Curves for Women Achieves Skyrocketing Growth With Its 30 Minute, Women Only, Franchised Fitness Facilities.

WACO, Texas--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 1, 1998--Curves International, Inc. (d.b.a. Curves for Women(R)), the first to offer women only, 30 minute fitness and weight loss facilities designed for hometowns across America, recently announced that its franchise network has grown to 650 franchises in 42 states.

Beginning 1998 with approximately 350 franchises in 30 states, Curves for Women(R) has maintained an unprecedented growth in franchises through the first eight months of 1998 with the addition of approximately 300 new franchises.

"We are very blessed and proud to have reached this milestone, as well as to be the largest and fastest growing fitness center franchise in the U.S. But most of all, we are proud of our continuing dedication to our mission of helping people to help themselves in their quest for a better quality of life," said Gary Heavin, Founder and CEO. "Having achieved this record number of franchises in less than 3 years, combined with the success of our franchises and their thousands of members, validates the on-going need and benefit of our 30 minute Quickfit(TM) strength training and cardiovascular exercise circuit. I am truly pleased and excited that we are being so successful in bringing quality women's fitness to small town America. Satisfied franchise owners, happy Curves' club members and a quality name in women's health and fitness, form the foundation of our continuing success."

Curves' success has been recognized by various publications, such as "Entrepreneur" and "Franchise Times" magazines. In "Entrepreneur's" annual Franchise 500(R) listing issued in 1998, Curves ranked No. 2 in fitness centers, No. 9 in the top 50 new franchises, No. 32 in the 103 fastest growing franchises, and No. 187 in the overall Franchise 500(R) ranking. In the fall of 1997 "Franchise Times" ranked Curves for Women(R) No. 3 in the 25 largest recreation and entertainment franchisors.

Based in Waco, Texas, Curves for Women(R) was formed in October 1995 by Gary Heavin, who has been in the health and fitness industry for approximately 22 years. Mr. Heavin is the author of "The Heavin Formula," "Permanent Results Without Permanent Dieting" and also the creator of the Quickfit(TM) equipment and exercise system. For more information about Curves for Women(R) for Michigan and Wisconsin call Steve Beatty at 800/848-1096.

    CONTACT: Curves for Women, Waco
              Dolores Rose, 800/848-1096