VERONICA YANKOWSKI Angela Marini (standing) and Stella Gaft, are owners of Curves for Women in Old Bridge.
OLD BRIDGE — Recognizing that between juggling family and work responsibilities, today’s women have little time to devote to themselves, Curves for Women in Old Bridge is offering a unique concept in fitness, a 30-minute workout.
The owners of the new fitness center — Angela Marini of Old Bridge and Stella Gaft of Marlboro — understand the needs of today’s women. Working mothers themselves, they each have three children.
Until recently, both women were stay-at-home moms. Now that their youngest children are entering school in September, the two friends decided to open a business together.
"We were ready to get back into working again," said Marini, who was a schoolteacher before she gave birth to her first child seven years ago.
Just as important as returning to work was the friends’ determination to open a business geared specifically toward women. The two bounced around a variety of ideas — a hair salon, a clothing store — and finally decided to purchase a Curves franchise.
"We think it is very important that women like themselves and take care of themselves," said Gaft.
The Curves workout consists of circuit training, in which participants alternate between strength training machines and aerobics by moving to a different exercise station every 35 seconds. By the time the half-hour workout is finished, participants have been around the circuit three times, and have exercised a variety of muscle groups.
The workout, which is designed specifically for women, utilizes hydraulic machines rather than traditional weight machines. Each machine has a cylinder containing a piston that pushes fluid through a hole.
Participants push and pull the machines rather than lifting heavy weight stacks.
"The machines are built for a woman’s body," said Gaft, explaining that hydraulic exercises are ideal for women who want to build muscle tone and burn fat without "bulking up."
Another advantage of the workout is that it can be done by everyone from the most experienced athlete to the novice, Marini said. The intensity of the workout is determined by the speed with which a participant moves, thus creating an exercise routine that is catered to each individual’s needs.
"You’re creating your own resistance through your body," Marini said. "You can build up to your own fitness level."
Additionally, there is little risk of getting hurt.
"Because it is hydraulic resistance, there is no changing of weights," Marini said. "There is very little likelihood of injury."
The workout is also fun, Marini said. Music is played during the circuit training, and participants are encouraged to jump, run and dance at the aerobic recovery stations that are situated between the exercise machine stations. Cues to switch stations are included in the music tape to keep everyone moving at a lively pace.
While Curves will initially just offer an exercise program, a diet program is in the works as well. In addition, the center plans to sell vitamins and herbal supplements.
To join Curves for Women, there is a one-time initial fee of $149 and monthly dues of $39. Family memberships cost an additional $10 per person each month.
The business, located on Route 9 in the Deep Run shopping center, is offering a grand-opening sale to the first 100 people who join. These early birds will receive a 66-percent discount off the initial fee, thus bringing it to $49.
Curves for Women will initially be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays and 9-11 a.m. Saturdays. The owners plan to add early morning, late afternoon and evening hours, depending on the needs of customers.
The center’s grand-opening ceremony is on the morning of Sept. 7, after which it will be open to the public for viewing. Starting Sept. 9, customers can come in for their first workouts, during which their fitness levels will be assessed and they will be taught how to use the machines and set fitness goals.
The co-owners said they will do anything they can to make sure that their customers succeed at reaching their fitness goals.
"We want people to come," Gaft said.
"And we’re going to call them if they don’t," Marini added with a smile.
For more information about Curves, call (732) 607-9411.