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Curves Adds Co-Ed Hours

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By LAURA CONE

The Sun

Published: January 21, 2009

While it's still marketed as a women's workout facility, the Curves in Sun City Center is expanding its co-ed hours for men who want to get buff or simply workout with the ladies.

Make no mistake, though. Kathy Rowell of Ruskin, the owner of the Sun City Center Curves, said women guard their workout privacy and cherish their time at Curves for girl talk. Most men, according to Rowell, would feel uncomfortable working out with the ladies if they weren't invited.

Starting Feb. 1, men at this Curves can join in a co-ed workout Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. They are already encouraged to workout Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 to 7 a.m.

"We want to preserve the women's only atmosphere because they are comfortable in here," Rowell said. "It's just women. No one is judging."

Rowell, who bought the franchise a year ago, said the special co-ed hours are not part of the franchise model. Curves has 10,000 locations worldwide.
Rowell wanted her husband, Randy, to have a time to workout to help him with his health. According to Randy, he lost 10 pounds and had fun doing it.

Barbara Gray, 78, who lives in Freedom Plaza, said she does not mind men using the facility, although she has not participated in an early morning co-ed session. She is a retired physical therapist.

"It helps a lot with tension," said Gray, who has been working out at Curves for four years. "It helps with weight and your outlook. It's very friendly. I start the day out with it every day."

Kristin Hedin of Ruskin said she lost 26 pounds in the past two years, due in part to her working out at the facility.

"I have more energy," she said. "I like the company, the music, the conversation. I did aerobics at home before but that's very lonely."
Rowell said that starting Jan. 1, Curves has accepted insurance payments from several companies including Humana, Secure Horizons, Freedom and United Health Care. The Silver Sneakers program, which is part of a few health plans, approved Curves as an eligible workout facility.
Rowell said insurance companies are beginning to recognize the importance of physical fitness in preventing illness.

For more information on Curves in SCC, call (813) 633-9771.

Editor Laura Cone may be reached at lcone@mediageneral.com.

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