Curves Goulburn owners decide to close gym after 12 years

The gym has been part of Karen Wilson and her sister, Narelle Kennedy's lives for 12 years but now they have called it a day.

"It's the end of an era because there isn't anything else like this in Goulburn," Mrs Kennedy said.

"It's sad but we're confident we've made the right decision."

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The gym closed on March 23 due to coronavirus. Although the sisters planned to re-open in early July, when allowed, a member survey showed that about half were not prepared to return in the current environment. A large percentage also wanted to suspend membership.

With numbers also limited by legislation, Mrs Kennedy said it was too "uncertain" to continue.

"Business ebbs and flows and we step up to it as we have to. But this is so unknown and costly. We went from full revenue to zero overnight," she said.

"We have to face reality but be happy about the good times."

And there have been plenty of those.

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The pair bought the franchise in 2008. Mrs Wilson had been working in a "stressful" management job when at age 55 she discovered Curves. She and her sister thought it was something worthwhile, where they could make a difference. Catering mainly to women over 60, the model, with its high intensity training and muscle strengthening, had a holistic approach.

They note with some irony that today's gyms view it as the "new thing."

Along the way, they made firm friendships and enjoyed their members' milestones.

There was the woman with Parkinson's Disease who could hardly move the leg press on the first day but was using it effectively within a week. Then there was the elderly woman who, accompanied by her daughter, could hardly climb the stairs. Two weeks later she could walk up them without assistance.

They formed deep personal connections that went beyond the physical and helped people's mental health. Members' age ranged from 13 to eighty-nine.

"We wanted to help women change their lives. I believe we've done that," Mrs Kennedy said.

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Many were part of their lives as well, particularly when Mrs Wilson was diagnosed with lymphona and underwent treatment. The gym has been a regular participant in Relay for Life, raising awareness of and funding for cancer research. Mrs Wilson has been an ambassador for the cause.

The sisters flip through Goulburn Post articles documenting Curves' community food drives, Blood Bank awareness, fashion parades and even high teas for causes over the years.

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Karen Wilson is this year's Relay for Life Ambassador

Donation drive to aid women's dignity

Since making the decision, they've held a farewell with members.

"It was great," Mrs Kennedy said.

"We had some lovely cards and flowers. We hope our members stay healthy and that other gyms will step up and keep them safe."

Both women plan to semi-retire, continue their online nutrition business and take time for other interests.

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