Curves gets new owners

The new owners of Curves for Women here have big plans for their new franchise, but intend to keep some things the same.
Guy Donaldson and his wife, Kelly Spicer, took ownership of the fitness centre on King’s Highway on Tuesday, with Arlene Georgeson to stay on as manager.
Donaldson and Spicer own two Robins Donuts franchises—one here in Fort Frances and a new one in Atikokan—and are excited about their venture into the fitness industry.
“Health and fitness is the going trend these days,” Donaldson said.
“The whole concept is permanent weight loss without permanent diet,” Spicer said.
Curves here previously was owned by Darby Holdings Ltd., which owned a number of Curves franchises, mostly in Thunder Bay.
“I’m looking forward to having local ownership,” Georgeson said. “I know that Guy and Kelly are community supportive. We’ll be able to do promotions geared towards local people.”
The couple recently returned from a week of “boot camp” in Waco, Tex., where the company’s headquarters is located.
“One of the things that really excited us about the company is the support they offer,” Donaldson said.
“They’ve spent hundreds of millions of dollars to research women’s health issues,” Spicer added.
The Curves workout uses hydraulic resistance machines in a circuit. Members spend 30 seconds on each of the 10 machines, and 30 seconds jogging between each station.
“Even if you’re very strong, you’ll feel it just as much as someone who is recovering from an injury,” noted Georgeson.
“The resistance you feel depends on the force you exert,” Donaldson explained. “It combines cardio and strength training in one 30-minute workout.”
Besides weight loss (some members have lost up to 50-60 pounds, Georgeson said members have reported improved balance, flexibility, and bone density.
“I’m very encouraged by that,” she said. “If you don’t make time to look after yourself, you’re no good to anyone else.”
In terms of changes, the couple has brought in wallpaper books to get input from members, and also is looking at expanding the centre’s hours.
Spicer said they also may consider holding seminars on nutrition.
“We want to find out what members really want,” she noted. “It’s not the bottom line that’s important. It’s improving people’s lives.”
The couple is planning to hold a grand re-opening sometime in March.