The only women’s gym in Gympie celebrated its 21st birthday with a party this month.
Owner-operator and coach, Kerry Hardgrave said Curves was thriving with its philosophy of welcoming women of all ages and stages of life and fitness levels.
Curves owner Kerry Hardgrave. IMAGE: supplied
‘Currently our youngest member is 28 and our oldest member turned 85 last birthday,’ Ms Hardgrave said.
She said during Covid, the gym moved to scheduled workouts which had been popular as members booked in and showed up for their circuit buddies.
‘Our community/tribe vibe is stronger than ever now.’
Women of all ages and stages are welcome at Curves. IMAGE: supplied
Ms Hardgrave is a certified trainer on a mission to support women to be proactive about their bodies and ‘stave off the downward spiral of medical and specialist appointments where possible’.
‘Women tend to give more to others and put their own needs down the list. Our gym community is a safe and welcoming space for women to get stronger in mind, body and spirit.
‘It is so satisfying to see a women start to shine in their confidence, coordination and community engagement. A strong, happy, healthy woman passes on so much good wherever she goes.’
Music is important
Ms Hardgrave jokingly said choosing what music to play during workouts was one of the hardest parts of running the gym.
‘I use the Power Music App so we can legally use Royalty Free versions of our favourites. The mixes are great and allow you to adjust the RPM and have seamless transitions.
‘We get our (interpretive) doof doof dance moves on cardio days. Our Tai Chi inspired Fridays with slower music, lights down and a focus on calmer movements are very popular.’
Curves is not about going hard and most circuits are 30 minutes of warm up, strength training and cardio before cooling down and stretching.
Bringing the fun
‘I’m at Curves by 5am to set up for first circuit at 5:30am,’ Ms Hardgrave said. ‘That group call themselves the Crackers.’
‘The 6:30am circuit call themselves The Wild Ones. The 7:30am circuit are The Rebels and 9am are The Hotties.’
Circuits are:
MON-FRI 5:30am, 6:30am, 7:30am and 9:00am
MON-THUR 3:30pm-5:30pm
Curves Gympie is a registered provider for Fitness Passport which subsidises women from workplaces such as Queensland Health, Education Queensland, Bunnings and Energex to attend the gym.
IMAGE supplied
Ms Hardgrave said Curves was an option for women who were not into traditional gym culture.
‘Many women are either not interested in regular gyms as they feel intimidated or just not really into the whole pumping iron tribe but they know they need to do strength training to maintain proper function, strength, posture, balance and live their best life.’
‘I work with women from all backgrounds and fitness levels. Some have been on a journey or weight loss. Others have never stepped inside a gym or done any kind of structured exercise.’
Recently joined member, Kerri F, says it took her a while to move past her concerns about not being fit enough.
‘If you’re worried you’re not fit enough or that people might judge you… please read this because that’s exactly how I felt.
‘I put it off for ages because I was embarrassed about my fitness and convinced I’d walk in and everyone would be looking at me. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Warmth and encouragement
‘The moment I walked through the doors, the ladies welcomed me with smiles, encouragement. In that first session, all the anxiety I’d built up in my head just disappeared.
‘Kerry is warm, encouraging and genuinely wants everyone to succeed, no matter where they’re starting from. She knows everyone by name and celebrates every little win along the way.
‘I honestly feel like I’d found my people.’
Curves Gympie is at Level 1, 58-62 Mary Street Gympie (between Nicolene’s Barber and upstairs from Findex accounting). Member access via Mary Street.
