Curves International launches new online weight loss subscription service

A local women's fitness center and a worldwide health and wellness company have announced the launch of a new online weight-loss subscription service, a statement from the company said Tuesday.

Curves International Inc., which operates a center in Fort Scott and is currently the world's largest fitness franchisor, and Rodale, Inc., a source of trusted content in health and wellness around the globe, announced Tuesday the launch of www.CurvesComplete.com, an online weight-loss subscription service based on "Curves: Permanent Results Without Permanent Dieting," a New York Times best-selling book written by Curves founder and chief executive officer Gary Heavin.

The interactive service, initially available in the United States and Canada, provides subscribers with diet and fitness information, tools, experts and motivation to achieve their weight-loss goals, the company statement said.

"Helping Fort Scott-area women achieve their fitness and weight goals is what Curves is all about, and the launch of CurvesComplete.com adds another dimension of support," Heavin said. "People now have the option to track their weight loss online, and best of all, you don't need to be a whiz at technology to use our service."

Curves partnered with Baylor University's Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory to construct methods for improving the health and well-being of women. Developed by Rodale, the Web site is based on the proven theories behind Heavin's best-selling book and the results of numerous studies conducted at Baylor. These studies were designed to create a diet especially tailored for women that is effective and easy to follow.

"Because there is so much diet information and advice available, it can be very challenging for dieters to determine what and how much to eat," Rodale Senior Vice President and General Manager David Kang said. "The CurvesComplete.com Web site offers a simple indicator that notifies members whether they have made a smart or poor food choice as they plan their menus. That way, members can learn to regularly make smart choices."

According to Heavin, the online program features easy-to-follow meal plans, complete with shopping lists, healthy recipes, and a database of more than 30,000 foods featuring full nutritional information. Subscribers have ongoing access to Curves' network of nutritionists and fitness experts, who are available to answer questions and provide motivation. In addition to answering questions, the experts will be a presence on the message boards to help build an even stronger and more supportive community, the company statement said.

By following the plan and logging their eating and exercise activity, subscribers can track their progress. The program automatically adjusts and provides recommendations, as well as advice and guidance, based on how the subscriber is doing relative to her goals.

"We provide an open forum for sharing motivation and advice among women who are pursuing a healthier life,"