Published: October 21, 2008 12:54 am      

BUSINESS: New Curves location is working out

Change locations now.

Curves for Women in Lockport has moved to a new location. Formerly in the Lockport Plaza on South Transit Road, the well-known women’s fitness franchise has relocated to the corner of Walnut and Washburn streets. Owner Sally Reid said there were a few reasons for the move, including the cost of staying in a plaza and the visibility of having a spot on the corner.

“It’s just phenomenal,” Reid said. “Two years I’ve been looking at it. Then they took the building down next to us and made the parking lot. Having been in business in downtown Lockport before, parking is always an issue. Because this had its own private parking lot, and on such a prominent corner, it became ideal.

“I liked the fact this is such an up-and-coming area. It’s constant exposure because of the newness of everything that is here.”

Curves is known for its unique workout routine. Workout machines and fitness stations are placed in a circle, and participants work out until they hear “change station now.” Then they move on to the next station or machine in order. The entire workout lasts about 30 minutes.

There is something else new at Curves. Called CurvesSmart, the program offers a personal coaching system that involves a computer tracking information about the person. The information includes height, weight, heart rate, blood

pressure and percentage of body fat. The person is put on each machine and goes through a strength test and a range of motion test.

The customer is given a keytag with all the information programmed in, and the card can be placed in the reader attached to the workout machines. With the keytag in place, the goal becomes “go for the green.” If a workout is being done at the right intensity, the light on the machine turns green.

“But if you’re slacking off, the light turns yellow,” Reid said. “If you’re working too hard, it flashes.”

The machines also allow for warm up and cool down periods. Reid said people can tailor their personal program in four different ways, depending if they want to be trim and fit, or increase strength, improve cardiovascular health or set up an endurance program. Curves International bought and owns the rights to the program and technology.

Some of the participants in Curves are enjoying the new location.

“I love it. It’s closer for people in town,” said Josie Porth, a Curves member since June.

Porth said coming to Curves has been beneficial, as she has lost 50 pounds since she started.

Reid’s Curves for Women franchise began on Davison Road 10 years ago before outgrowing the space and moving to the Lockport Plaza. Reid has renewed her franchise for another 10 years. She ran the Fitness Palace fitness center for 15 years before she opened Curves.

“I felt comfortable with the owners and the integrity of the company,” Reid said of beginning the Curves franchise in Lockport.

Reid has a master’s degree in exercise science from the University at Buffalo, which allows her to work with those in post-rehab from injury or surgery or who may not be medically able to work out anywhere else.

Reid said women who are thinking about joining Curves should call 433-3398 to set up an appointment and a free visit.

Contact reporter Joe Olenick at 439-9222, ext. 6241.