There’s a new face at Curves in Orion Township but with it comes a throwback approach.
Susan Baker purchased the franchise at Baldwin and Waldon Roads May 17 and said she’s going to bring back the old Curves with games, summer contests and charity work like breast cancer awareness.
‘It’s been neglected for so long, I want to get it up and running,? Baker said. ‘I want to get this place going like it should be.?
The new owner said Curves offers much more than a workout facility, though it is a great place to take care of fitness and weight loss with 30-minute workouts three times a week.
‘Women make friendships here,? said Baker. ‘They know one another’s lives and get together for activities like knitting and scrapbooking.?
She added that, at a women-only center, there’s a more personal, relaxed atmosphere than in traditional gyms.
‘There’s no testosterone here,? she joked. ‘It doesn’t matter what you look like when you come in. Some women come in with curlers in their hair.?
The relationships her customers build at Curves even develop into support networks for personal issues and health concerns like cancer or heart problems, according to Baker.
She’s also added more hours to make working out easier for busy women. Curves in Orion Township is open Monday through Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.
Baker is a recent early-retiree from Chrysler where she worked as a finance manager. She said she’s good with numbers but is still learning the tricks of the trade when it comes to running a business.
‘There are a lot of little things you have to do ? it’s been a learning experience,? she said of payroll, unemployment, government paperwork and the like.
After retirement, Baker was in the market for opening a new franchise business and was steered toward Curves by her husband. He bought her a gift certificate to use there in 2007, and though she didn’t use it until 2009, she knew Curves was the right venture for her in both fitness and business.
‘This is the most expensive membership I’ve belonged to,? she joked, adding, ‘I came here and just fell in love with it.?
Right now, Baker is offering a free week to new customers at her location.
For more information, stop into 3009 Baldwin Road, Suite C, next to AAA Insurance.