The 1,500-square-foot location offers 300 more square feet than the previous location.

"It's beautiful," Howard said of the spacious environment made more attractive thanks to the carpentry skills of Howard's husband, Bob.

"I said it had to be nice enough for me to want to be there all day," she said. "I want people to come there for a lot of reasons, not dreading any part of it."

Now boasting more than four million members and gyms in more than 60 countries, the first Curves club was opened by founders Gary and Diane Heavin in Harlingen, Texas, in 1992.

The 30-minute fitness concept they designed is a combination of strength training and cardiovascular activity using hydraulic resistance. The company's success soon had the Heavins considering franchising the business. In 1995, the first independently owned and operated Curves opened its doors in Paris, Texas.

"When I became aware the Curves franchise for Homer was available, I renewed my interest in this company whose business model is well-developed and proven for success," said Howard, who, as a Curves member, has known and enjoyed the program and environment created for members.

Looking at the business through the eyes of a potential franchise owner, and with an eye toward selling the idea to her husband, Howard began to see the personal significance Curves has for its members.

"They encouraged me to make the purchase and move the business forward," Howard said of support she received locally. "I have interviewed approximately 30 people some who are members, some who are past members and others thinking of joining and I came away from each interview with the strong sense of a need to have a place to gather and share information about health issues, a comfortable and safe place for exercising and to learn about nutrition and weight management."

Newcomers to Curves will see 11 pieces of equipment and 11 recovery station pads in an oblong configuration. The video playing on a big screen television gives tips on the use of each piece of equipment and describes the muscles being used. The workout is accompanied by music and, in the background, the subtle direction to change stations or to stop and take a pulse.

"You stay on the machines 30 seconds and go from upper body to cardio to lower body and you just keep repeating that," Howard said.

According to information provided by Curves, the workout offers aerobic exercise for weight loss and strength training for toned muscles that burns as much as 500 calories in 30 minutes. The machines are hydraulic and do not rely on electricity or weights, making adjustments unnecessary.

To personalize the workouts, Howard is considering adding a computerized component in which individuals enter personal statistics to indicate if they are reaching their targeted goals. She is giving herself and local Curve members six months before making that business decision. Also offering a personal touch are two employees with previous Curves experience.

Curves membership is a one-time fee of $49, which covers administrative costs of paperwork, weigh-in, measurements and goal setting. A one-year contract carries the monthly fee of $44, and entitles members to use club facilities anywhere in the world.

"When you go away to visit, I send you out with traveling passes," Howard said. "The prices are the same because we want you to be able to go anywhere in the world."

Homer club hours are 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the possibility of Saturday hours beginning in January. Also on the horizon are nutrition and weight management classes that are part of the Curves program. A free 30-minute introductory workout is offered, with instructions from staff on proper and safe use of the equipment.

"Our goal is to create such a place where the information exchange and exercising opportunity come together in one safe and stimulating environment," Howard said. "I look forward to partnering with the agencies and groups in the community that are skilled in their particular area to bring that information to the Curves members in an effort to broaden awareness and involvement in the community."

The new franchise owner also looks forward to benefiting from her new role in the Curves family.

"I will be leading the pack for exercise and for weight management for sure," Howard said. "While I am a very busy lady, I am a very busy sedentary lady. Meetings and more meetings where sitting is the mode is hard on the muscles and joints. We need to keep moving. Thirty minutes at a time."

For more information on Curves, call 235-6539 or visit the Web at www.curves.com.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com.