Curves For Women attracts ‘losers’

Being called a loser generally has a negative connotation. But for members of Port Orchard’s newly opened Curves For Women, being a loser is the nicest thing a woman can be called.

“Being called a loser is a good thing, because that means we’re losing inches and pounds,” Curves owner Laura Mitchell said.

Located at the Cedar Heights Medical Center on Pottery Road, Curves For Women is a weight-loss program dedicated to fitness and not dieting.

Founded by Gary Haven seven years ago in Texas, Curves has spread like wildfire all over the world.

Curves made its peninsula debut last year in Bremerton and earlier this year in Silverdale.

The Port Orchard branch made its grand opening Sept. 9, and the company will expand to Belfair Sept. 30.

Mitchell, who owns the Silverdale, Belfair and Port Orchard facilities, said she is investing in women’s health.

“We are a fitness and weight-loss center,” Mitchell said. “We use a circuit with hydrolic equipment, which provides resistance training, which strengthens muscles. You get a total body workout in 30 minutes.”

What Curves also offers is an intimate environment for women normally intimidated by gyms.

“People who are intimidated by going to a gym come to us because it’s easy to do,” Mitchell said. “The equipment is designed for women. If you’ve never worked out in your life, this is something you can do.”

Under the guidance of a full-time staff, members will notice fast results, Mitchell said.

“I’m invested in the physical, emotional and spiritual health of our members,” she said. “We want to assist them in becoming healthy.”

Though the staff is trained or going through training programs, Mitchell said staff members aren’t hired based on their level of training.

“First, we look for someone who has the ability to encourage women,” Mitchell said. “Of course, we want them to be interested in the study of fitness, as well.”

Current staff members include managers Mystie Morgado and Linda Carey, and Jennie Steinbrink.

Mitchell said she has seen women drop their high blood pressure to the point they have gone off medication.

She’s also seen the level of diabetes go down considerably.

In the center, pictures can be seen of women from around the country in their before and after poses with their personal testimonial below their photos.

Mitchell is currently putting together a regional version of the national poster.

Curves’ goal is to offer weight loss guidance around exercise to give members permanent results without permanent dieting.

“We’re hoping to build more (Curves facilities) so it’s easier for our members,” Mitchell said. “This is a wonderful thing and we want to make location convenient.”

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