Curves under new ownership

Curves open house

WHO. Public is welcome to open house at Curves of Middletown, a women’s fitness and diet club

WHAT. Open house has vendors from 31 products, Mary Kay and Bentley Chiropractic Center, among others. The Chamber of Commerce Serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton will also host a ribbon cutting

WHEN. Open house hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24. Ribbon cutting is at 9:15 a.m.

WHERE. 4432 S. Dixie Highway, Franklin

MIDDLETOWN — Curves is under a new owner who hopes to reshape perceptions of what the fitness club is about.

Tina Mason, the new owner of the women’s fitness and diet club, wants people to know Curves is for all ages and not just “old ladies.”

Since Mason purchased the franchise in a private agreement from the former owner May 28, more than 20 members have joined. On Tuesday, Aug. 24, the club hosted an open house.

The club offers personal fitness coaches for specialized hydraulic workout equipment made by Curves International, as well as weight-management plans. A new piece of stretching equipment was added recently. When the corporate office adds Zumba at the beginning of next year as part of its rebranding, Middletown Curves walso ill offer Zumba classes, she said.

“So far it’s just been exciting to watch people meet their goals,” Mason said.

Mason decided to become a business owner after losing her job as a music teacher in the Lakota Local School District. She hopes to grow the club by showing how Curves is for all ages. Because the equipment is based on resistance, the intensity of the workout isn’t universal.

There are various memberships offered, with the most common plan costing $34 a month.

“I’m still teaching. I’m just teaching something different,” Mason said.

One of the news members is Monica Wilson of Middletown, who joined Monday. Wilson said the club is close to home.

“If I do this and I can get in the habit, it can be something I do all-year round,” Wilson said.

Curves International is one of the sixth largest franchises in the world, said Rick Gore, executive director of resale operations. The number of franchises is growing because women and men want to improve their health, Gore said.

Mason said the Curves on South Dixie Highway has more than 250 members and six part-time employees.