There’s a reason the local Curves has a high attendance

Red Bridge Curves awarded for success

By Kathy Feist

It was Saturday morning at Curves at the Red Bridge Shopping Center. The music was loud. Balloons celebrating 25 years were hung. Laughter and chatter filled the air as over 20 women followed the weight machine circuit every 30 seconds. Despite the balloons, it was a normal Saturday for Curves at Red Bridge.

It is because of days like this that Curves at Red Bridge has been awarded the franchise’s Empowering Service Club status. The award is based on an increase in attendance, monthly coaching and new members.

“It’s all been really good,” says club owner Joanna Rangel.

The Curves at Red Bridge is a prime example of what the organization shoots for. Rangel creates monthly, and even daily, challenges to keep exercising interesting. She maintains a family-like environment by sometimes helping out a client’s home business projects. And when women are stretching out at the end of their workout, they can study a white board filled with clients’ prayer requests for loved ones. Mostly, the high energy Rangel keeps the atmosphere fun and friendly.

“I’ll probably come here forever!” says Donna Johnson, who has been a member since 2008. “It’s my favorite thing. It’s handy. It’s convenient. You’re in and out in 30 minutes.”

Curves consists of several hydraulic weight machines that women work out on for 30 seconds before moving on to the next exercise. Two times around the circuit takes 30 minutes. Aerobic activity is encouraged between machines. An online diet program is also offered.

Curves was founded in September 1992 and is celebrating 25 years with a special promotion. The first 25 new members join for free.

Rangel plans to celebrate, along with 4000 other locations across the country, with a party on September 28. She will have two parties: one at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Activities, prizes, and treats will be on hand. But her goal is to get 150 people in the gym to help Curves break a record for the world’s largest birthday party. “We want to pack this place out!” she says.