You work, you sleep, you eat.

Monday, March 12, 2001

You work, you sleep, you eat. But do you take time for yourself? If you have not taken the time to exercise and do not think you have the time, stay awhile – Carol Cromwell has news for you.

Cromwell is the owner of Curves, a franchise of Curves International Inc. of Texas. A Curves workout requires only a commitment of 30 minutes three times a week.

Gary Heavin, Curves International’s founder and CEO, started his business 24 years ago, when his mom died at age 40. He decided to make improving women’s health his goal.

To date, more than 1,000 Curves locations are open in 48 states and Canada.

Cromwell purchased the local franchise in January. She came to Curves because her chiropractor recommended she get some exercise to treat weakness in her lower back. After 10 days on the Curves program, she was greatly improved.

The Curves workout involves 18 stations of both hydraulic machines and warmup mats. Workouts include 30 seconds at each machine and a rotation to each machine three times, for a total of 30 minutes.

"Strength training has been the missing ingredient in women’s weight-loss efforts," Heavin said in a news release. "In the past women dieted, walked or maybe did aerobics. Up to 40 percent of their weigh loss was muscle. By losing muscle, the engines of the body, they lowered their metabolism so drastically, that they always gained their weight back. Strength training protects and even increases muscle tissue, while you lose body fat."

Every month, each person is weighed and measured to chart their progress. Prior to starting the program, a figure analysis is done on each individual.

In addition, customers watch their diets. Curves offers a supplemental protein shake to be used in place of meals for weight-loss purposes. Other items, such as books and vitamins, are available at the facility.

Cromwell takes new customers through the process and stays with them until they are comfortable with the rotations. She suggests each individual work out three times a week at the minimum. The goal of the workout is to be at a 70 percent pulse rate for 20 minutes.

Customers pay for a year’s membership at a rate of $29 per month. Cromwell said she sometimes offers six-month memberships. Each person interested in starting a membership can discuss the payment options with her.

She reports that as of right now, 90 women are members and there is plenty of room for more. Two dressing rooms and a bathroom with hot and cold running water are available at the location. The workout room is kept at a cool 62 degrees, so that it is comfortable for those who are working out.

A taped announcer lets those exercising know when it is time to rotate to the next station. Music plays in the background, behind the announcer’s voice.

Cromwell was born and raised in Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School. She is a licensed practical nurse who has lived in Austin for three years.

Cromwell has two daughters and is not married. She said she had an ambition to own her own business for a long time. She noticed that the business was for sale in an ad and decided to purchase it.

"This was so neat and was still in the same realm of promoting good health," Cromwell said.

She plans to go to several days of training in Waco, Texas, in the near future to gain additional good health knowledge.

Curves is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fridays 6 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 8 to 11 a.m.

Memberships can be made by calling 437-3799 or visiting the 300 Main St. North location.

Call Kevira Mertha at 434-2233 or e-mail her at newsroom@austindailyherald.com.