1992
350
$71,731
$50,000
$101,245
No
Invest in the Women's Fitness Revolution with Curves
Curves is more than just a gym; it's a pioneering women's fitness franchise that has redefined the health and wellness industry. For decades, the brand has championed the strength and well-being of women, creating a supportive, non-intimidating environment where millions have achieved their fitness goals. By offering the world-famous, scientifically-backed 30-minute circuit training—a unique blend of strength training, cardio, and stretching—Curves provides an efficient and effective solution for the busy modern woman.
As a franchisee, you're investing in a proven business model with a powerful reputation for community and results. Curves holds a unique market position, targeting a large, often underserved demographic: women over 30 seeking an accessible, affordable, and supportive fitness option away from the typical, intimidating co-ed gym. With a refreshed brand, innovative technology like CurvesSmart coaching, and the integration of comprehensive wellness programs, Curves is re-emerging as the premier, low-investment, high-impact opportunity in the thriving US fitness market. Join the movement to strengthen women and build a recession-resistant business that makes a real difference in your community.
Why Invest in the Curves Franchise?
Investing in a Curves franchise offers a compelling mix of mission and market opportunity:
Pioneering & Proven Concept: Curves introduced the 30-minute circuit workout—a "blue ocean" strategy that created a new category in the fitness industry. Its effectiveness is backed by millions of members and clinical research, ensuring a highly marketable and results-driven core product.
Targeted Demographics: The business is squarely focused on women over 30, a demographic that often seeks an exclusive, supportive, and time-efficient fitness solution. This specialized focus minimizes direct competition with large, traditional health clubs.
Low Initial Investment & Overhead: Compared to full-service gyms, Curves’ simple facility requirements—focused on the circuit layout and proprietary hydraulic equipment—mean a lower cost of entry and reduced infrastructure expenses.
Recurring Revenue Model: The business operates on a robust membership-based revenue model, providing predictable, ongoing cash flow. Additional revenue streams include branded merchandise and specialized wellness programs like the Curves Complete nutrition plan.
Strong Community Focus: Curves clubs are celebrated for their supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere, often described as a "sisterhood." This community culture drives high member retention and organic word-of-mouth marketing, a powerful asset in local business development.
1. Established Year:
Curves was founded in 1992 in Harlingen, Texas, by Gary and Diane Heavin. The founders’ vision was to create a women-only fitness environment that focused on 30-minute circuit workouts, combining strength training and cardio in a supportive, judgment-free setting.
2. Founders and Company History:
Gary and Diane Heavin opened the first Curves gym as a response to the lack of fitness options tailored specifically for women.
The brand quickly gained popularity, expanding across the United States through franchising.
At its peak, Curves had over 10,000 locations worldwide, becoming one of the largest fitness franchises globally.
Over the years, Curves has undergone changes in ownership:
In 2012, North Castle Partners acquired a controlling stake in the company.
In 2019, Krishea Holloway became the President, continuing the brand’s mission of empowering women through fitness.
3. Franchise Units:
Currently, Curves operates approximately 350+ locations in the USA, continuing to serve women of all ages in local communities.
4. Market Presence and Industry Category:
Headquarters: Waco, Texas.
Industry Category: Fitness, Wellness, and Women’s Health.
Curves positions itself as a leading women-focused fitness franchise, differentiating itself from traditional gyms by offering a supportive, personalized, and community-oriented approach to health and wellness.
5. Brand Journey and Reputation:
Curves’ growth strategy relied heavily on franchise expansion, making it one of the most recognized fitness brands for women in the USA.
The brand has earned a reputation for reliability, community engagement, and a proven business model, which appeals to potential franchisees and members alike.
Over decades, Curves has maintained consistent brand identity, emphasizing women empowerment, healthy lifestyles, and accessibility.
6. Ownership and Leadership:
Curves is a privately held company, currently under the leadership of Krishea Holloway, who continues to focus on innovation in women’s fitness and franchisee support.
Curves is committed to providing franchisees with a comprehensive support system designed for long-term success, ensuring that even entrepreneurs with no prior fitness experience can thrive.
Initial Training: New franchisees and key personnel attend an intensive training program. This typically includes a mix of online modules and live virtual/in-person sessions focused on company history, sales techniques, membership retention strategies, club management, and operational procedures.
Onboarding Certification: All employees must complete proprietary training and certification, including the Onboarding Certification and specialized Health and Wellness Certification (which may include the Cleveland Clinic Certification to become a qualified Curves Complete Coach).
Site Selection & Evaluation: Corporate specialists provide guidance in selecting and evaluating a suitable location, which is crucial given the business model’s emphasis on accessibility to the target demographic.
Facility Setup: Comprehensive support for club layout, equipment purchasing (including the proprietary hydraulic machines), signage, and technology integration (such as the CurvesSmart system).
Field Operations: Franchisees benefit from dedicated National Support Specialists who provide ongoing consultation in areas like customer service, marketing, and daily operations.
Proprietary Software & Technology: Access to the Curves operating software, the CurvesSmart computerized coaching system (which provides real-time feedback to members), and a robust online training platform.
Annual Convention: Curves hosts a three-day national convention for networking, advanced training, and sharing best practices across the franchise system.
Marketing & Academic Support: The corporate team continually develops and updates proprietary fitness programs, including new workouts, to keep the offering fresh. Newsletters and ongoing workshops are provided for continuous education for owners, managers, and coaches.
The ideal Curves franchisee is a purpose-driven entrepreneur deeply passionate about women's health and wellness. While a background in fitness is helpful, it is not required; the most important traits revolve around leadership and community engagement.
Passion and Mission Alignment: Must have a genuine desire to empower women and build a supportive community. The business thrives on an owner who is committed to a hands-on role in motivating members and staff.
Business Acumen & Leadership: An ability to manage a team, handle local marketing, and drive sales. The ideal candidate is a strong local leader capable of cultivating a positive, non-judgmental club culture.
Financial Capability: Must meet the minimum financial requirements to ensure a stable launch and a secure runway for the initial operating period.
Minimum Net Worth: $75,000
Minimum Liquid Capital: $50,000
Location Preference: The model is well-suited for a variety of markets, including small towns and suburban areas where the need for a dedicated women's fitness center is often unmet. A preference for developing multi-unit ownership is also highly valued, as many existing franchisees own more than one club.
The Curves franchise is known for its relatively low entry cost within the fitness industry, offering an accessible path to business ownership.
