For many businesses, the Covid-19 pandemic was an incredibly difficult time. Some survived, whilst others were unable to navigate a way through the enforced lockdowns and were left with no choice but to shut up shop for good.

Prior to the first lockdown in March 2020, Curves, the all-female gym in Hampton, was a thriving community orientated business helping women from across the borough stay fit in a secure and supportive environment.

The pandemic however, hit hard, and in August 2020, Curves was just days away from closing permanently. Then stepped in Marianna Franzese.

The local resident fell in love with the gym ever since she began attending during her college years aged 16 and went on to train to become a coach where she then led lessons whilst at university.

Through the grapevine, Marianna heard that Curves was closing for good and stepped in immediately.

Speaking to Nub News, Marianna said: "It all happened so quickly but after hearing the news from a friend, I immediately said you have my number, you have my details, get me a meeting with the owners!

"Just a day later, I was in their living room signing all the necessary documents and we got going with getting the business back to where it belonged."

Club Manager Marianna (right) and her team of coaches help their all-women members through their fitness journey with a hands on supportive approach

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Since taking over ownership, Marianna and her team of five coaches navigated their way through the remaining two lockdowns before welcoming back members to in house sessions.

The gym has now amassed an incredible set of members but is constantly on the lookout to welcome new fitness enthusiasts to the family regardless of their position in their fitness journey.

Members are welcome to pop in at any time during opening hours and join in with the 30-minute full body workouts which combine strength and cardio vascular activity.

The 30-minute full body workouts which combine strength and cardio vascular activity

The gym's machines are based on resistance rather than weight ensuring each member is fighting at their best and not risking lifting too much or not challenging themselves enough.

Club Manager Marianna, added: "To this day, inside and outside of the borough I have not found anything that compares to the Curves set up. The support you receive throughout your workout is second to none.

"Curves is here to get away from the stereotypes of gyms being intimidating. We are all on the same journey here and are fully supportive of your fitness goals whatever they may be. We are here to ensure fitness is enjoyed in a safe and supportive environment, you do the moving and we do the thinking!"

Machines are based on resistance rather than weight ensuring each member is fighting at their best and not risking lifting too much or not challenging themselves enough

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Just a five minute walk from Hampton Station, Curves is located at the end of Hampton High-Street and can also be reached with the 111 or 216 bus, stop Hampton & Richmond Borough FC.

For more information on the services it provides, or to register your interest in becoming a member, pop down to the gym or visit the Curves website here.

Curves and Teddington Nub News 

Teddington Nub News is thrilled to be launching our new partnership with Curves.

With their support we can keep delivering the high-quality journalism that our town deserves. 

Responding to the news, Nub News CEO Karl Hancock said: "I am pleased that Teddington Nub News will be partnering with Curves. 

Marianna and her team provide an incredibly important service to the Teddington/Hampton community and I can't wait to see how our partnership develops." 

Next to all our articles you'll see the Curves banner, which you can click on to learn more about its work.