Curves of Lewiston offers better approach to stay fit, healthy

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, January 14, 2006

Eight research studies from a team of health and fitness experts at Baylor University recently found that sedentary and overweight women who followed the Curves program achieved weight loss with no adverse side effects. The studies noted that especially those program participants who followed its high protein/low carb/low fat diet achieved the most effective loss of weight.

“Helping say goodbye to unhealthy lifestyles, unattainable diet resolutions and unreasonable fitness regimens gives women a new outlook on exercise and feeding their body properly,” said Jennifer Panepinto, manager of Curves of Lewiston. “This is further proof that our program increases our members’ metabolic rate which in turn burns fat. Simply put: our program works.”

“Following 10 weeks of dieting and exercising to lose weight and raise their metabolic rate, study participants were able to eat as much as 2,600 calories a day and maintain their weight loss during the maintenance phase,” said Dr. Richard Kreidler, professor and chair of the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation at Baylor University, who presented the results of the eight research studies. “These women also lost fat, increased the proportion of muscle to body weight, gained strength, and made medically significant improvements in blood pressure, resting heart rate and aerobic fitness.”

According to the results, the test group lost an average of two inches from their hips and three inches from their waists, while showing a 20 to 30-percent improvement in strength and a 15 percent increase in aerobic capacity. Their blood cholesterol, resting heart rate and resting blood pressure also improved.

“It was very educational,” said Curves of Lewiston member and Six-Week Challenge participant Rita Geiben. “The materials were easy to follow and allowed us to customize the weight-loss program to our own individual needs.”

Lorie Pusateri, a seven-year member of Curves of Lewiston, reiterated Geiben’s sentiment.

“There’s no strict schedule to follow, you can start your workout routine at anytime and anywhere within the circuit,” she said. “The staff and Curves members create a fun and comfortable environment built on support and camaraderie.”

Curves continues to promote health and fitness to one of the largest populations in the country. With her busy daily schedule, the typical American “soccer mom” would normally not have the time or desire for conventional fitness programs. Curves, however, offers 30-minute workout and 30-minute weight management classes, which combine fitness and a social support network that keeps women interested and losing weight.

Gary Heavin, founder and CEO of Curves International, noted that with a conventional diet, typically 50 percent of weight loss comes in the form of metabolically active muscle, which decreases metabolic rate and makes it even easier to regain weight while eating fewer calories. But the combination of Curves’ strength training and its Commonsense Weight Management program actually increases metabolic rate and protects muscle, which leads to the burning of fat stores and the ability to eat a healthy amount of food.

Many members with less than 20 pounds to lose achieve their weight loss goals using Curves’ 30-minute workout. For those who have 20 pounds or more to lose, Curves offers the Six-Week Challenge program.

“With a dramatic increase in diabetes and more than half of all Americans considered overweight, it’s time to stop making resolutions and begin getting results,” said Curves Circuit coach Anna Hrywnak. “Curves allows women of all ages and fitness levels to perform all five of the components of a complete fitness program. It’s inexpensive and there’s nothing to lose – just pounds.”

Curves of Lewiston is located at 222 Portage Road. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to noon and 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For more information call 754-9720.

Seven-year Curves of Lewiston member Lorie Pusateri works on her lower back and abs during her workout routine.