves raised more than $5,000 for the American Breast Cancer Belle Isle 5-mile walk and was named ‘Best New Business for 2002? by the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce.
This month Curves is collecting nonperishable food items for Oxford/Orion FISH during its ‘Food for Friends? drive.
Anyone joining Curves during the week of March 17 may bring a bag of groceries and have the normal service fee waived, meaning ladies can join for only $29.
Anyone may drop off nonperishable food items from March 1-24 during regular business hours.
Last year, Oxford’s Curves collected an impressive 1,600 pounds of food for FISH. The goal for 2003 is to double that amount
Curves member and exercise consultant Terry Wyckstandt can attest to the program’s quick results. She recently started the exercise program again after some time away due to a car accident.
‘After the accident, I had to stop coming so I gained 13 pounds and two dress sizes,? she said. ‘I’ve only been back four weeks now and I’ve already lost 8 pounds and 8 inches from my waist.?
‘These are pretty typical results during the first month, although every person is different,? said Suzanne Ardelan, who, along with husband Gary, has owned the Oxford location since March 2001. ‘Everyone is showing results, it’s really wonderful!?
Suzanne’s goal is to provide a safe, noncompetitive environment for women to exercise and share in the camaraderie of other women with the same goals.
‘Coming to Curves is like a warm smile and a big hug!? she said.
Suzanne feels that God has blessed her business by bringing such great women to her gym who enrich her life daily.
‘Curves is just a positive place to be!,? she said.
Wyckstandt said Curves offers a ‘safe environment for women of all sizes and ages to embrace and support each other. This place has a nice personality.?
Curves offers a 30 minute workout circuit that focuses on strength training which burns body fat (not lean muscle), strengthens muscles and the cardiovascular system, begins immediately when the customer arrives.
Each patron spends 30 seconds on each of the 10 hydraulic resistance workout machines. An audio tape then cues the users when to switch machines.
In between machines, each user spends some time at a ‘recovery station,? which allows the user to maintain a strong heart rate while allowing time for muscles to recover.
Suzanne recommends women use the 30-minute workout system about three times a week for maximum results.
She said customers find the quick 30-minute circuit is easy and fits into the modern woman’s busy schedule, allowing women to get in shape at their convenience.
‘Women can come in and workout anytime we’re open,? Suzanne said. ‘The whole thing revolves around their schedule.?
Curves? workout program is also great for seniors, she added. ‘The strength training helps seniors with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and back pain,? Suzanne said. ‘It increases their overall health and muscle strength.?
‘The program also helps people with Diabetes Type 2 which stems for being overweight,? she added.
Curves also offers a ‘six-week weight loss challenge? which promotes ‘permanent results without permanent dieting? through a combination of exercise and a low carbohydrate/high protein diet.
The diet was designed by Gary Haven, the owner of the Curves franchise. Haven has a new book coming out in the spring. Curves also offers a full-line of nutritional supplements and vitamins geared toward women and their special health needs.
Besides being a successful local business and fitness center for women, Curves is also very community-minded, donating to many school organizations such as the Oxford High girls softball and track teams, the DECA Club, OHS Yearbook, Oxford Middle School’s band program, and the Oakland Community College girls softball team.
Curves is located at 21 N. Washington St. The fitness center’s morning and early afternoon hours are 6:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to Noon Saturdays. Late afternoon and evening hours are 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays. For more information call 628-4080.