Curves of Urbandale Celebrates New Ownership with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Downsizing at her company cost Heather Besch her job last year. But she used it to pursue a different kind of downsizing -- helping women lose weight.

“I just wanted to have better health for myself and get into shape and work with people,” said Besch, the new owner of Curves of Urbandale.

Now, Besch, 38, spends her days helping women lose weight and get fit. The Certified Curves Complete Coach purchased the Curves franchise last December with her husband, R.J.

They’re celebrating the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. on Friday at Curves, 4537 NW 86th St., in Urbandale.

Ideal Fit

“My grandma had always worked out at Curves told me how friendly it was,” said the mother of two.

Although Besch said she hasn’t struggled with her weight, she has found it difficult to find the time to exercise. Going through the circuit of exercise machines takes 30 minutes and can help blast away 500 calories, she said.

“This is a way for me to exercise and help other people,” she said.

Gyms can be intimidating places – especially if you are wearing more belly than abs.

“I was not a person who was comfortable working out at places like Aspen,” Besch said. “Curves is not just for older women, it’s for women of all ages and all sizes.”

Besch moved to Urbandale eight years ago from Osage. Her Curves business is about a mile away from her home. Since purchasing Curves, she has painted the interior of the building, created a consultation room and added a window.  

Patrons will find friendly faces at Curves, Besch said. The monthly fee is $36.04. Joining fees vary.

“The women were very, very welcoming to me,” she said “Everybody has been wonderful. They have all been excited that I am here.”

Curves Complete

Besch added the Curves Complete program in January.

“The diet is brand new,” she said.

Participants complete an on-line assessment of their weight, height, exercise level and eating preferences. The computer program creates an adjustable meal plan and allows users to print out ingredients and recipes. The plan includes working out at Curves four days a week, drinking half your weight in ounces of water, motivational videos and weekly weighins.

One client lost 14 inches and 7.4 pounds in eight weeks, she said. Another client lost 9.25 inches and 7 pounds in six weeks, she said.

The site also features several popular Zumba classes.

Besch has degrees in accounting and business management. Her husband’s degree is in finance, she said. She has worked for large companies but never thought about running her own business until now.

“I just wanted more flexibility with my schedule and this seemed like a good fit,” she said. “We’re very excited.”