Jackie Herman can’t stop raving about Curves of Goodrich.
Instead of putting on pounds over the holidays this year, she actually lost weight, shedding 10 pounds’and slimming down by 11 inches’within a month of joining.
‘You just have to take the time to commit,? says the Goodrich resident, who’s started a simple routine of watching her diet and taking in a quick Curves workout three times weekly.
Others are equally enthusiastic.
‘I’m going to the doctor and I can’t believe it,? says one woman, whose high blood pressure is now perfectly normal, and who’s achieved flexibility she hasn’t had ‘in over 10 years.?
At Curves of Goodrich, local women are finding friendly camaraderie, stress relief, extra energy, improved health, and a better figure, all in only 30 minutes’as quick as most dinner takeouts.
In addition to helping members reach a size they’re proud to wear, the hydraulic resistance in Curves? exercise machines can stave off osteoporosis, and is great relief for arthritic aches, says owner Trina Rakay.
‘People with arthritis have found working out actually takes away pain,? Rakay said. ‘When they miss a day or week they see a big difference in their pain.?
Rakay opened Curves of Goodrich in December 2002, taking over its management December 2004 when her business partner retired from ownership.
Along with eating right, the Curves? workout has helped Rakay maintain her weight since she opened the fitness center.
‘I lost 28 pounds, and I haven’t gained it back in two years,? she said.
Using the hydraulic resistance of Curves? machines, members don’t waste their day.
Without working out in inclement weather or spending 90 minutes in a power gym, a 30-minute Curves? workout burns 500 calories, and exercises every muscle group.
‘In just one-half hour, our members can do resistance training, aerobics, and stretching, the three components absolutely essential for fitness, flexibility, and permanent weight loss,? Rakay said.
Curves of Goodrich has the latest equipment to make members? workouts complete. A new lateral lift machine works lateral muscles’at the sides of the torso’and a new stepper is on order.
The setup:
n In a comfortable room, music plays. Pre-adjusted exercise machines are set up in a circle, with floor pads between machines.
n Members exercise on the machines for 30-second intervals, jog or walk briefly on the floor pad, then move on to the next ‘station? throughout the 30-minute workout.
Since machines are easy to learn to use, lots of friendly chat filters through the room in the non-intimidating setting.
Curves of Goodrich has members as mature as 80, and as young as 12 who can comfortably use the equipment.
‘It’s great exercise for kids to start at the right age,? Rakay says.
Curves of Goodrich feels like home to local ladies who stop by for fun and fitness.
Together, they encourage each other by participating in six-week challenges, learning healthy diet and fitness information, tracking goals, and taking advantage of the support and expertise of Curves staff members.
‘With the help of friendly staff, we will not only help you achieve your goals, but you will feel and look better while having fun and making new friends who also want to feel and look better,? Rakay said.
Dietary supplements are also available, designed’like the Curves workout’especially for women.
Members also pull together to help the community.
During the recent holiday season, members provided Christmas dinner for a Goodrich family, and helped a local church give Christmas toys to 35 children.
‘We have fun at this club, we have great members,? Rakay says.
Membership at Curves of Goodrich costs less than $1 a day.
With automatic draft payments, it’s easy to become a member; with Curves? clubs in numerous locations, it’s simple to keep fit and make friends while out of town.
Groups of five or more who join together are eligible for a special rate.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the last workouts beginning at 12:30 and 7 p.m. Curves is open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
Call (810) 636-7100.