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By RaeAnne Marsh
The Desert Advocate
The Curves fitness center in Carefree is in the hands of someone who went from member
to manager to owner – and not only because she believes in the system, but because she enjoys the environment within
that facility.
"I enjoyed coming to work, and I really believe in the system," shares Ellie Parker, who
admits that she hates to exercise. "But this, I can do." After all, it's only 30 minutes and the workout fits in all three
important components: strength training, cardio and stretching.
It's the support the members demonstrate for each other and for their community, which
Parker finds especially strong, that makes her involvement so rewarding. "The women in the club are amazing. They support
one another, even if they don't know each other." For example, if someone has a good measure – that is, her reaction
shows that she lost inches or pounds – Parker says, "The whole circuit applauds."
The "circuit" is the exercise design of the gym that enables members to complete
a full workout in just 30 rninutes. It's set up to alternate working leg and arm muscles, with a recovery station in
between each exercise station. A workout on arms is followed by a "stop" at the recovery station where the arm muscles are
allowed to begin to recover but the woman continues an activity level that keeps her heart rate up, and then she moves
immediately to a workout on legs, then recovery followed, again, by arms. Each set of muscles therefore has time to recover
before being worked again, which allows optimal benefit from the workout.
Because the machines are hydraulic, there is seldom any need to spend time adjusting weights.
The exerciser's strength determines the resistance offered by the machine - the harder it is pushed against, the more resistance
(or "weight") is built up in the machine. Machines are adjusted for the height of the average American woman, which is 5'6",
and need only an easy modification to accommodate individuals who are much shorter or taller. Another advantage of the hydraulic
equipment is they exercise "both sides of the muscle at the same time," notes Parker; one arms machine exercises both biceps
and triceps, for example.
From the middle of the gym's circuit, a Curves trainer keeps an eye on exercise activity
and makes sure members are maintaining proper form. They also share helpful information on subjects such as nutrition. And
they encourage communication among the members, getting general conversation started on, for instance, restaurants and movies.
Says B.J. Smith, one of the longest-standing members, "The trainers are very conscientious,
very energetic, and very capable." A nail tech at the nearby Hair, Nails & Tales, Smith notes that her job is very sedentary
and the Curves workout "keeps my body moving." Although she suffers from arthritis in both shoulders, she says, "I don't have
to take medication."
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Smith finds that Parker "really cares about her members." The compliment is reciprocated
many times over, as Parker shares examples of her members' response to community outreach efforts: Parker's goal of collecting
5,000 pounds of food for the local food bark, considered higb by other franchise owners, was not only met but exceeded as
her members donated 5,512pounds.
Parker's 1400-square foot space is mostly gym, but includes two bathrooms, a stretching
area and a small waiting area. Western-themed, pictures of cowgirls adorn the facility's walls.
Three different platforms encourage and reward members' achievements. A trellis in the
middle area is festooned with flowers, one for each member whose goal is to lose weight. As she loses pounds, her flower is
moved up the trellis until, goal achieved, it is added to a special flower arrangement. On a trellis painted on the wall,
the achievements of those maintaining their fitness level are marked by butterflies. And caterpillars inch their way up an
ocotillo painted on another wall to mark the progress of members whose goal is to lose inches.
Goals are as individual as the members, who range in age from 10 to 83.
Affirms Smith, "You can go at your own pace."
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