Curves
Kirsty has heard of a new fitness chain. "It's called Curves. Do you know anything about it?"
Turns out to be quite a story. Curves International, based in Los Angeles, was founded by fitness expert Gary Heavin. He began selling franchises in 1995, and now has 9,500 fitness clubs worldwide, 8,500 of which are in the U.S.
Curves Japan was launched July last with three clubs in Tokyo -- in Machida, Shinagawa and Toritsu-daigaku -- and now there are 12 others scattered around the country. But watch this space...