Curves in Dexter Under New Ownership, Celebrates Grand Re-Opening

When word got out that the fitness center in Dexter was closing last year, longtime member and manager Leslie Harrison and her sister Lisa Allen went on a mission to ensure the doors stayed open.

Harrison and Allen purchased the location in October 2011 and have since been breathing new life into the facility, which is celebrating its grand re-opening this month.

“The contract with the previous owner was expiring, and I was familiar with the business as manager,“ Harrison said. “I thought it was important to keep it up and running for women in Dexter, and I didn’t want to be out of a job like so many others, so I decided to buy it.”

Harrison, who has worked in retail most of her life, said owning a gym has never crossed her mind.

“Health and fitness is a whole other entity,” she joked. “Deciding to become owner was a big leap of faith, but I didn’t want to see Curves go away.”

The facility is equipped with 14 machines that provide a total body workout with both aerobic and strength training exercises in 30-minute intervals. In addition, the Dexter location is considered a ”full-spectrum facility,” offering weight management programs, supplements, dieting recipes and a Zumba (Latin-inspired dance fitness) class.

“Because we offer a full body workout, it’s easy for multitasking individuals to fit it into their schedule,” Allen said. “For a half-hour, three times a week, that’s less than 1 percent of your time, and it’s spent taking care of yourself.

“If you aren’t taking care of yourself, how are you going to take care of others in your life?”

Gloria Cavanagh has been a longtime member of Curves and said she enjoys the relaxed atmosphere.

“I like it because it’s such a wonderful facility,” she said. “There are no men, so you don’t have to worry about putting on makeup or doing your hair. You just come in and jump right in the workout.”

Patsy Klassen, a retired teacher in the Ann Arbor School District, said she enjoys the convenience of working out two to three times a week prior to substitute teaching.

“With the flexible hours, I can come at the beginning of the day or in the evening,” she said. “Plus it’s a really good bargain for the price.”

Lori Benilous has been a member of the Dexter Curves for the past four years.

“I love the very relaxed atmosphere,” she said. “You don’t have to deal with the smelly locker rooms and Leslie and Lisa are just awesome. They have the energy, enthusiasm and personalities that make Curves work.”

Curves is open to women of all ages and is a Silver Sneakers-compatible facility. Silver Sneakers gives seniors who are eligible for Medicare or other supplemental health insurance, free membership to fitness centers across the country. For information, call 1-888-423-4632 to find out if your health plan offers Silver Sneakers.

Throughout January, Curves is offering new members 10 visits for $10 as an incentive to join. Beyond that, the facility offers yearly contracts and monthly rates.

Curves is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6-11 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon and 3-7 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information, call 734-426-3635.