I was an owner for 5 years in Australia. I absolutely loved my club and my ladies. I quickly worked out that not everyone is there just for exercise - a huge part of our clientele were there for the social side. As a 50 plus women it is really hard to meet people and so having someone ask about your day and chat for 30 mins while you get the benefit of movement was huge. There is defiantly a space in the market for Curves. I thought everyone was there like I was as a young mum but I soon learned my demographic was 50 plus and once I let go of having to get all the young ones it was fantastic. What I did not like about the business is the marketing strategy, when US took over they did not look at the AU demographic, our marketing fees were not used to promote where we needed it and to who we needed to. I also found that at the fees we were told to charge (so that everyone was on the same level) we could not make a profit. 60% of your fees would go in bills then you had to pay wages on top of that so it was just not sustainable. Not sure what they charge per month now but I totally understand why gyms charge $50 per week - the hidden fees in running a business are huge.
I don’t know what it’s like in America, but in Australia Curves has such restricted opening hours that it doesn’t suit everyone. If they increased their opening hours they would pick up so many new members it actually is a great program
Curves was a dying franchise well before 2015 when we sued on behalf of over 50 franchisees. Discovery revealed that the brand had a "negative halo" as determined by a $350k marketing study commissioned by the private equity firm that purchased it. However, rather than do anything they chose to let it die a slow death. Many franchisees lost their entire investments and the PE firm abandoned their $150 million investment. It will never recover. It should be used as a case study in business schools as an example of everything not to do.
At one time, i went almost every day to the Curves in our town. Then they started doing zumba instead of the circuit on some days, started closing for two hours at lunch, started closing before i got off work. Didn't take long before everybody quit going and they closed for good.
Curves will have a resurgence. Curves was/is still ahead of its time for boutique fitness for women. Most of the public does not understand the Curves model which combines strength training and a cardiovascular workout in just 30 minutes. As a Curves owner, I can testify to the ability for women to be consistent with their workouts since we have many members that have been with us for 2O plus years. As a franchise that is over 30 years old, there have been hills and valleys. We believe there will be a new generation that will get educated about our brand. We are a legacy brand like Weight Watchers, Jazzercise, etc. Stay tuned!
I am a former member if Curves and I got into the best shape of my life there. I was heartbroken when I arrived at mh Curves one morning to find it closed for good. No notice. Nothing. I would be the first in line if a franchise would open in my town. However I feel Curves must rebrand to lose its “Old Lady Place” reputation.
The ladies running the business were uncertified in physical fitness and were ordinary run if the mill stay at home wives with nothing better to do but over charge false survives to the unexpected public!! FRAUD!!!!
I worked at a Curves as a second part-time job in 2005-2006 when I was 19. It was hard getting people to sign up and the price was monthly back then. Then they had a 60 day cancelation policy. I love the workout and looked amazing but the owner Linda was 🗑 and because of her attitude caused the demise of the Silverado Ranch Las Vegas location. I had to get a lawyer and almost sued her because she still tried to bill me years after we canceled. I decided to start college in AZ and she was mad both my sister and I quit. Well she wasn't supposed to charge us since we worked for her. In addition, we the Curves policy states you can transfer to another location.
I think when they brought in Michaels and start showing videos it changed. The 30 minute workout with all women was great for years. I was only a consumer and never a franchise owner.
They never did proper exercise and did the improper usage of machines and they did improper billing by not informing patrons about canceling their membership by automatically billing member through their bank!! FRAUD!!!!
Hundreds closed due to COVID. Then very little comeback in membership. Sadly I believe our location is NC will b closing due to a new lease to another business. We love our curves but curves is trying to target millennials instead of older women who don't want to go to gyms. Millenniums will go to gyms to b around men
Curves was a pathetic excuse for a workout, except maybe for very old seniors. I went once to check it out, and never went back. It's for those who never worked out and want to do something very light, or for someone older who is unable to do much of a workout. It is, however, better than doing no workout at all. I would love another "women only" gym to open.
You got out of it what you put into it. Yeah, there were a lot of seniors that seemed only to be there for the social aspect. Too busy talking, so didn't move to the next station until you stood in front of them, etc.
I am sorry that was your experience with Curves. Our location had very challenging classes and equipment for all ages and fitness levels. I hope that wherever you have your membership, it will be better for you and your needs.
I was an owner for 5 years in Australia. I absolutely loved my club and my ladies. I quickly worked out that not everyone is there just for exercise - a huge part of our clientele were there for the social side. As a 50 plus women it is really hard to meet people and so having someone ask about your day and chat for 30 mins while you get the benefit of movement was huge. There is defiantly a space in the market for Curves. I thought everyone was there like I was as a young mum but I soon learned my demographic was 50 plus and once I let go of having to get all the young ones it was fantastic. What I did not like about the business is the marketing strategy, when US took over they did not look at the AU demographic, our marketing fees were not used to promote where we needed it and to who we needed to. I also found that at the fees we were told to charge (so that everyone was on the same level) we could not make a profit. 60% of your fees would go in bills then you had to pay wages on top of that so it was just not sustainable. Not sure what they charge per month now but I totally understand why gyms charge $50 per week - the hidden fees in running a business are huge.
Thank you for sharing your experience as a former owner!
Thank you, I appreciate a better understanding of this! I personally enjoyed Curves but knew nothing of their business difficulties. Again, thanks
You're welcome! thanks for your kind words
I don’t know what it’s like in America, but in Australia Curves has such restricted opening hours that it doesn’t suit everyone. If they increased their opening hours they would pick up so many new members it actually is a great program
Curves was a dying franchise well before 2015 when we sued on behalf of over 50 franchisees. Discovery revealed that the brand had a "negative halo" as determined by a $350k marketing study commissioned by the private equity firm that purchased it. However, rather than do anything they chose to let it die a slow death. Many franchisees lost their entire investments and the PE firm abandoned their $150 million investment. It will never recover. It should be used as a case study in business schools as an example of everything not to do.
Thanks for shedding light on a Franchise disaster. I can't imagine how many lives were derailed as being part of the Curves system.
@@Vettedbiz A number of friends of mine who all know each other lost everything.
We wish curves was still here
Even though Curves is dying in the states, I think it's becoming quite popular Internationally, especially in Asia and Africa.
Why do you think that is?
At one time, i went almost every day to the Curves in our town. Then they started doing zumba instead of the circuit on some days, started closing for two hours at lunch, started closing before i got off work. Didn't take long before everybody quit going and they closed for good.
Curves will have a resurgence. Curves was/is still ahead of its time for boutique fitness for women. Most of the public does not understand the Curves model which combines strength training and a cardiovascular workout in just 30 minutes. As a Curves owner, I can testify to the ability for women to be consistent with their workouts since we have many members that have been with us for 2O plus years. As a franchise that is over 30 years old, there have been hills and valleys. We believe there will be a new generation that will get educated about our brand. We are a legacy brand like Weight Watchers, Jazzercise, etc.
Stay tuned!
thanks for the insights! We look forward to seeing what is to come with Curves!
Would love to chat with you about owning a franchise. Can we connect please?
@@aliciapesina9985 same
I am a former member if Curves and I got into the best shape of my life there. I was heartbroken when I arrived at mh Curves one morning to find it closed for good. No notice. Nothing. I would be the first in line if a franchise would open in my town. However I feel Curves must rebrand to lose its “Old Lady Place” reputation.
The ladies running the business were uncertified in physical fitness and were ordinary run if the mill stay at home wives with nothing better to do but over charge false survives to the unexpected public!! FRAUD!!!!
I worked at a Curves as a second part-time job in 2005-2006 when I was 19. It was hard getting people to sign up and the price was monthly back then. Then they had a 60 day cancelation policy. I love the workout and looked amazing but the owner Linda was 🗑 and because of her attitude caused the demise of the Silverado Ranch Las Vegas location. I had to get a lawyer and almost sued her because she still tried to bill me years after we canceled. I decided to start college in AZ and she was mad both my sister and I quit. Well she wasn't supposed to charge us since we worked for her. In addition, we the Curves policy states you can transfer to another location.
Thank you for sharing your experience!
I think when they brought in Michaels and start showing videos it changed. The 30 minute workout with all women was great for years. I was only a consumer and never a franchise owner.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear your perspective as a long-time consumer.
They never did proper exercise and did the improper usage of machines and they did improper billing by not informing patrons about canceling their membership by automatically billing member through their bank!! FRAUD!!!!
Thanks for sharing your experience
Hundreds closed due to COVID. Then very little comeback in membership. Sadly I believe our location is NC will b closing due to a new lease to another business. We love our curves but curves is trying to target millennials instead of older women who don't want to go to gyms. Millenniums will go to gyms to b around men
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Curves was a pathetic excuse for a workout, except maybe for very old seniors. I went once to check it out, and never went back. It's for those who never worked out and want to do something very light, or for someone older who is unable to do much of a workout. It is, however, better than doing no workout at all. I would love another "women only" gym to open.
thanks for the feedback
You got out of it what you put into it. Yeah, there were a lot of seniors that seemed only to be there for the social aspect. Too busy talking, so didn't move to the next station until you stood in front of them, etc.
I am sorry that was your experience with Curves. Our location had very challenging classes and equipment for all ages and fitness levels. I hope that wherever you have your membership, it will be better for you and your needs.
I went down 2 sizes in 3 months. I was in my mid 40s.
I used curves once it was great Only things bad was the Price u had to pay 200 tojoin then 20 dollers a day to workout
Thanks for sharing your experience!