By GIB SNYDER

OBSERVER Lifestyles Editor

There has been a change in the women-only fitness facility at the  D&F Plaza located in the city of Dunkirk.

Mia Bamonto is the new owner of Curves and is excited about the opportunity. She was asked why she bought the Dunkirk Curves.

“I was a previous member and my mother was a member for many years and also an employee for many years,” Bamonto replied. “And she’s the one who got me introduced to it being for sale and being able to buy. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to purchase the club at the right time.”

Bamonto was asked what her biggest surprise has been since taking over at the end of November.

“The amount of people ready and willing to be healthy and willing to follow through on that. It’s not a surprise, it’s just embrace it like it’s a good surprise the amount of people who are willing to be healthy and have fitness a part of their lives.”

Before the sale was final, there was another hurdle to overcome.

“In order for me to become an owner of Curves I had to become Cleveland Clinic certified. I took some online courses. I had to travel to California to become certified through Curves and Jenny Craig. It was like a club camp I attended. It was very extensive training in order to own the club,” Bamonto stated, and explained the reasoning for the training. “Curves is a place where a woman can come whose goals are health, fitness and wellness in a community setting. It’s a non-stressful environment where women are allowed to get healthy at their own pace. Coaches are there to help and guide members’ every step. Curves encourages members to develop at their own pace. Coaches are there to assist because it’s a circuit setting.

“You can come at your own time, no wait. It’s a 30-minute workout that’s fast, fun and safe. Curves is for women only and we offer high-intensity classes in cardio, balance, strengthening, boxing. These classes are some of the things we offer during the circuit training, so you’re getting both at the same time.”

Curves also has advanced, computerized training that comes with membership and users can keep track of calories burned.

“Curves complete program includes exercise and motivation, one on one is also offered. Coaches are certified to allow them to help members with their training needs and programs and diet,” Bamonto added.

She was asked if the customer base is growing?

“Yes, it’s been growing. In January, we’re running a big promotion which is join for a $1 enrollment fee and that’s really been bringing the business in and hopefully it will keep growing and growing because that’s the goal.”

Bamonto was asked if she had anything to add.

“Just that I’m very excited to be taking over and have a great opportunity in this community to bring fitness and health awareness to our area. My goal now is to get more members in and keep our business growing and have everybody stay healthy.

“We have a diverse age group, classes are set up by fitness levels. There is a class for everyone. Some people are done and others are joining in, so there’s no wait. You can join in at any time.”

Curves is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays; from 8 a.m. to noon and 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Fridays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Curves is closed on Sundays.

Most insurances are accepted at Curves, including Silver Sneakers, Independent Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Univera. A small co-pay is all that’s needed, making using the insurance the smart way to go. Bamonto said the paperwork is handled by Curves.