Fitness camaraderie gives Curves an edge

BIG LAKE — Area residents, local celebrities and political figures gathered at the Meadowood Mall in Houston Saturday to celebrate the grand re-opening of Curves and show support for a woman who is embracing her community one workout at a time.

Dana Lipse quit her former job after struggling with health issues and mounting stress. While she quit her job, she didn’t give up on herself or the community she lives in. Instead, she bought the Big Lake branch of Curves and turned her life around.

“I am just so thankful and excited,” Lipse said. “The ladies that are here from the community really pull on my heartstrings.”

Lipse said buying the business wasn’t planned. She began as a member of the fitness club in an attempt to be healthier and relieve stress. And after she began exercising and feeling better she learned the business was for sale.

Although many pursue business ownership to make money, Lipse said she wanted to be a part of Curves because it’s a club that’s not limited to the average workout-and-leave atmosphere.

“There are relationships being built here,” she said. “It’s not just exercise.”

Lisa Humphreys, a Big Lake resident, said she’s been a member of Curves for two years. Of all the options she may have for working out, she prefers the Big Lake Curves because of its location, atmosphere and the owner.

“I have a lot of reasons, and Dana is one of them,” Humphreys said. “Now that Dana owns [the business], it feels like a member-owned club.”

Unlike other health clubs, Humphreys said Curves provides a friendly atmosphere where “It’s OK to be who you are.”

DeeDee Jonrowe, a renowned Iditarod musher, attended the celebration Saturday to show her support for the club and to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“I’m all about healthy lifestyles,” Jonrowe said. “There are a lot of ways to achieve that and this is a very nice component.”

Not only did Jonrowe want to show her support for a club that promotes healthy living, she also has a more personal connection to the Curves franchise. Jonrowe’s mother, Peg Stout, has been a member at one of the Anchorage locations for several years. As one who suffers from arthritis, Curves has been beneficial for her 80-year-old mother.

“I’ve watched what it’s done for my mother,” she said. “Curves gave her back the ability to move and she is able to do a lot more.”

The Big Lake branch of Curves is located at 10927 West Parks Highway at the Meadowood Mall. For more information call 892-2348.

Contact Chris Gillow at chris.gillow@frontiersman.com or 352-2284.