Curves

About Curves

Curves International (also known as Curves For Women) is a fitness club designed exclusively for women offering a unique 30-minute circuit work-out with small group classes, coaching and progress tracking.

The boutique-style club offers a fun and friendly atmosphere while helping its clients regain their physical and mental health with friendly, service-oriented specialists giving one-on-one coaching.

The Curves 30-minute full body workout is for women of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels providing one of the most popular ways to help women get fit, gain strength and lose weight.

Supervised by a Curves Coach, the Curves circuit is suitable for all ages and abilities and whether you want to lose a few pounds, gain energy or tone up, there are no set class times, so busy members can join the circuit and start their exercise as soon as they arrive.

Curves engages with women and encourages them to become physically active. The ageing population has resulted in a growing population of older female members that the Curves franchise supports with a friendly, safe and reassuring community of women.

Curves is the largest fitness franchise in the world, and was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2001. The company now has more than 4,000 clubs in over 80 different countries, including almost 300 clubs across Europe. Broad market appeal means there are 2.4 million Curves members globally.

Curves is a member of the Approved Franchise Association (AFA) and was voted one of the top four fitness franchises in the UK in 2018.

Who is behind the Curves franchise?

The first Curves Club was opened in Harlingen, Texas, in 1992 by Gary and Diane Heavin. At the time it was a brand new fitness concept, and the mix of strength training, 30-minute fitness circle and weight-loss guidance made it an instant success.

Gary Heavin studied health and nutrition counselling and opened his first fitness centre at the age of 20. Diane Heavin’s passion for exercise and her experience as an advertising executive meant that when she and her husband saw the potential in the Curves concept, the franchise spread rapidly.

Within a year of opening their first franchise in Paris, Texas, in 1995, there were 50 clubs in operation. At one point, Curves was the fastest growing franchise in history.

In 2012, Curves partnered with North Castle Partners (NCP), a leading private equity firm with interests in health, wellness and active living. The new partnership introduced a number of innovations to the Curve brand, moving it on from a simple fitness brand to include Curves Smart, an advanced personal coaching system, Body Basics, Curves circuit with Zumba, Curves complete weight management and nutritional bars.

In the UK, Ross McManus is Regional Sales Manager for Curves International. With a background in health and wellness, various management roles with David Lloyd Leisure and as general manager of PE5 Sports Tours, McManus joined Curves in 2017, providing support to the development of the dozens of clubs in the UK.

How does the Curves franchise model work?

Curves provides a complete 30-minute fun, fast, safe workout combining strength training using hydraulic resistance, cardio and stretching in a welcoming and safe environment. It is a membership-based business with various revenue opportunities through memberships, products and services.

How much does a Curves franchise cost?

The initial cost for a 16-station franchise (8 machines) is £37,500, plus the cost of equipment transportations; for a 24-station franchise (12 machines), the cost is £41,785, plus equipment transportation.

The total investment, including franchise rights, equipment, initial training, location search, design plan and business support may be £70,000, dependent on location and local requirements.

Is financial aid available for a Curves franchise?

Assistance with funding is available from most banks, who often look more favourably on a franchise as they generally have a better chance of succeeding as a business. Curves’ proven business model and increased media presence has made starting a successful franchise a potentially rewarding business.

Banks are often willing to lend up to 70 per cent of a franchisee’s costs, depending on their financial history, with many banks having a local franchise manager or a specialist franchising unit.

What support and training do Curves offer their franchisees?

Before you even start your Curves franchise, the company will send tools to prepare you for the challenge of club ownership. Curves has developed a special support programme to provide its franchisees with all the support they require, plus a checklist of important initial steps to take ahead of the club opening.

Curves will help find a suitable location and the installing of equipment and assist with a franchisees’ business plan. Territories should be in an area with a minimum of 25,000 people and close to residential areas.

Did you know?

Curves has outlets available across the UK

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Franchisees will be taught all aspects of club ownership during a special, one-week Club Camp training programme known as ‘Curves Comprehensive’, which is held by experienced professionals from the Curves’ headquarters. Franchisees will learn all about membership retention techniques and all other Curves Club essentials.

At the same time, franchisees will learn about Curves’ proprietary computer programme, which will introduce new businesses to all essential Curves’ procedures.

A Business Development Manager provides daily or weekly assistance by phone, email and via onsite visits, and support continues for as long as it is needed at no additional cost.

Curves will work closely with franchisees as they prepare to open their new club, with the marketing team providing training to ensure that the new franchise will be a success from day one.

An Area Director will mentor you through any issues that may arise.

As well as a library of marketing materials, Curves’ franchisees will also benefit from national promotions and special offers that clubs can participate in.

Corporate events are held annually where you can share information and gain inspiration from other franchisees.

What are the potential rewards from a Curves franchise?

Curves’ proven systems are designed to work efficiently and to maximise your profits, although income varies due to a wide number of variables, such as market size, local demographics, and the economy. The most successful owners run their business full-time, although depending on a franchisee’s circumstances and management skills, they will be able to set their own hours. The Curves model is based on one full-time and two or three part-time employees.

Revenue is derived from membership fees and the sale of Curves products and associated services, such as beauticians.

What is Curves looking for in a franchisee?

A Curves franchisee is expected to have personality, drive, passion and entrepreneurial spirit. With these key elements, an extroverted, motivated, dynamic and enthusiastic individual will be able to take responsibility and motivate members to reach their goals. The brand’s proven systems, plus a franchisee with good people and service skills, and a good work ethic, will make a success of a Curves Club.

Are existing Curves franchises available for sale?

It is possible to purchase an existing business, although opportunities are not common and may not be in an area you are looking into. Retirement or relocation can mean that a fully-formed business with existing customers comes onto the market.

An example of a recent Curves franchise resale opportunity was the sale of an 11-year-old business with a loyal customer base situated in a shopping centre with a turnover of over £120,000 offered for £70,000 plus net assets.

Where can you find Curves franchise outlets?

In England: Ashington, Cramlington, North Shields, Lincoln, Nottingham, Leicester, Kenilworth, Market Harborough, Northampton, Melksham, Frome, Reading, Wokingham, Blackwater/Camberley, Hampton/Teddington, Leatherhead, Redhill, Haywards Heath, Eastleigh, Romsey, Plymstock, St. Austell, Newquay.

In Scotland: Inverness, Nairn, Elgin, Peterhead, Westhill, Portlethen, Perth, Broughty Ferry, Alloa, Dunferline, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Coatbridge, Beith, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Ayr, In Wales: Pontypool, Abercam, Caerphilly, Newport, Penarth,

Where is Curves planning to expand its franchise numbers?

Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, and London.

What are Curves’ terms of agreement and renewal?

Curves offers a five-year licence with an option for renewal after that period.

How in-demand are fitness franchises like Curves right now?

A LeisureDB UK report concluded that the health and fitness industry in 2018 was worth just under £5 billion and that there were over 7,000 gyms in the UK accounting for a total membership of almost 10 million — 14.9 per cent of the population.

The figure of one in 7 people belonging to a gym is growing, up 2 per cent in the year to March 2018, with part of this attributable to boutique studios.

The fitness industry can be highly competitive and Curves takes adopting to new market developments seriously. Market trends indicate that technology will change the industry and that the ageing population will require services to fit their specific needs.

How do I start setting up my own Curves franchise?

The first step to a Curves franchise is to attend one of the company’s monthly presentations and meet with the Curves’ sales team, who will be able to answer any questions you may have about its franchise programme.

To find out more, or to request further information on franchising with Curves, click on the ‘Send Enquiry’ button now.