DECEMBER 6 saw the opening of Curves 30 minute Fitness and Weight Loss centre at the Harlequinn's Leisure and Bowling Centre in Bude.

Ladies were phoning and popping in to join even before the doors opened that day. Curves Bude's first member is Sam Reay, a PE teacher in Bideford, who was given a surprise annual membership for Christmas by her husband Martin Reay, Head of Sports at Budehaven College.

Furthermore some of the female staff of the PE department have followed her example and they are also enjoying getting fit using the Curves Workout. Around 150 ladies have already decided to start their new year working out using the ingenious 30 minute exercise routine.

Budehaven's Sports Department have solicited the use of the facility for their girls and a Budehaven/Curves scheme has been devised to benefit the local students and to help educate the younger generation with regard to their lifestyle choices.

"Many of the girls are simply unable to relax and enjoy exercise in our leisure centre gym," said Martin. "As soon as a male staff member walks in the girls become self conscious and stop exercising. We feel that so many of them will benefit from the female only environment and start to enjoy exercise as an integral part of their lives. My wife Sam thinks it's excellent and the equipment is so well designed it can keep you challenged."

Curves Bude's owner Lorraine Mantle and Martin have put together a timetable where the girls will have exclusive use of the facility three times a week outside of regular opening hours, when Lorraine will train them in the Curves workout.

"I am so impressed with the health awareness that the Bude ladies possess," said Lorraine. "They are coming into the club as they are already aware of their health needs and are excited about finding a complete workout that deals with both cardio and strength training in only 30 minutes. They enjoy our coaching each time they work out and are having fun exercising to music in a safe and non threatening environment.

"There is a lovely atmosphere in the club and we already have ladies from age 13 up to 68 being encouraged to achieve their fitness goals. They are bringing their friends and strengthening themselves for life. Many of our ladies are also here to achieve weight loss and we will do all we can to demonstrate how this can be brought about through exercise and through our weight management classes."

For more information, contact the team on 01288 355089 for information and advice, or visit http://www.curves.com">www.curves.com.