Business feature: Sisters start business in memory of father

Freedom New Mexico

Debbie Strong and her sister Viki Crawford got into Curves for Women after their father died of cancer.

They started getting interested in their health and their brother James Russell was looking for something that he could do at that time.

“Russell had a job he was tired of, which is pretty common,” Strong said. “He found curves and he opened a store in Espanola. He invited us up to see what it is all about and we were able to check into getting the franchise here in Portales and in Clovis.”

Curves for Women has been in business for eight years in Portales.

“Exercise, that is what we focus primarily on is the fitness part of it,” Strong said. “We do have a weight loss program that we’re pretty successful with.”

Strong said prior to Curves, most exercise programs are geared toward men and there wasn’t much for women.

“A lot of our women really didn’t have an exercise program.” Strong said. “But we get a lot of women who go to a regular gym and are not comfortable there for whatever reason. Curves has really targeted that.”

The women who go to Curves are comfortable going because there are no men, they have hydraulic machines that are easier on the joints and muscles and members don’t have to worry about changing weights, Strong said.

“It is quick. Women like the fact that it is quick and they can come at their earliest convenience,” Strong said. “They just come when they have the time. They get full body and strength training.”

Strong said now there is more strength training for women.

Curves for Women offers thirty minute full body workouts for women. They get strength training, cardio and muscle flexibility, which are the three components for a good workout, said Strong.

Curves has camps with special competitions between morning and afternoon groups to see who can get the most points, while collecting school supplies to donate to the schools.

“This is our fifth year of camp. It is kinda something we do for fun,” Strong said.