Workouts to Stay Healthy Despite Everything
By Rosie Alexander
Zoom isn’t just for boring business meetings, you can also enjoy at home workouts from your Curves in Aptos.
Annette Hunt, owner of Curves Aptos
Curves owner Annette Hunt says her videos have struck a chord with the community because her workouts cater to an older audience, as opposed to a lot of workouts online that are faster paced and geared for a younger clientele.
Annette’s videos are for all athletic abilities, because she says we all need the exercise for “the body, mind, and soul.”
When the global pandemic shut everything down back in mid-March, Annette wanted to make sure her Curves community stayed connected. After the closure, Annette and her staff called every single client to check in.
She wanted to create a program that people could do from home and connect with one another so her members could have accountability and maintain healthy lifestyles.
Annette (left) checks in with a member. • Photo Credit: Rosie Alexander
At first, Annette offered free 30-minute Facebook workouts six days a week, which she continued until Curves reopened in June. Annette is passionate about not letting a single person lose progress and to get people up off the couch.
After reopening the physical space in June with appropriate precautions, Annette set out to create online membership options for her clients. Now she has Zoom workouts where members are able to talk to each other and work with Annette on a more personal level.
Even if you miss a live class, each video is put up on a private YouTube channel for members to watch at any time. These videos and Zoom workouts can be accessed by members who just want the virtual workouts plus monthly phone call check-in ($25 a month), while their premium members ($69 a month) can come into the physical location and participate in the new online offerings, plus receive personal coaching throughout their workout.
Social distancing protocols are observed at Curves Aptos. • Photo Credit: Rosie Alexander
Curves’ goal is to educate its members and give them the techniques necessary to succeed in life in a healthy way. Annette has a passion for fitness and nutrition, having studied dietetics at UC Davis and then teaching Jazzercise for six years. Annette, just like Curves, wants to make sure her members have a well-rounded approach to their health.
“You need exercise for life,” Annette says, and that is true for all her members, from the youngest at 17 to the oldest at 86.
Annette’s heart for her members is clear in everything she does. She knows every person by name and sincerely cares about their needs. In these uncertain times the No. 1 priority is safety, and Annette is committed to making every effort to ensure that everyone is safe, healthy and happy.
Curves has many longtime members, some for 15 years or more.
Sue Kelly, a member for 17 years, says, “I appreciate Curves, it keeps me on track. I have health problems … I would not go to a regular gym.”
Member Susan Kronick says, “Curves has made a difference in my strength, my flexibility, and my balance … Because I don’t want to fall and break anything. Three years ago I underwent heart valve transplant surgery and I got up and around after five days.”
Curves members Susan Kronich (left) and Sue Kelly bring a positive mindset to their workouts. • Photo Credit: Rosie Alexander
Since closing in March, Curves in Aptos has lost 40 percent of the members. Right now the physical location is open only three days a week because that is what Annette finds sustainable. She understands the financial struggle the coronavirus and subsequent unemployment has created for many households, but she appreciates the members who support her and her business despite the hardships.
Some members are still supporting Curves even when they aren’t coming in or using the new online workouts, for which Annette is extremely grateful.
Annette loves giving back to the community, whether it’s the Second Harvest Food Bank, or the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Right now Curves members are participating in one of the Santa Cruz Holiday Stars program, where members can “Adopt A Family” and buy Christmas presents for a family in need.
Remember to keep supporting your local businesses and to stay healthy, and check out the membership opportunities at your local Curves.
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Curves Aptos is located at 7000 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4–5:30 p.m. Phone: (831) 688-2348. Check their Facebook page for updates.