No Curves for me!

Curves is a wildly successful fitness chain, a place where women can go to work out without feeling like they're on display. Dumpy? Who cares? Pull on your sweats and do a no-brainer 30-minute workout without self-consciousness. It's women-only, which tends to put women more at ease. I have friends who swear by Curves--it's the only way they get some exercise.

But I won't be joining up any time soon--or ever. Why?

The owner, Gary Heavin, has given at least $5 million of his profits to some of the most militant anti-abortion groups in the country.

Yes, like Dubya, he became a born-again after experiencing major loser-hood, and so

In 2003, Heavin and his wife gave away $10 million -- 10 percent of their company's gross revenues -- to charities. At least half of that money went to three Texas organizations to fund "pregnancy crisis centers" supported by Operation Save America -- the same organization that blamed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on God's retribution for abortions and whose purpose, as described on its Web site, is to "unashamedly take up the cause of pre-born children in the name of Jesus Christ."

The writer Ann Lamott is one of those who can't, in good conscience, stay with Curves:

I like Curves a lot but I love women's rights more. I hate the idea that this right-wing fundamentalist is making a profit on these places that make it easy for women to exercise. I don't see how, in good conscience, someone like me, a staunch feminist and progressive, can in any way contribute to any organization that undermines women's rights.

Amen to that.

Comments

[tomatillo]

FYI, the Ruth Rosen column you are quoting from has some inaccuracies. Even the Chronicle published a "clarification" on 5/4/04. I'm a Curves member who was also distressed by the news, so I created http://www.curversforchoice.org. You can read the press release issued by Curves that clarifies what the Heavins give to: three Central Texas charities: Care Net, the Family Practice Center of McLennan County, and the McLennan County Collaborative Abstinence Project. Based on my conversations with Planned Parenthood, it would be really stretching it to characterize these groups as "some of the most militant anti-abortion groups in the country." The Family Practice Center is a primary care facility that is actually neutral on abortion, but if a women they are treating wants an abortion, they WILL refer her to Planned Parenthood. It's too bad Ruth Rosen didn't do more or better homework besides reading what Operation Save America posts on its website.

[Denise Alvarado]

As a woman who believes that it is a woman's responsibility to consider her choices BEFORE she gets pregnant, and that abortion should not be an option, I applaud the Heavins, and will support them in their healthy endeavors. Thank you for this information.

[Cheryl]

When I went on the march in Washington I found out about Curves and its anti-woman activities. When I checked the web, I found some quotes from Gary Heavin that demonized planned parenthood. As a result I sent the following note to Curves and received the following response.
************************************************
-----Original Message-----
From: Cheryl Franz [mailto:cafranz@comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 1:48 PM
To: membercomments@curvesinternational.com
Subject: Curves and anti-choice activities

Dear Mr Heavin,

I have been a Curves member for the last two months and really enjoy the program. I was quite distressed to learn this weekend that you use your resources and position at Curves to demonize Planned Parenthood and undermine a woman's right and responsibility to control her own fertility. Planned Parenthood is a wonderful organization and has helped millions of woman throughout the world to make the right choices for themselves about birth control as well as abortion when necessary.

When I was young, Planned Parenthood was there for me to guide me in choosing the right birth control method. They were there when no one else was. Everyone is entitled to their own religious beliefs (we are still a free country), but you nor anyone else has the right to force your beliefs on others.

Many of the women I work out with at Curves would be shocked to learn about your anti-woman activities. My understanding is that there is a move to boycott Curves given your vocal opposition to a woman's right to choose as well as your use of corporate resources.

As a member who enjoys your program I urge you to discontinue your use of corporate resources to undermind the work of Planned Parenthood and stop blocking the way for women to make informed choices about their reproductive lives.

If the information I have received is incorrect or mislead, please set me straight. I welcome hearing from you on this matter.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Franz
*************************************
From: Carla Wright [mailto:cwright@curvesinternational.com] On Behalf Of Member Comments
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2004 1:54 PM
To: 'cafranz@comcast.net'
Subject: FW: Curves and anti-choice activities

Dear Cheryl:

Curves International Inc. does not make charitable contributions and the franchisees are independent business owners (90 percent women) who do not necessarily share the views of the Curves founders.

The Curves founders believe based on the evidence that abortion is not healthy. They contribute millions of dollars to college endowments and scholarships, food programs for the poor, matching community grants, medical research, and some to support moderate pro-life efforts. Most of the pro-life donations provide for the pre-natal and delivery medical care for women in need.

Thank you for your comments.

Sincerely,

Carla Wright
Curves International, Inc.
Director of Customer Relations
*********************************************

As a result of all this, I am troubled but stuck since I signed up for a year. One thing that this reminds me of -- be sure to check out the organization supporting those where we spend our money. I did share the note to folks I know at Curves. Many get all bent out of shape since they like the place and the work out. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.

[Barbara costa]

Please help!
I am trying to become a member but the curves near me on Bridge street in LaBelle FL says they are not participating in your special offer! On the Krafts minute rice package it does not say participating Curves, which indicates to me that you mean for all curves to be involved.
Can you also explain what “up to $75” means.
Ii HOPE YOU CAN WORK THIS OUT FOR ME

Barbara Costa
3105 Shell Lane
LaBelle, FL
Email : bmc@copper.net

[Molly Gray]

As a college student, feminist and activist I am being deceived constantly. Information is being hidden and covered up and people don't tell me what they really want to say because, gasp, I'm a scary feminist.

When I first saw the Curves ads on tv, I was so glad to see that someone had thought of a great way for women to feel comfortable and relaxed while getting exercise. The commercials had women feeling proud, and didn't show barbie-like women running, zooming in on their breasts or butt.

When I was informed on the kinds of groups Gary Heavin donates to, I was completely frustrated. Why would a man claim that his workout chain makes women feel empowered? He is taking our rights away, and that to me is nothing to be proud of. Mr. Heavin should not have his advertising campaign be focused on women's empowerment, since it is not empowering to have white, upper class, hetereosexual, able-bodied men tell the rest of the women in the United States, how to treat their bodies.

I highly suggest he keep religion out of business. Although he claims, along with the rest of his associates, his "personal wealth" is the source of funding he uses for the donations, I do not understand how he could make $5 million dollars without Curves. If it wasn't for millions of women supporting Curves, Mr. Heavin would not have money to donate to pro-life, religious and abstinence organizations.

90% of the clientele of Curves is pro-choice (Information provided by a Curves Director). If those women stopped going to Curves, Mr. Heavin would be hurtin'.

I am doing all I can to spread awareness in Oregon, and hope other women are doing the same.

[bobby]

I support Gary Heavin in his decision to use his wealth to empower women to do what is HEALTHY. Having an abortion is a quick fix, but it often leaves the woman a victim, and having to deal with depression, regret and infertility; Planned Parenthood is being deceptive in that it does not inform women of this fact.
Like tomatillo (above) I believe that it is a women's responsibility to consider her choices before she gets pregnant. Well said, tomatillo!