Curves workout center has new owner

Sisters resident Shawna Bell is a real life example that dreams do come true. For Bell, two long-term desires are now realities.

For years Bell has wanted to serve in public office, and in May she was appointed to fill an 18-month vacancy on the Sisters City Council.

She has also wanted for some time to own her own business. On September 1 that dream also will come true. Bell has purchased the Sisters franchise of Curves for Women.

"I have been a member of Curves for almost three years. I joined just shortly after we moved here," Bell said. "I'd been looking for a workout facility to get more healthy, and I found Curves and started there and immediately loved it. I said to my husband shortly after I joined: 'Boy this would be a great business to own. If this franchise ever came available, I would jump on it.'"

Bell retired a little more than three years ago from the high tech industry where she was in operations management. Formerly, her husband owned his own fleet management company, and the couple are well attuned to what being a business owner is all about.

After leaving the high tech industry and moving to Sisters, Bell decided that, instead of looking for a business to purchase immediately, she would work in the social services arena on a short-term basis.

"That's the area of my education. I had just never used it," said Bell. "I wanted to work in social services in the city that I live in."

And as a social services worker is how many community members know Bell - as one of Sisters Family Access Network's (FAN) advocates.

"When the FAN position came up, it was just ideal. It was an amazing job," Bell said.

Although Bell has loved her work at FAN, when the opportunity came her way to purchase Curves, she resigned her post at FAN. That resignation was effective August 1.

Bell is purchasing Curves from Tumalo resident Liz Davis.

"She (Davis) is retiring to spend more time with her family," Bell said.

Davis also wants more time to travel with her husband who shows horses.

The Curves program is for women only and offers an individualized 30-minute, 12-machine circuit workout.

"The reason we can do it in 30 minutes ... is that you're keeping your heart rate up into the workout zone all the while you are doing hydraulic exercises on the machines," Bell said. "You work the machine for 30 seconds, then you move to a rest pad, then you work the machine.... You work all the different muscles. Part of it is the warm-up and cool-down and stretching. It's a total package."

According to Bell the Curves program is great for all ages and can be tailored to any fitness level.

Women can join on a month-to-month basis or annually at a slightly reduced fee. Currently, about 140 women are members at Sisters Curves, and Bell hopes to attract new members. She plans to offer some September special memberships offers.

Curves is located at 377 W. Sisters Park Dr. and is open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bell is considering extending the hours, opening on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon. Bell's first day on the job will be Tuesday, September 4. For more information call her at 549-6330.