Andrea Markey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 23/05) - The city's women-only gym has found a new energy source after Yvonne Pike took over this month.

The 25-year-old, along with her husband Kelsey, bought Curves as of Nov. 1.

Anna Clark not only works at Curves, she works out there, too. New owner Yvonne Pike, not shown, said staff who are involved and know the equipment are a big part of the success of the two-year-old company. - Andrea Markey/NNSL photo

The pair moved to Yellowknife three years ago - Yvonne from Germany and Kelsey from B.C.

"We always knew we wanted to own a business and when this came up, we knew it was right," said Yvonne, who had been a member at the gym for more than a year.

The Yellowknife franchise, one of 9,000 worldwide, also celebrated its second anniversary this month.

Over the past three weeks, Yvonne, who is a hands-on manager, has made a number of changes, with positive results already.

Women who were thinking of discontinuing their membership are staying, and some who had left are coming back, she said. With 280 members currently, Yvonne aims to increase that to 340 by March.

A monthly newsletter will be used to keep in touch with members, she said.

The 30-minute exercise circuit three times a week is a trademark of Curves, but Yvonne is trying to keep things interesting by mixing it up.

Each day of the week is themed, such as Wacky Wednesday when women wear their wackiest workout clothes to win prizes.

She set up a suggestion box to find out what her members would like to see and has

So far, she is working on building more interaction between staff and exercisers.

"Most women want some entertainment so, for example, we go in the middle of the circle to encourage them."

Requests for new equipment are also being met - but there is a hook.

A new step machine will be added to the existing machines, but only after 40 new members have signed up - perhaps in time for Christmas.

The member who gives the most referrals will get $100 in free Curves products.

Yvonne is also bringing in Curves vitamins and supplements at the request of members.

All three part-timers and one casual staffer employed at the facility also work out there.

"That is important because members can see that we really know this system works," said part-time employee Anna Clark.

The owner believes in it, too. Yvonne lost 20 pounds a year and a half ago and has kept it off with a healthier lifestyle and using the gym, she said.

A scan-in card at the door and monthly checks help women know how they are doing, she said.

"It also helps us so if a woman feels she isn't where she should be, we can see how many times she comes in and offer suggestions," she said.