LAKEWOOD - Anyone who thinks that fitness can't be fun has obviously never stepped inside of a Curves Fitness Center.
In celebration of National Women's Health Week, Curves fitness is offering a free 30-day trial membership to every woman who is interested.
And it was obvious that plenty of women were interested, as the Curves Fitness located inside the Chautauqua Mall was nearly filled to capacity on Thursday afternoon.
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Curves celebrates National Women's Health Week
"It's all about exposing women to fitness who have never been exposed to it before," said Kelly Powell, owner of the Lakewood Curves. "We want women to realize that (fitness) can be easy. We have hydraulic machines here that are simple and work with you rather than against you. It's fun, it's in a cooperative environment and all the women here are extraordinarily supportive of each other."
According to Powell, fitness amongst women is viral. One woman decides to join Curves and she had so much fun and sees such great results that she tells all of her friends. Before she knows it, all her close friends and family are doing their best to improve their health and fitness.
The event at Curves was so big that even state Sen. Catharine Young (R-Olean) decided to stop by in celebration of National Women's Health Week.
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Women work out at Curves in the Chautauqua Mall in celebration of National Women’s Health Week.
P-J photo by Remington Whitcomb
"This is a very energetic and uplifting place," said Sen. Young. "People of all ages are here. They're moving and getting healthy and losing weight it's a very positive environment and it's been a lot of fun to be here today."
Sen. Young thanked Powell for her contributions to the health of women in Chautauqua County and also congratulated all the women this week who have decided to take an active role in their physical health.
Since moving to the Chautauqua Mall, Curves has been given the opportunity to expand and now has a dedicated Zumba room in addition to a fitness equipment room.
"Members really appreciate the extra space," said Powell. "Between the positive atmosphere and the camaraderie that an all-women fitness center brings, it's just a fun place to come and be active."
According to Powell, women who have been hesitant about joining a gym because they have felt intimidated say the atmosphere at Curves is extraordinarily inviting and working out there feels very natural.
"It gives everyone the opportunity to be themselves and participate at whatever level you're ready to participate at the time," said Jane Fosberg. "Everyone is here for the same reason and it's really not stressful at all. You get a great workout and you become part of a social circle where everyone enjoys each other. It's a great opportunity to shed the stress that builds up during the day."
"All of the machines here are geared for women," said Bonnie Leahy. "When I go to (work out) at different gyms, it's more geared for men because I need to keep changing the weights continually. Here it's hydraulic so you can work out as hard as you want or to your capacity. It's a great place to begin and the camaraderie is wonderful."
Women who are interested in a free 30-day trial membership to Curves can inquire at their local Curves Fitness Center or call Powell at 763-3838.