AHWATUKEE NOW HAS CURVES!

Curves for Women Opens in Ahwatukee

Phoenix, Ariz. – February 6, 2002 – Curves for Women, a thirty-minute fitness and weight loss facility designed specifically for women, is pleased to announce its grand opening in the Ahwatukee village of Phoenix, Ariz.

On January 21, Curves Ahwatukee opened the doors to its women-oriented 30-minute fitness and weight loss center.  The facility utilizes the Quickfit system, a unique combination of hydraulic resistance strength training and aerobic recovery stations providing a complete body workout in about 30 minutes.  Like aquatic exercise, the Quickfit system is safe and controlled, reducing the potential for injury and muscle soreness.  The Quickfit system is the first strength-training program designed specifically to help women of all ages, shapes, and sizes achieve successful permanent weight loss and overall fitness because the program increases lean tissue mass, thereby increasing metabolism and the body’s efficiency to burn calories and fat.

To celebrate its grand opening, Curves Ahwatukee is offering a 66% discount off the Curves for Women service fee to its first 100 members, and monthly dues as low as $29.  The official ribbon cutting and Grand Opening celebration will be held on Saturday, February 23^rd from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Attendees will be able to enter a raffle to win exciting door prizes donated by local Ahwatukee area businesses.

Curves Ahwatukee is owned and operated by the leadership team of Dawn Rutledge and Suzanne Cassano.  Both women enjoyed successful marketing careers before opening Curves, but decided it was time for a change.  Frustrated with the traditional co-ed gym concept, the owners wanted to provide a supportive, intimate exercise environment for women of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

“Having struggled with weight control for most of my adult life, I knew that women would welcome a place like Curves,” remarked Dawn Rutledge, co-owner and operator of Curves Ahwatukee.  “I used to belong to a large co-ed gym, but felt that it was intimidating and extremely impersonal.  It was also challenging to figure out how to use the equipment, how much weight to use, how much cardio to incorporate, and so on.  I found it very frustrating, and I certainly was not getting the most out of my workouts.  I considered using a personal trainer, but they’re so expensive.  So I gave up.  When I had a baby, I decided it was time to get that weight off.  Curves for Women offers a quick, easy, and affordable solution that makes you feel great.  Plus, you get personalized attention in a non-threatening and comfortable environment.  Health and fitness are so important.  I decided to open a Curves so I could help make this experience available to all women.”

Her partner, Suzanne Cassano, agrees with the intimidation factor of large co-ed gyms.  “When I’m at the gym I want to use my time wisely.  I want to work hard, get sweaty, and not waste time worrying about how I look,” she said.  “Whether they will admit it or not, most women do worry about that!  It’s very empowering for a woman to find a place that squashes that kind of intimidation.  Curves provides a supportive environment for women who are serious about becoming and staying healthy, and 30-minutes in-and-out is perfect for desk-jockeys, like I was, and for other busy women looking to squeeze fitness into their daily lives.”

Ms. Rutledge has nearly nine years experience in all areas of marketing.  Prior to opening Curves, she owned and operated DynaMark Consulting, a marketing consulting business providing comprehensive strategic marketing solutions to small to mid-sized businesses. Ms. Rutledge has held a variety of management positions in public involvement, public relations, marketing, and research and has worked in several different industries, including environmental engineering and consulting, technology, and teleservices.  Ms. Cassano has over six years of project management and marketing experience.  Prior to opening Curves, Ms. Cassano was a freelance writer and marketing consultant, working with clients such as Motorola, Critical Path, Accipiter Communications, and Sitewire.  Both Ms. Rutledge and Ms. Cassano are certified Quickfit personal trainers and will be involved in all areas of Curves Ahwautkee’s daily operations.

Curves for Women was founded in 1992 by Gary and Diane Heavin and is headquartered in Waco, Texas.  Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Curves for Women the #1 Top New Franchise in 1999 and 2000, and the #10 Fastest Growing Franchise in 2001.There are currently over 2,800 Curves for Women locations throughout the United States and Canada, including 10 in the Phoenix metropolitan area.  Most members can take advantage of travel passes allowing them to utilize any Curves location while visiting another city.  Short-term memberships are also available to seasonal residents across North America, and corporate and family-add-on memberships are offered at discounted rates. 

Curves Ahwatukee strives to provide women with a safe and comfortable environment where they can lose weight, strengthen their bodies, and increase their overall health and vitality.  Our philosophy is through balance and moderation; all women can achieve a sound body, mind, and spirit.  Curves Ahwatukee aims to help as many women as possible achieve just that.

Curves Ahwatukee is located at 4221 E. Chandler Boulevard, Suite 123 in Phoenix, Ariz. 85048.  For more information or to inquire about memberships, visit www.curvesgym.com, call 480-759-4340, or email info@curvesgym.com.