About a year and a half ago, when we bought Curves of Rockridge, we were immediately introduced to all the staff members. Right after our introduction to Maria, she announced she was not only leaving her job at Curves but, she was also leaving the country! YIKES! I guess we didn’t make as good a first impression as we had hoped we would. Fortunately for us, 5-months later Maria returned from her sabbatical to Israel and walked through our doors looking for her old job. Since that time Maria has been an inspiration to all of us. She is a 22 year old college student who is studying to be a Radiologist. Equally as important, Maria is a valued member our Curves team. Since her return she has proven to be a wonderful circuit coach and has taken on the task of teaching our weightloss classes. Maria doesn’t have a secret she simply practices what she preaches; she works out regularly and is very aware of her dietary needs. Since November 2007 she has lost an amazing 49 lbs, 33.5 inches and has gone from a size 22 to size 14! Maria is never off duty; when she comes in for her own personal workout she continues to encourage and inspire our members. She currently has organized a “boot camp” to help our members be better prepared to participate in the Bay to Breakers. This is just one of many extra activities she has done to help encourage our members. Often we get members who stop by to tell us they enjoy these activities so much they are continuing them and getting their families involved. Maria, you are highly respected for your untiring commitment to your own health and fitness. In addition, we greatly appreciate your continued commitment to the health and fitness of all of us. Your dedicated and unselfish efforts set an example for all of us to follow.

Cecile Biais is a young woman who lives in Berkshire, a county in southern England. Cecilia approached her thirties, an age considered by many women as the "ideal age", but she bought her clothes in shops reserved for large sizes. She wanted to lose weight at any price, but did not know how to get started. "The more I swelled, the more I was depressed ... I totally lost my confidence, both at work with my friends. " In just one year, Cecile literally melted. With a size 50-52, she now has a recognizable figure with a waist of 38. She lost over 30 kilos and 167 cm distributed throughout the body! She says she spent a challenging year, but "without Curves, I could not have done!" In addition to her phenomenal weight loss and greatly improved fitness, Cecile also sees life in a much more positive way. Today she has more confidence in herself and feels more "balanced". Her health has also greatly improved, her attitude is positive and style of living has improved, elements that have brought her closer to her family. According to Cecile, this Curves adventure has changed her life. "It's the best decision I ever made."

When Diane Jordan made the decision to join Curves in 2006, her morale was "at the bottom." His size 60 did not only affect her pride; she seriously endangered her life. She had all the risks of developing hypertensive disorders, diabetes or suffering a stroke, among other serious health problems. At Curves, Diane learned that some small changes could make all the difference. Encouraged by the staff of Curves and the 30 minute workout three times a week, she began to drink water every day and eat smaller healthier food portions. She also began eating more fruits and vegetables. In just two years, Diane's efforts have paid off. She has now lost nearly 32 kilograms and wears size 14 dresses! She is proud of her efforts and said, thinking of her debut at Curves, "Since that time, I built a new life and I now have more confidence in myself and my body." Thinking about her new figure and the changes it has brought to her every day life, Diane recalls: "The last time I was this thin, I was a teenager!". In addition to this, Diane told us that before joining Curves and begin this adventure, she had never owned a pair of jeans or a single dress. After losing nearly 32 kg, jeans and dresses have now become two essential elements of her new wardrobe.