The fitness and wellness industry in Nigeria witnessed the break of a new dawn during the weekend, with the entry of the world’s biggest fitness franchise, Curves International, when they commissioned their first Nigerian outlet in Lekki, Lagos State.
Curves, which is a ladies-only fitness and weight-loss outfit, is also reputed to be the fastest growing franchise in business history, with over 7,000 outlets in 93 countries and Nigeria now bringing the total number to 94 countries.
Founded by Gary and Diane Heavin in Harlingen, Texas, USA, in 1992, Curves ladies-only centres use equipment specifically developed for women. The Curves innovative 30-minute fitness concept combines strength training and sustained cadiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance, in very safe and secure environments.
Speaking at the commissioning, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, who was represented by the Commercial Counsellor, Mr. Brian McCleary, expressed delight at the entry of Curves into “Africa’s most populous nation, and biggest economy”, and praised the doggedness and resilience of the Nigerian woman. According to him, “Nigerians are very resilient and very hardworking, but the Nigerian woman is even more resilient, hardworking and entrepreneurial.”
Also speaking, the Country Director for Curves in Nigeria, Mr. Emma Esinnah, pointed out that Curves was offering the Nigerian woman a new experience in wellness. On the difference between Curves and any standard gymnasium, he said that Curves outlets offer three things: a fitness programme, a meal plan, as well as personalized coaching. He pointed out that a member of Curves in Nigeria is a member in 93 other countries, such that when they travel wherever Curves exists, they could still do their work-out without extra payment. He also observed that franchisees of Curves would receive support from Curves and a wealth of experience garnered over more than two and half decades of franchising and dedicated research in health care. According to him, the franchising fees would cover the use of the Curves brand name, the Curves equipment specifically developed for women and training of their staff by Curves international specialists.