Fitness center, 'Curves for

Women,' opens at Marktplatz Mall

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- "Curves for Women," a fitness and weight loss center, opened July 24 on the south end of the Marktplatz Mall.

Also in Hutchinson, the business stresses exercise and weight loss counseling. Members tour the "quickfit" circuit by moving through a series of exercise equipment. The 30-minute workout ends with a three-minute stretching routine.

Participants alternate hydraulic resistance machines with aerobic recovery stations with an instructor and background music system.

Bonnie Lantz of New Ulm is the local instructor.

The workout burns as many as 500 calories while building strength and the cardiovascular system.

"Because you're moving fluid rather than weights, it is low-impact and safe for any age or condition," said company founder Gary Heavin. "Before us, towns with less than 50,000 people did not have women-only exercise facilities."

Lezlie Byrne, who owns the New Ulm and Hutchinson businesses, said when people diet without exercise, half of what they lose is muscle.

"Muscles are the engines of our bodies that require fuel," said Bryne. "If you drastically lower your body's energy needs each time you diet, you will always gain your weight back. When a woman loses 20 pounds with us, it is entirely body fat."

She said lean muscle is the key to permanent results. Strength training protects and increases lean tissue and raises metabolism.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Byrne said hours may increase as the need arises in New Ulm.

Membership is honored in 49 states and Canada.