Curves dedicated to women getting their health back ‘one woman at a time’
Published 9:13 am Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Jean West, left, works out on equipment designed for stretching at Curves on Armory Drive. In back is Jan Aleshire, owner of the Curves franchise in Franklin. They and other members will be welcoming visitors during a Business After Hours on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m — Stephen H. Cowles | Tidewater News
FRANKLIN—When Jan Aleshire walked into Curves in Franklin, she was ready for what the women’s health and exercise program offers.
“I am a Curves success story,” said Aleshire. “I was 80 pounds overweight, a borderline diabetic and had high blood pressure. I was a walking heart attack.”
Her commitment to herself paid off and she eventually became the manager, which lasted for nine years until deciding to buy the franchise two years ago.
Today, “I’m healthy…I’m healthy,” Aleshire added.
Cole, right, works out on equipment for circuit training at Curves in Franklin. Cole, who’s been coming to the women’s exercise and health center for seven years, said her goal is to lose 20 pounds and “just to stay healthy.” With her is Jeneen Dimick, who is a coach at the center, as well as a Curves success story. — Stephen H. Cowles | Tidewater News
Women and men can see what Curves is all about when it hosts a Business After Hours from 5:30 to 7 p.m. today, Sept. 17. Visitors will meet Aleshire, staff and members who will share their stories. They’ll also show off the new equipment — which arrived this past June — and demonstrate workouts designed by famed fitness guru Jillian Michaels. Naturally, there will be refreshments and door prizes.
As an incentive to join Curves, the organization offers the first 30 days free to new members when they sign up through September. There’s also a free workout available during the open house this week. Checking blood pressure and other health screenings will be offered.
For Aleshire, owning the franchise is not just a way to have her own gym.
“Obviously, I want to grow my business,” she said. “All ages, all sizes and all shapes are invited. This is something everyone can do.”
Pat Cleveland of Courtland is an example. The 75-year-old said she’s been coming to Curves for two years after a series of mini-strokes necessitated exercise as a way to recover.
Now, Cleveland said she feels wonderful, and a fringe benefit has been making new friends.
“This is all about helping women getting their health back one woman at a time,” Aleshire said. “The equipment is made for women, and it’s in a safe and comfortable environment.”
The Curves program doesn’t require members to spend hours and hours going through the motions. In fact, the circuit training is set at 30 minutes because, as Aleshire explained, “Most women have super busy schedules.”
Though members can often “just pop in,” there are also set classes.
“I am living what I love to do,” she said.
Someone else who shares that feeling is Jeneen Dimick, who has been working as a Curves coach for over a year.
“The first time I came in I weighed 205 pounds. It was the second year after my daughter was born. I started feeling bad and didn’t recognize myself,” Dimick remembered. “Oh, it was an eye-opener starting that day.”
In time the dedication to her own health became, as Dimick said, “more of a lifestyle thing.”
Today, she weighs 127 pounds. And the lessons and lifestyle are being passed along to her own daughter by doing exercises, jumping on a trampoline or just by walking together.
“I love Curves so much,” Dimick said. “We motivate each other and the camaraderie is wonderful.”
Curves is located 1384 Armory Drive in Franklin. To learn more, visit or call 516-8444.
