Curves
president Mike Raymond says some of the departed owners came into the system to as "investors rather than owners" and claims that the pruning was intentional. But observers cite more
flexible hours for working women, cheaper competitors with more amenities and options, and the poor economy as factors in the drop.
Diana Tavary of Helena, Mont., walked away
from her clubs after 10 years because she feels Curves didn't keep up with the times, Gibson reports. "They didn't allow you to offer anything different than just" a formulaic
30-minute circuit, she says. Newer rivals such as Snap Fitness and Anytime Fitness offer a range of workout equipment and exercise routines, as well as showers and dressing rooms.
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Other franchisees cite poor marketing. "There is also a perception that the Curves workout is a 'sissy workout,' which is a complete misunderstanding," says Jim Gasson, a franchisee in northern Virginia.