North Andover Curves is Going Strong

will be celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the owners are looking forward to a new decade.

In 2002, Laura McKellar and Anne Buttner, faithful members of the Amesbury Curves decided they wanted to buy the franchise in North Andover.  

"We saw that it was a quick, effective and supportive way to work out," said McKellar who calls her own struggles with exercise and diet, "a work in progress."

Curves International consists of separately owned franchises that are known for their women's only 30-minute circuit workout. According to their website it "includes all the components needed for a complete exercise program-warm-up, cardiovascular, strength training, cool down, and stretching"

Although Andover/Lawrence, North Reading, Middleton and Bradford franchises have closed recently, it is unclear as to why they shut their doors.

Corporate spokesperson Becky Frusher would not comment on why the franchises closed, but said, "It is not the palace, but the people," referring to the fact they were owned by different people, and like any business, some are successful and some are not. She also stressed that Curves International was not going out of business.

Mckellar said the fact that North Andover Curves is owner-managed has contributed to their success. She explained that some Curve owners hire site managers.

"We are here 98 percent of the time, we know our members by name, their stories and their goals." She added they are out on the floor and constantly coaching members.

Any member of a closed franchise can transfer their membership contract to North Andover. McKellar said they have picked up quite a few members that way and now boast over 300 women, ranging from 10-87 years of age.

"Everyone has different fitness levels and Curves circuit allows everyone to work at their own resistance," she explained.

North Andover Curves recently went through some renovations by taking down a wall to allow more floor room. They also have a new sound system and stretching machine.

"It's like a new gym," she said. McKellar also explained that opening up floor space will allow them to offer some evening classes, make-up parties and healthy screenings.

"If someone has an idea, then we'll try it."

North Andover Curves recently adjusted the hours to match those of the closed franchises. They now open a half hour earlier from 5:30 a.m.  to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays, the club is open straight from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. They will be continue to be open Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon and closed Sundays and major holidays. 

For more information, call 978-685-9955 or email noandovercurves@aol.com, check out the Web site.