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Six familiar, friendly faces from the Collier County Tax Collector’s office have teamed up with Curves to participate in a nationwide women’s fitness study entitled “Calling All Women.”

Curves and Avon are the study’s sponsors. The purpose of the study is to quantify the physiological and psychological benefits of regular exercise and weight management, to examine factors that keep women from regular exercise, and to analyze adherence to regular exercise and weigh management after a 30-day exercise and weight management program.

The sponsors hope it will be the largest fitness study for women, ever. The Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory at Baylor University (in Waco, Texas) will analyze the data collected. The results will be published in several journals.

“During season, Island residents tend to neglect their physiological and psychological health. Some local offices have come onboard to challenge each other. One of which is our local county Tax collector’s Office,” stated Marco Curves franchise owner Deborah Spalvins.

The group from the Collier County Tax Collector’s Office had already begun a 30-minute walking program, when they were approached by Spalvins to participate. All six agree that it is a fun team building experience.

“It’s nice to have the opportunity to workout with the girls from work,” said Office Manager Teresa Dorris. “And it’s quick for after work. Quick in and out, yet invigorating, exciting not boring.”

Deputy clerk Kathy Savric, whose goal is to slim and tone, agreed.

“I walk and ride a bike. Primarily I walk my hyperactive dog Cinnamon. I really enjoy this, everyone’s very helpful.”

Weight loss is the motivation for deputy clerk Jamal Sellers.

“I need to get moving and loose weight and it is a good incentive. It’s fun working out with my friends.”

When asked how they are challenging each other, Sellers and deputy clerk Paula Erjavec chimed in at the same time. “We motivate each other and ask if we will be working out together.”

Savric added, “We are team players.” And the rest of the group heartily agreed.

Deputy clerk Judy Antaramian stated, “To be part of a national study is exciting. It will be interesting to see how we do personally as well as compared to women across the nation.”

Curves founder, Gary Heavins, experienced the untimely death of his mother. He believes that women in general did not have exercise programs that met their needs. He removed the barriers that kept women from exercising: lack of time and intimidation that might occur at traditional health clubs. The Curves mission statement is, “To help every woman acquire the habit of exercise to build strength, manage her weight effectively, and improve her health.”

Curves participants go through 30-minute workout sessions three times a week. The sessions combine strength and cardio training on specially designed hydraulic resistance machines. The machines are designed specifically for women and no time consuming adjustments are needed. Staff members are there to assist as participants learn how to use the machines. Everyone works at their own pace.

Each machine is designed for specific part of the body — upper and lower arms, back, thighs, calves, buttocks, chest and waist. A typical work out consists of 30 seconds on a machine followed by 30 seconds on an aerobic recovery pad, as upbeat music plays.

Several times during the workout participants are asked to take a 10-second count of their heart rate. There is a chart on the wall that calculates what the participant’s heart rate should be based on age. The session concludes with a series of cool down stretches.

The program is designed to raise a woman’s metabolic rate, which means she can still eat 3,000 calories a day while gradually losing weight.

The first Curves franchise opened in Paris, Texas in 1996. There are now over 10,000 locations internationally.

Spalvins acquired Curves in Marco on November 1, 2002. She had a strong desire to own her own business. “It was the perfect business as a sequel to my teaching profession, to now help educate women about their health,” she said. “Already the study has generated high energy and interest. We’re having a blast.”

Curves staff member Louise Moore, added, “All the fitness study participants are so much fun. I am enjoying their enthusiasm.”

To be part to the Curves Avon Fitness Study participants must start prior to June 20. Marco Curves is located 1829 San Marco Road. For information call 389-0016.