What's wrong with Curves? [What's wrong with this editorial? Note "Clarification"]

San Franciso Chronicle.com ^ | April 29, 2004 | Ruth Rosen

[summer]

What's wrong with Curves?

Clarification: A Ruth Rosen column Thursday -- "What's wrong with curves?" -- stated that three "pregnancy crisis centers" that received $5 million from Curves owner Gary Heavin were "supported by Operation Save America." The column was referring to Operation Save America's verbal endorsement of the centers, not financial support.

[summer]

This editorial concerns the fastest growing franchise in the world, Curves, a woman's gym.

I found it interesting that a version of this article (without the above "Clarification") appears on a site called Alternet, while a link to the original article (with the above "Clarification") appears on a blog site called The Proverbial Wife.

People on FR will probably enjoy the comments written by the Proverbial Wife and linked above.

[4everontheRight]

If I didn't already have a room full of my own equipment, I would join this group! Sounds like a great organization.

[summer]

Here's an excerpt of this editorial:

...Not surprisingly, Curves is wildly successful. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, it now boasts 7,500 outlets and is the fastest-growing franchise in the world.

There are 68 outlets within 25 miles of downtown San Francisco. Most of them are tucked away in nondescript strip malls or office buildings, which keeps monthly membership fees as low as $29. Such modest locations also enhance the profits of franchise owners, who pay $29,000 to open a Curves outlet, plus a monthly royalty fee of $395. (For many women, it's a relatively inexpensive and convenient way to start a small business.)

So, is there any reason why you shouldn't rush out to join the Wal-Mart of gyms that's helping so many women improve their health?

Well, yes. The owner, Gary Heavin, has given at least $5 million of his profits to some of the most militant anti-abortion groups in the country.

Heavin, like his next-door neighbor George W. Bush in Crawford, Texas, found redemption as a grown man. Before founding Curves in 1992, he went bankrupt, lost custody of his two children and served a six-month jail sentence for not paying child support. In prison, he became a born-again Christian.

In 2003, Heavin and his wife gave away $10 million – 10 percent of their company's gross revenues – to charities.[...]

When I read this, all I could think was: Wow, that is some life story - and turnaround there!!! (And, remind me again why people are against faith based prisons???)

[afraidfortherepublic]

Wow! I'm impresses. I didn't read the original editorial, but are you telling me that the newspapers are against this gym because the owner is against abortion? That is a really weird attitude and speaks volumes about teh newspaper's agenda!

[HungarianGypsy]

I was debating on whether to join up with Curves once my friend is over the six week post partum period (so we can go together). After reading this I just may join even if she can't.

[OrangeDaisy]

This makes me want to join. There's one just down the street from my house. I might check it out this week!

[Temple Drake]

sad part is the gals who probably need this service most are the ones quitting in a huff ...

[anniegetyourgun]

Makes me want to join too. If pro-aborts who work there and those who have joined want to leave, how much better for the company will that be anyway!

[Mike Darancette]

The Curves people are very large givers to GOP candidates and causes. Bless 'Em all.

[FoxInSocks]

A friend of mine started going to Curves about six weeks ago, with great results so far. :-) She likes getting the workout done in half an hour.

[Mercat]

I had just re-upped with Jazzercise but canceled it and plan to visit the Curves in my neighborhood tomorrow. Thanks freerepublic, for letting me know about this place.

[Paul_B]

There's good coverage of Heavin over at ChristianityToday. They say he gave away 80% of his $10M income.

[irv]

Operation Save America ... whose purpose, as described on its Web site, is to "unashamedly take up the cause of pre-born children in the name of Jesus Christ."

It's scary that this is actually considered an argument against them.

[Molly Pitcher]

Goodness! I've been a Curves gal for almost a year, and didn't know this.

Thanks! My support and patronage will definitely continue!!

[Fausto]

Thanks freerepublic, for letting me know about this place. I've always thought it would be great if someone could put together a list of companies which support conservative causes as a reference for us to use. I know of various companies my money doesn't go near because they support the libs, but I seemingly hear less about who I should because they share my ideals. Does anyone know if such a thing exists? I'd really L-O-V-E to know the money I am spending is working for me in the products I buy, as well as the causes I support.

[Fausto]

Thanks freerepublic, for letting me know about this place.

I've always thought it would be great if someone could put together a list of companies which support conservative causes as a reference for us to use. I know of various companies my money doesn't go near because they support the libs, but I seemingly hear less about who I should because they share my ideals. Does anyone know if such a thing exists? I'd really L-O-V-E to know the money I am spending is working for me in the products I buy, as well as the causes I support. (sorry for the double post, wanted to help on formatting)

[jocon307]

"[A]re you telling me that the newspapers are against this gym because the owner is against abortion? That is a really weird attitude..."

Weird it is, of course, but extremely common. The left, the media, to them Abortion is the holy of holies to them. Nothing can interfere, no word against it can be said. It is "Choice" and it is GOOD!

And that's why they are all going to go to hell when they die.

[Graybeard58]

After reading this I just may join even if she can't.

For what it's worth, my wife reccommends it highly.

[Uncle Hal]

Ruth Rosen is a far out lefty in the far out left Chronicle. She has written several articles condemning Wal Mart and I guess now she is after Curves because their owners are pro life. My wife belongs to Curves, as do many of her girlfriends, and they all love it.

[Freee-dame]

For what it's worth, my wife reccommends it highly.

me too. This knowledge makes me like it all the more.