You have the CurvyGirl classes in different locations. Living in a widely spread out area, that seems to be a good idea as it would allow all those attending the classes to share in the commute.

The difference here is that everything is so spread out that it would create a time-wise hardship on women (possibly traveling 20 miles one-way to a class)

I’ve read that if it takes more than 5 minutes to get to a workout, most people eventually quit. This is the reason that gyms are constantly recruiting.

I believe encouraging interaction between the women is necessary for staying in an exercise program and succeeding. When I was able to get to the same location, the same time with the majority same women, we developed a sense of knowing we were going to be there and we’d look out for each other.

It took the “edge” off of being at a cold and impersonal gym with the skinny girls and, even, men that leered at the women (whatever size) as they were attempting to exercise.

In addition, we felt comfortable enough that when a new face showed up, we were welcoming instead of feeling threatened and, therefore, reserved toward the newby.

Not only that, if we didn’t show up for a few workouts, we’d get a phone call asking us if we were sick or something. Knowing we weren’t there just so the owner of the workout place could make money was an encouragement.

We’d tell each other when we had family in town or we were going out of town so that no one would worry about us. Instead, we were happy for each other because they had plans and we knew they would be back.

Addresses and phone numbers were given out at the discretion of each woman. They were not readily available. A number of the women formed friendsips and arranged family activities outside of the “gym” - some even arranged for a single woman to meet an available man.

I’m not in the same state as that women’s workout place and I’m finding that I miss that. I think an owner that encourages that kind of camaraderie retains her current clients and they, in turn, bring in more women to exercise with them.

CurvyGirls seems to be that kind of exercise environment.

Are there any plans to open permanent locations in your current city and in other cities?