Julian Curves Proves to be a Successful Venture

Tena Bates, Manager of Julian Curves.

By Ruth Lepper

Julie Meaney took a chance on opening Julian Curves one year ago, and it paid off — falling right in line with the international company’s reputation.

Curves International is the largest fitness franchise in the world with more than 8,000 locations. It is the first fitness and weight-loss facility dedicated to providing affordable, one-stop exercise and nutritional information for women.

Julian Curves has signed up 300 members since opening in February 2004.

Connie Russell working out with a smile. Julian Curves as signed up 300 members in its first year. Photos by Darrel KINNEY

“The women up here are fabulous,” Meaney said. “We’ve had so much fun. Curves is a program designed for women. We’re here to encourage them and help them to understand their need to love themselves and their bodies. We give them a lot of attention.”

Meaney’s enthusiasm is contagious. She has opened nine Curves franchises in the past five years and continues to own four of them. In addition to Julian, she has sites in Pine Valley, Brawley and Holtville.

She also works for Curves International, representing the company worldwide.

Meaney knows from personal experience what Curves can do to change a woman’s life. Before she went to work for the company, she was a member of the fitness club. She lost 130 pounds in the past four years.

“Curves gave me back my life,” she said. “I really enjoyed it. It was a very successful program for me. It helped me have a future and gave me back my life.

“It’s been a great journey. It’s a journey for all of us.”

The Curves program is set up for women to exercise at several stations, all within 30 minutes.

“It’s a 30-minute total body workout to lose body fat,” Meaney explained. “Basically, it’s strength training. (The women) work every single major muscle group in 30 minutes. We help them to live a healthy, full life.

“We make it fun. It’s a very motivating atmosphere. We make it a lot of fun for the women so they don’t even realize they’re exercising. We’re designed for all ages, shapes and sizes of women — it’s not an intimidating atmosphere.”

The cost is $29 a month, or as Meaney explains it, “It’s like giving up a Diet Coke a day.”

Located upstairs at 4355 state Route 78 in Wynola, Curves is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. It closes at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and is open from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday. For more information, call (760) 765-1075.