ANDY MACDONALD/Things
Curves gym in New Plymouth is closing and owner Gill Lambert says she’s hoping someone will come forward to buy the business.
After 15 months on the market, New Plymouth’s women-only Curves gym is closing and members are pinning their hopes on a last-minute savior to keep their safe space up and running.
Curves opened in the city in 2007 and without mirrors, free weights and 30-minute sessions, it has offered a space for women to exercise at their own pace and feel comfortable while doing so.
After more than a year of trying to sell the business, owner Gill Lambert announced that she would be closing the doors on December 21 unless a buyer could be found.
Within hours, members would come to her in tears, sending her emails and handwritten letters telling her how heartbroken they were.
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One of those letters came from Cathy Lindsay, who joined the gym after a shoulder injury suffered nearly 10 years ago.
She said that during her time at the gym she had built strong friendships and strength that she would not have had otherwise.
ANDY MACDONALD/Things
Cathy Lindsay joined Curves after injuring her shoulder and was saddened to see the doors close.
That it was a story similar to that of Cecelia Stringer.
“Curves is not just a gym, it is a center of friendship and socialization.
ANDY MACDONALD/Things
Cecelia Stringer says that the gym helped her get out of her comfort zone.
Stringer has been a member for 12 years and said her main concern now was finding a gym that suited her the way Curves had.
Sue Spannagl felt the same way and after 16 years as a member, she was hopeful that someone would be willing to carry on the business.
“I don’t know how I can replace what Curves has given me. I am over 70 years old and determined to stay fit and healthy,” she said.
“We really need a women’s gym and wellness center in this city. A place where women of all ages and fitness levels can feel comfortable, encouraged, and feel part of a supportive community.
“Maybe there’s someone out there who would like to take up the challenge.”
Lambert bought the franchise in New Plymouth 16 years ago and said she took it as an opportunity to help women in the community.
After spending more than a year trying to sell the business, Lambert said it was not an easy decision to close the doors.
“It’s time for me to stop,” he said.
“I see this as a story started by me, but really it’s about members wanting their gym to continue.
“I’ve provided a space and facilitated the ability for this to happen, but it’s about my team and all members coming on board and creating that community.”
