Women shape up in the gym without men
But it's not: Curves gym, in Exmouth, has adopted exactly this concept as a fitness and weight-loss centre dedicated to women.
Curves is a global franchise, and boasts over 10,000 gyms worldwide.
Business partners Andrea Huxley, 34, and Nadine Richardson, 42, opened the Exmouth branch in May and already have over 200 members.
Andrea said: "Curves has been incredibly popular with women in the area, which has been a great start.
"Our gym is a base for women of all shapes and sizes to come and get fit in a safe haven where they will not be judged or put off.
"We choose not to have mirrors because it makes some women feel self-conscious. Here, they can just concentrate on their workout.
"Some of our regular members are women who had never set foot in a gym before they came here, so we are really changing the way women feel about exercise."
Curves' gyms are also unusual because of their fun half-hour circuit programmes.
The stations alternate between hydraulic machines, specially designed for women, and exercise mats.
Andrea said: "Sessions take only 30 minutes at a time and we recommend that members attend just three times a week.
"That's easily achievable even for those ladies with busy schedules.
"The equipment provides cardiovascular and muscle strength training to promote lean body muscle which burns calories even when you are at rest.
"It is suitable for ladies of all ages and levels of fitness.
"We have members aged between 16 and 76 and there are no weights to adjust, no appointments to make; you just pop in when convenient and get on with keeping fit and healthy."
The circuit is positioned in a circle so women feel like they are part of a group and there are always fully qualified staff on hand to offer advice, support and instruction.
Curves' members share Andrea's enthusiasm for the women-only concept.
Judith Franklin, 54, from Budleigh Salterton, has been going for four months.
She said: "I was a member of a gym once before, but I wasn't keen.
"In mixed gyms, you often get women posing, showing off in skin-tight Lycra and full make-up. But because here there are no men that whole element is taken away.
"Curves has a friendly atmosphere, it is not so intense or competitive. It is a completely different ethos, everyone is supportive.
"In other gyms, it can often feel like you are battling against the machines, which aren't always ideal for women to use, and can be quite damaging.
"But here it is more like a fitness class so I feel involved and part of something.
"I have even recommended this gym to my friends."
Curves also has a mini-shop selling breast cancer self examination kits for £4.50.
Andrea said: "It is important that women keep checking."
Curves is running a special offer for prospective members. If you join now you can get the rest of 2008, plus January, 2009, for free.
For more information telephone 01395 269963.
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