[Sunnyvale CA Eng.]

There is a 'Curves' in the development where I live. (I'm a guy so I'm not a member) I'm curious on how the owner would make any real money at it. There's 8 to 12 machines, a 30 minute workout. If the place was open from say 6:00AM to 8:00PM (14 hours) that's 168 women per day maximum. Most will not workout every day - say 3X per week - that would be 336 people per week at $29.00 per month (found on Google - may vary). Thats 336 X $29 = $9744 gross revenue per month. Out of that you need to pay a trainer, yourself (if you are not the trainer), rent (very steep where I'm at), insurance (liability can be $$), cleaning, equipment maintenance, utilities, franchise fee (~$400/ month), payments on the original franchise purchase (if financed), taxes...

I would guess most clubs do not operate at anywhere near maximum numbers. I found that a 1 year contract is required which is good for the owner as many people stop going to a gym after a while. This may be part of the business model - perhaps you can sign up 1.5, 2X or 3X your maximum throughput and still not have overfilled classes.

I looked at their website and noticed there are a lot of franchises for sale. Any FReeper own an interest in one of these?? Where am I wrong?

[Cincinatus' Wife]

I think the idea of placing them in strip malls, etc cuts costs.

I can't answer your other questions.

[dawn53]

I go to a Curves gym.

Ours has 10 machines, and 10 stations, so a total of 20 different stations. You change stations ever 30 seconds.

So technically, a gym can accommodate 20 women at a time, and every 30 seconds another women can be added as one woman ends her routine.

The capacity is huge, if you think about it. Start with 20 women staggered over a 30 minute period, and then add one woman ever 30 seconds.

Now, all stations are not filled at our gym, all the time. But during peak hours, they are.

My sister attends a Curves gym where all stations are filled, and as one woman gets out of the "loop" another is waiting in line to get in.

The machines and aerobic stations are arranged in a circle, you can jump in at any machine or station, and with 20 stations, 30 seconds a station, and three go rounds of the machines, that makes a 30 minute workout.

It's a very unique idea.

[republicangel]

Some of my co-workers belong to this club. Add to your figures that you can only go 3 times a week. So that would add more members.

[joesnuffy]

A lot of fitness places let members 'work off' their bills...cleaning, manning the front desk, exercise instructors and give discounts to those who 'sign up' new members...etc.

Affiliating with local health professionals ..MDs, nurses, Chiropractors and groups like Wt. Watchers or Jenny Craigs wouldn't hurt nor would getting the word out to the local churches
that the owner is a Christian and is Pro Life being hassled by the enemy

If you figure how many Pro Life Catholics and Evangelicals got out the vote...that could be a lot of support in small communities and certainly could add up 'nation wide' (no pun intended ;)