Only 1 pound

Spring is just around the corner, so now is the time to think about that 1 pound



ONLY 1 POUND

Hello, do you know me? If you don’t, you should.
I’m one pound of fat, and I’m the HAPPIEST pound of fat that you would ever meet. Want to know why? It’s because no one ever wants to lose me; I’m ONLY ONE POUND, just a pound! Everyone wants to lose three pounds, five pounds, or fifteen pounds, but never only one. So I just stick around happily keeping you fat. Then I add to myself ever so slyly, so that you never notice it. That is, until I’ve grown to ten, twenty, thirty, or even more pounds in weight. Yes, its fun being ONLY ONE POUND, left to do as I please. So, when you weigh-in keep right on saying, “Oh, I only lost one pound!’ (As if that is such a terrible thing.) For you see, if you do this, you’ll encourage others to keep me around because they’ll think I’m not worth losing. And, I love being around you-your arms, your legs, your chin, your hips, and every part of you. Happy Days!!! After all, I’m Only One Pound!!

Buy Curves Dearborn With Seller Financing

So here we are approaching the end of 2008. We all know someone close to us who has lost thier job, perhaps even thier home. The 'NEWS' tells us we are in a recession but what does that mean?

For some, NOW is the time to reinvent ourselves. To change the way we think, spend, live and YES work! Face it, the days of 'job security' are long gone. That is why I personally became an entreprenuer at the raw age of 18 almost 2 decades ago! I knew even back then that there was no such thing as working for a big company for any length of time. That is precisely why I will always be my own boss.

So are you ready yet to BE YOUR OWN BOSS? Now is the time to take the bull by the horns and start creating your future. When you buy Curves in Dearborn Michigan you are not only taking control of your life but you are helping influence hundreds of women to do the same starting with thier health.

It has been well over 3 years since we have moved to Las Vegas and I am proud to say that our club is surviving the current economic turbulence.

That being said - if you are ready to BE YOUR OWN BOSS and BUY A CURVES we have the perfect opportunity for you! Curves in Dearborn Michigan is available, affordable and a turn key operation. Depending on your investment funds we are negotiable on our asking price. The less seller financing we have to provide the and the more cash you put down, the lower the purchase. What a deal!

Call Kevin to discuss this opportunity today! 702-400-9986

6 WEEK SOLUTION

THE 6-WEEK SOLUTION HAS STARTED!

Our weight management program is unique in that we approach dieting as a temporary condition. It is a time to go from a food-burning machine to a fat-burning one. This temporary approach to dieting allows us to focus on weight loss, rather than attempting to accomplish every nutritional goal all at the same time. We are able to focus temporarily on weight reduction efforts because we have a method to raise metabolism following a diet. Our metabolic tune-up will increase your metabolism following a diet so that you will not have to diet forever to maintain results.

A summary of our weight management program is:

• A specific period of time and effort to lose body fat while protecting muscle
• Increase metabolism back to pre-diet level without regaining lost weight
• Begin to lose again until goal weight is achieved and then increase metabolism
• Maintain goal weight by eating normally and dieting a few days each month

How To Use Curves Equipment

SHOULDER PRESS/LAT PULL - Works the deltoids, latissimus dorsi and trapezius muscles of your body. Sit firmly on the machine in an upright position with your entire back resting against the seat. Your head should be upright; however, if it's more comfortable for you to lean back, then do so. Grasp the handles firmly, allowing your feet to hang freely or rest on the floor. Do not tuck your feet behind the floor bars. Start at shoulder height and lift the handles until your arms are almost straight. Pull down to shoulder height, using a full range of motion. Pull fast enough to get good resistance, hearing the swish each time.

LEG EXTENSION/LEG CURL - Works the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles of your body. Enter the machine from the side. Sit firmly on the machine, allowing your head to remain up, or lean back, whatever works best for you. Take hold of the handles firmly. Place your ankles between the pads, allowing your feet to relax. Avoid flexing your toes. Lift your legs up and down as fast as you are able without hitting at the top or the bottom. If you are short, you may wish to place one of the back pads at your lower back. If you have longer legs, there is a wedge pad you can insert under your knees.

BICEP/TRICEP - As noted by its description, this machine works the biceps and triceps. Sit firmly on the machine. Keep your back and shoulders aligned. You can avoid slouching by holding your abdominals tight. Place both wrists between the pads making fists with your thumbs on top. Keep your feet flat on the floor. Alternate your arms as you pull and push down, using a full range of motion. Go fast enough to get adequate resistance (make sure you hear that swishing sound). Be sure you do not hit the top or bottom. You want to keep a fluid movement. If you are short, you can stand slightly above the bench while leaning against the chest pad. This works extremely well.

LEG PRESS - The muscles used on this machine are the gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps and lliopsoas muscles. Enter from the side of the machine and allow your back to rest against the back support of the machine. Take hold of the handles firmly. Put your feet on the pedals with your toes approximately one inch above the top of the footpad. Power forward and come back slowly, avoiding moving rhythmically to the music. If you happen to be very short, place the square black pad at the lower part of your back. Others do not need it.

AB/BACK - The erector spinae and abdominal muscles are used on this machine. Sit firmly on the machine keeping your spine aligned in a neutral position. Avoid slouching by holding abdominals tight. Firmly take hold of handles. Arms should be rigid without locking the elbows. Feet are to hang freely or rest on the floor. Do not tuck them behind the bars. Exhale as you quickly curl forward, being sure that you head does not goe below your heart. Curl back and pull the bar until your back touches the seat. Pause for two seconds and repeat. If you have very long arms and/or broad shoulders, you can use the side handles while forming a "barrel hug" with arms stationed in place during reps.

HAP ABDUCTOR/ADDUCTOR - This machine works on the adductor muscles and the tensor fascia latae. Open the legs of the machine and enter from the front. Sit on machine firmly, allowing your back to rest against the back support. Hold on to handles firmly and put your legs between the pads. Be sure toes always remain pointed up (flexed). Start with legs together, but not locked, then extend your legs to the sides as far as is comfortable for you (each individual is different). Briskly bring back to the center without hitting pads together. You do not have to extend legs extremely far to get a good workout - the more reps you do and the faster you do them will bring better results. If you have short legs or lower back problems, you can sit to the edge of the seat, supporting you upper back by grasping the handles with arms straight up and down.

CHEST/BACK - The muscles worked on this machine are the rhomboids, pectoral and latissimus dorsi. When sitting on this machine make sure that your entire back is resting against the seat. Sit upright, allowing your head to remain up or, if it is more comfortable for you, lean back. Grasp the handles firmly. Position them even with the midline of your chest. Keep your elbows aligned with your chest during each repetition. Make sure your feet hang freely or rest on the floor. Push the handles forward quickly, making sure you do not lock your elbows. Bring handles back to starting position. Move full range of motion, making sure you go fast enough to get adequate resistance.

SQUAT - Your gluteals, quadriceps, iliopsoas and hamstring muscles are the muscles targeted on this machine. Stand on the edge of the platform. Life pads above shoulders and step under them. Grasp the handles with your palms down. Place feet shoulder width apart. Slowly squat while extending buttocks back. Extend knees forward, but not past toes. Lower yourself until thighs are parallel to the floor. Power up and repeat (making sure you always go down slowly and come up fast). If you have a lower back problem, you can perform a small range of motion while decreasing speed and intensity.

LATERAL LIFT - This machine targets the obliques and quadratus lumborum. Stand straight on the machine, keeping your shoulders relaxed and aligned throughout the movement. Grasp the handles. Place your feet shoulder width apart keeping a soft knee. Lift handle with arms straight, bending torso in opposite direction with oposing muscles. Move full range of motion, going fast enough to get adequate resistance.

GLUTE - This machine concentrates on the hamstring, gluteals, quadriceps and iliopsoas muscles. Step into the machine and brace yourself against the chest pad. being careful not to slouch. Lean forward and allow your arms to rest on the pad, keeping elbows and knees within the plane of motion. Hold the handles firmly. Place one foot on the pedal with the middle of your foot making contact with the pedal. Stand on resting leg while keeping a soft knee. Fully extend your leg back as quick as you can and then bring your knee back slowly to create resistance. Repeat. After fifteen seconds switch to the other leg using the same technique. Do not lock your knees. Avoid hyperextension of the lower back.

PEC DEC - Four muscle groups are targeted on this machine - pectoral, rhomboids, latissimus dorsi and trapezius. Sit firmly on the machine, allowing your entire back to rest against the seat. Allow your head to remain up. If it is more comfortable for you, however, you can lean back. Place elbows between the pads. Hold handles gently. Be sure your feet hang freely or rest on the floor. Start with your arms in back position. Bring elbows together in front. Push back with arms and avoid pulling with your hands. When coming forward move toward the midline of your body. Avoid hitting the machine when going back or coming forward. You want a fluid motion. Go fast enough to get adequate resistance.

OBLIQUE - As you would rightly guess, your obliques are getting the workout on this machine. Sit firmly in the machine. Lean forward forming a box with forearms, upper arms and shoulders. Look directly between the handles. Keep spine aligned with seat back. Take hold of the handles with hands crossed and around the bar. Cross your ankles and squeeze your knees against the roller pad for lower body support. Rotate from side to side with a 10-2 range of motion. Go fast enough to create adequate resistance, concentrating on moving only the upper part of your body.

RECOVERY STEPPER - This machine is used in place of a recovery station on the circuit and is not intended to work any of your muscles. Stand upright on the steps. Keep upper body upright and centered over the legs, keeping your back straight. Grap handles firmly. Keep feet firmly planted on the step. Avoid staying on your toes and do not lean on the machine with your arms. Number 1 = low, number 2 = moderate and number 3 = high.

The above is to be used as a reference guide for your workout, but remember, if you have any questions at all while you are exercising on the circuit, do not hesitate to ask the associate who is working at that time. She will definitely try to address your concerns, and if she does not have the answer to your question, she will get it for you from someone who does.

REMEMBER - the hardest part of your three-times-a-week workout is to get to the facility, but by faithfully coming, you will reap so many benefits - both physically and mentally. Will we be seeing YOU soon?

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

CURVES DEARBORN is having their fifth anniversary and we are celebrating it in a BIG way - for YOU.

If you have ever thought about becoming a member of our Curves Dearborn family, now is absolutely the best time for you, financially, to do so. Why is that, you say! If you join Curves Dearborn during the first two weeks in November, you will not be required to pay ANY activation fee. That is correct - NO activation fee. That is a savings of $149.

To obtain this tremendous savings, all you have to do is stop in at the Dearborn Curves, bring in $34 for your first month, sign a one-year contract to have your credit card or checking account debited for $34 a month and you are ready to go. It's just that simple.

What day will we be seeing YOU?

Jessie's Story

Jessie Francisco is one amazing woman. Jessie joined our Curves in Dearborn one year ago, and in that year has lost a grand total of 63.5 pounds, 8.9% body fat and 61.5 inches. Jessie has been an inspiration to so many women, both at Curves and in the other areas of her life. She is always cheerful and willing to try and help guide other members on the Curves circuit. Jessie's weight loss success can be attributed to her working out at Curves three times a week, and when she is not exercising at Curves, she enjoys long walks. According to Jessie, working out at Curves and eating healthy, has become her way of life now. Way to go Jessie. Congratulations!!!! We at Curves in Dearborn are so proud of you, just as you should be so proud of what you have accomplished.

~Cindy

Meet Dolly Another Senior Staff

Greetings!

I'm Dolly Cwik. I'm a senior member of the Curves staff, along with Pat.

I am in my 4th year of being associated with Curves in Dearborn Michigan. One of the main reasons why I joined Curves Dearborn was to gain strength so that I could take care of my ill husband, Wally, who had suffered a stroke. My weekly workouts at Curves helped me develop the strength I needed to do just that. They enabled me to more easily give him the attention and care I wanted to give him without doing any harm to myself.

After Wally passed away I continued to come to Curves. In fact, I came a lot. During one of my visits Gail Bushbaker, the owner, asked me if I would be interested in possible employment. It was a blessing in disguise as I was at loose ends and needed something to keep me occupied. That was a year and a half ago and I've never been sorry I made the choice to join the Curves team.

Curves is a great place to be - the people, the staff and the exercising all make it so worthwhile.

Dolly

Sophia's Success

The fitness study is coming to a close. Our first participant (Sophia) just finished her 30-day study. She has lost a total of 17 pounds, eight inches and 11 pounds of body fat. That is awesome. Sophia has worked very hard. She came in at least three times a week to exercise and paid attention to the advice we gave her, eating a colorful diet (not just white and brown), and walking on the days she didn't come to Curves. She has become a full-time member so she can continue to achieve her goals. Good Luck Sophia. Way to go!!!!

Women's Fitness Study

From April 7-June 16 Women all over the country were invited to participate in the Curves Avon joint Fitness Study; this is the LARGEST WOMEN'S FITNESS STUDY ever!

Participants paid $30 for a 30 membership and were required to workout 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Participants were weighed and measured at the beginning and end of thier month and their results were collected and reported online. Additionally participants were given 30 days of FREE access to Curves Complete online www.curvescomplete.com/offer Curves remarkable new online weight management tool.

Stay tuned for results and findings from this history making event.

Helping Hands Make Life Easier

It never ceases to amaze me how truly wonderful our members here at Curves Dearborn are. They relate to each other so well.

A few weeks ago a member, Judith, was on the circuit with another member, Debbie, and I was in the center of the circuit conversing with both of them. Judy was talking about the family reunion that would soon be taking place in Cincinnati with her family. There was to be a dinner on Friday night and a picnic on Saturday. Judith, and the people in charge of putting the picnic together, were concerned about how they were going to keep all the food cold as a hot weekend was predicted. Debbie, who works in a school kitchen, told Judith that a kids round plastic pool works great for keeping food cold. Just fill it with ice and you can put your food dishes in the pool and everything will keep cold for a long time. Just keep adding ice if you have to. Judith thought that sounded like a terrific idea. I told Judith that I just happened to have a plastic pool in my garage and she was welcome to have it. I brought it into the club and gave it to her and she took it to the picnic. When Judith returned to Curves the following week she said the pool idea worked wonderfully well, just as Debbie had said it would.

Isn't it terrific how, just by sharing our thoughts and ideas with one another, we can make such a significant and positive difference in someone's life and they in ours. Can it get any better than that?

Pat

Tears on the Circuit

Today I had the most moving moment on the circuit that I have ever had. It reminded me of why I love working at Curves so much! READ ON FOR INSPIRATION ~ Cindy

There were two new members, sisters (Gail and Joanne) and they were having trouble getting on and off of the machines. One of the sisters started to cry because she felt defeated -- and wanted to give up already.

At that moment one of our seasoned members came up to this new member, who she didn't know, and gave her a great big hug and told her not to give up. Her show of support continued with "its not easy at first, but keep trying."

Then another member came up to her and gave her a hug and shared that five years ago she was also her size when she joined Curves. She, too, was frustrated getting on and off of the machines at first, but after a week or two, she was flying on and off of them.

Then the new member's sister started to cry, and she said that they have never gotten such nice treatment at a gym before, or from people they didn't even know. Soon they had almost everyone on the circuit crying. Then there was a BIG group hug, and everyone was good.

Buying a Curves: Startup Costs

Buying and opening a Curves For Women Fitness Facility takes time and money. I am not going to kid anyone and tell them that it is not hard work. But, let's be fair, so is anything else worth having in your life. From good health, family relations, extra money, and so much more - if you want to make it happen it takes work to achieve.

Same goes for establishing a Curves fitness franchise. There are many great reasons to choose to buy a Curves Franchise (and even more reasons to buy Curves in Dearborn Michigan):

1. Curves owns 25% of the fitness facility market; 1 in every 4 exercise clubs is a Curves
2. Curves ownership promotes Women In Business; most clubs are owner operated
3. Curves corporate marketing partnerships and promotions drive traffic to thier franchises
4. Curves franchise education and training resources supports and guides novice owners
5. Curves has one of the lowest franchise start-up costs and fees in the franchise industry

Where I am an expert, though, is in the arena of finances. I am a Financial Analyst by trade and do all of the accounting for the business. Today it costs $100,000 plus to open up a brand new club - if you can find a new territory. Since there are no new franchises being awarded in Michigan, the person wanting to change their life by buying a Curves can only do so through a resale.

So, how much money do you need to start a Curves franchise? Well, you start by understanding what it will cost to open up a new one from scratch. First, Curves International wants $50,000 to use their world-class name and brand. From there, it is up to you to do the following which take both TIME and MONEY ($30-40,000):

1. Research potential LOCATIONS (make sure there is good store traffic)
2. NEGOTIATE your LEASE and pay security deposit (get a lawyer and accountant)
3. Customize the space (leasehold improvements) with walls, carpet, bathrooms, office etc.
4. Decorate the facility (make sure to creature comforts and ambience)
5. Install Office: Computers, Scanner, Printers (color and BW), Fax, File Cabinets, Refrigerator
6. Buy electronics (TV w/dvd player, music receiver, 2 cd players, surround sound speakers, cd's and music licensing)
7. Prepare for operating the business (i.e. insurance, banking, credit card processing, payroll, taxes, licenses, etc.)
8. Develope Marketing Plan and Advertise, Advertise, Advertise the grand opening
9. Hire and train employees to help run the club
10. Budget in negative cash flow while building up Curves clientele (plan for an additional $30-50,000 for this)

Now since you are looking to buy a curves resale it is most important that you find an owner who did steps 1-9 correctly. Otherwise you might end up paying them for work they did and having to redo the work your yourself which will be an additional expense.

Number 10 is really the scary wild card. You could open the doors and have nobody walk through for months to sign up and provide the revenue needed to stay in business. How do you forecast or guess the future?

When buying a resale Curves you have the opportunity to see the history of how many people have called, walked in, and signed up to be a member. Make sure to look at that carefully because if the trend is not consistent that location could be troublesome. At Curves Dearborn we are excited that our location receives calls daily from women driving by and seeing our sign or walking in to find out more. We currently sign up approximately one new member each day without any local advertising.

Fortunately for you our Curves for Sale in Dearborn, Michigan, has been well built and cared for. We have top of the line location, ambience, equiptment, maintenance and staff. Our membership is stable and our sales are beyond the break even point and experiencing positive cash flow. All you need to do is drive. Drive the vision for marketing and advertising. Drive the growth of local corporate relationships with neighboring business. Drive the membership growth.

In short, if you are new to business or don't want to completely roll the dice on opening up a brand new business from scratch (which the setup costs can be very high and more importantly, unknown), then take a long hard look at buying our Curves for your business investment. You can make significant improvements to that business while already being positive cash flow and profitable. This is a win-win...

Springtime

Every year around this time is just amazing for me. Springtime is the time for eternal hope. Hope for better times ahead after about 4 months of VERY nasty weather where most people really believed that the long, cold winter would never end. It truly is the best time of the year for me.

For all the ladies at Curves For Women in Dearborn, it is the time to get energized and get moving. Personally, this time of the year gets me up to go do an extra workout. It gives me the energy of wanting to feel good and feel better than I have in a long time.

Springtime is wonderful for Gail and her team at Curves Dearborn. Women's fitness is their life and helping our members achieve their fitness goals is what it is all about. It makes their job that much easier when our members decide to come do the most famous circuit training workout around. The energy our Curves members bring to the club at this time of year is contagious to them and to other members working out.

I am not an expert on the dynamic of the club and what happens with women's fitness in the Curves concept. I am, admittedly, a man who likes being macho by lifting weights and running. When I go to the gym to workout, I am usually working out alone and in my head. I love this time of year and love working out, but when I see what our members enjoy at Curves Dearborn...I am jealous.

The group dynamic that exists during the circuit training is second to none in making you feel good about what you are doing. Marry that with this perfect time of year for hope and renewal, then you get something very special.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy Curves Dearborn in Michigan

10) LOCATION - We are located in the heart of Dearborn, Ford country and a mecca of corporate headquarters so to speak. Our membership consists of women from over 70 zipcodes (while most Curves only attract membership from 4-5 zipcodes) and we are one minute from the Ford Rd exit off the Southfield Fwy.

9) HOURS OF OPERATION - We open at 8:00 am M-W-F and close at 7:00pm and open at 9:00 am T & Th and clost at 7:00pm, Closed Saturdays, NEVER close during lunch to accomodate the working women in the area. Our ladies love to work out at lunch or workout while they wait for traffic to clear (they agree that if they drove home first they would never make it to another Curves.) And yes, of course you can adjust the hours when you buy this Curves.

8) DIVERSITY - I hear this alot from members who have travelled and transferred to our location. Curves in Dearborn is a true melting pot of all ages, ethnicities and abilities. We have members from age 9-90, women who run marathons and use walkers. Truly a unique group where all are welcome to come as they are!

7) SHOPPING TRAFFIC - Curves Dearborn is located in a large shopping plaza with 30+ stores and restaurants. We are nestled next to GNC and Ashley Stewert and Avenue (ladies fashion) and David's Bridal. At least one woman walks through our doors each day and says "I didn't realize you were here OR What is Curves??"

6) COZY SPA LIKE ATMOSPHERE - Whether you are relaxing on the leather sectional with recliners or working out on the circuit you feel the warmth. The meditterean patio on the sea with sunset and mountains provides a little bit for everyone. LOVE is in the air, love for each other and ourselves.

5) ORGANIZED OFFICE SPACE - Our management team has an semi-enclosed office space where work gets done securely. We have internet access, printer (color too), copier, scanner, fax, fridge and microwave. All the essentials you will want when you buy a Curves.

4) PROCESS DOCUMENTATION - I like to think of it as "Curves for Dummies". Everything is labeled and has a place. All major processes (from sign-ups to deposits and payroll) have checklists so we don't forget the important things.

3) AUTOMATED BANKING - Every Curves I know does banking every day! What a waste of time. We have our deposits entirely automated so we press a couple of buttons every 5 days saving tons of time and money.

2) CITY OF DEARBORN - Population demographics include around 100,000 people with 36,000+ households and almost 7,000 businesses (25% which are women owned!)

1) AWESOME TEAM - Our Staff consists of 5 seasoned women who were all members prior to working at Curves so they know what members want. Combined our team has over 25 years of Curves experience!

For more information on buying this Curves in Dearborn Michigan call Gail 313-575-9340.

Meet Pat Our Eldest Team Member

Hi! My name is Patricia Durham. I first joined another Curves in October 2002, and later transferred my membership to Curves Dearborn in May 2003, because it was much closer to my home. The fact that I could drive to Curves, exercise, and be home in less than an hour was very appealing to me. I also liked the fact that the workout is structured. I know what I have to do and I do it -- no guess work is involved.

My reason for joining Curves for Women didn’t really have anything to do with needing to lose weight, although I definitely needed to. I was attracted to the Curves fitness program because I was in my early sixties, had some arthritis and wanted to keep as mobile as I possibly could. Curves has allowed me to do just that. The fact that I have lost 20 pounds, and several inches, has certainly been an added bonus.

In November 2005, on a whim, I responded to a note that appeared on the Curves Dearborn blackboard stating they were looking for someone to work 9-12 hours a week. At first I thought, “I could do that, but I wonder if they would consider hiring someone my age.” Well, Gail Bushbaker, the owner, certainly didn’t have a problem with that. I have been a Curves employee for over 2 years now and it has been a wonderful experience.

The team at Curves Dearborn are “the best.” One of the biggest assets for me is the diversity of our members. There are several different ethnic backgrounds represented and I have met so many fabulous women -- warm, caring, witty, helpful and loving people. Wow! I feel so blessed.

Thanks Curves for making my life so joy-filled and my body so much healthier. Curves - what would I do without you?

LOTS OF LOVE ~ PAT

600 lbs of Food, 21 NEW Curves Members and Counting!

Just wanted to share a Curves Food Drive update with you. Not bad for being buried under snow for the past 2 weeks! Thanks so much ladies for your generosity. For those who haven't brought in their food yet we will be collecting through the end of the month so if you plan to lose weight this year make sure to donate as many pounds as you want to lose for good luck :-) And don't forget you can earn a FREE MONTH at Curves in Dearborn for every NEW member that signs up as a referral from you. Still collecting and counting!

~THANKS CURVES DEARBORN

Thanks for posting Shelia!

I can't tell you how excited I am to hear from you! Your comment was so uplifting. I could sense your excitement about your personal success and Curves. Cindy and Pat agree that you are an AMAZING WOMAN and a joy to have on the circuit. Congratulations on losing 20lbs this past year and staying focused. I personally miss the support I feel everytime I visit. I'm looking forward to meeting you on my next trip March 26th - April 1st.

~Keep up the HARD work! Gail

Meet Cindy, Manager Curves Dearborn

Cindy the Hun, as I lovingly call her, cracks the whip for me when I am away. We were referred to each other early in 2006 through a mutual friend who knew our Curves was hiring and Cindy was moving to Dearborn. Normally I only hire from the membership because I like to ensure I know your workout ethic and personality.

Hiring Cindy was a leap of faith and a blessing from above. At first she scared me. Don't laugh, you'd be scared too, to meet someone crazy enough to wear shorts when it is 20 degrees out! Now I know what you're thinking, everyone scares me. In my world I have found this truth: either scare or be scared. Most people say I scare them (because I'm so tough for such a shorty) and if I don't, they scare me. Ironically those are the people I end up admiring the most.

But don't you be scared, we are just talking about TOUGH LOVE, something we all need to stay on track and achieve the best person we can be. Think of it as lots of hard work with smiles!

Cindy is in her early 50's and has been married for 34 years. She has two male adult children, one who is married to a wonderful girl Jeanette (who also works at our Curves part time). Cindy has always been into sports and fitness and as she has gotten older Cindy says her body has made many changes and not always for the good.

"Fitness is a very important part of my life. I joined Curves for Women 7 years ago this May over Memorial weekend. I went in to see what this Curves concept was; I kept getting flyer's in the mail, so I had to check them out. I joined Curves on the spot. It was totally different than any exercise program I had done in the past, it was very intriguing.

Within the first month I lost 8 lbs and 8 inches, I was hooked; in total I've lost 38 pounds! Three months later I was at another Curves that was closer to my house and they were hiring. On a whim I applied and I got the job. Six years later I am still at Curves and I love every minute of it. The women are great. It is like an extended family."

Lovely Cindy (the Hun)

Meet Gail, Owner of Curves Dearborn

Hopefully you are enjoying our blog and learning about our Curves in Dearborn Michigan. If you are a member, I encourage you to contact me and let me know how you are doing, what you like about our Curves and if there is anything we can do to help you be more successful or make your visits better.

If you want to buy a Curves in Michigan this is definitely an excellent opportunity for you to buy an established thriving business. Please call Kevin to discuss 702-400-9986.

My name is Gail Bushbaker, I'm a native Detroiter who was transplanted to Las Vegas Nevada in 2005. My husband Kevin and I started looking at buying a Curves in Michigan in early 2000 after I was laid off from one of my so called "real jobs" for the 2nd time. I have been an entrepreneur since 1990 when I started a cleaning business. Professionally I worked in quality management. Service and continuous improvement are in my blood.

In August of 2003, the day of the east coast blackout (you all remember that don't you?) Kevin came home from work and announced he found a Curves for Sale in Dearborn Michigan. I had news to share as well, I was about to be laid off again, for the 4th and last time.

By this time in 2003 we had spent over 3 years researching buying a Curves or other fitness franchise. We had even considered opening our own mom and pop exercise facility. In the end we concluded that the other franchises or our idea could not possibly compete with a brand icon like Curves. It was buy a Curves or nothing.

On November 5, 2003 our 3 year long journey and dream to buy a Curves in Michigan came true. We were the proud owners of the Dearborn Curves. It was originally located on Schaefer and we moved it to it's current location and reopened in March of 2004.

Buying and owning a Curves has been very rewarding. We are sad to end this chapter in our lives but as a new chapter begins we know that passing the baton is the right thing to do. Ironically the journey in our new chapter - Adoption - also has taken 3years to come to fruition as we will be parents any day now.

Looking back we know the time we spent preparing to buy and own Curves made all the difference in our success. We are fortunate to feel the same about being ready to be parents.

Stay tuned for more on our story ~ Gail

Meet Traycye...

BEFORE: January 2007
I'll never forget the first time I met Traycye, to be totally honest she scared me. She didn't smile much and dressed like a man (pictured left), what can I say. It is nice to be able to joke about it now that we have gotten to know eachother so well. While Traycye can be tough as nails, and she has had to be to accomplish such amazing weight loss, there has always been a beautiful flower waiting inside to bloom.

MIDPOINT: October 2007

Traycye started working out at Curves in Dearborn on April 30, 2007 (45 weeks ago). She has lost a total of 113 lbs and 63.75 inches. The most notable changes in her body can be seen in her hips which at one time were 52" and her body fat which was 42%. Today Traycye's hips are a slender 38" and her body fat is a healthy 27%.

TODAY: February 2008
Traycye has worked out 202 times since she started the Curves program, that is an average of 4.5 times per week. She is orginally from Canada and she travels frequently to Montreal where she makes sure to visit other Curves never missing a workout; maybe that is where she does the half of a workout (ha ha).

When she is not working out hard at Curves she works hard at Northwest airlines as a Supervisor in baggage which can be both physical and stressful. Recently she has been dubbed the ice-princess by her co-workers b/c her new smile is all it takes to melt the ice away (ha ha). They also presented her with honors and a "Certificate of Consumption" because they are amazed that she has lost so much weight while still eating 20 times a day.

If you run into Traycye on the circuit don't be surprised if she talks your ear off. We actually believe this is her secret weapon for burning extra calories. We love Tracycye and know when you meet her you will too! Most members and people she knows who haven't seen her in a while don't even recognize her. Read more about Traycye

CONGRATULATIONS TRAYCYE! ~ Gail and the Curves Staff