Curves' 3rd Annual Not For Sissies Day Celebrates Strong Women and Military Families

Online, September 26, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Curves owners, staff and members worldwide celebrated the third annual Not for Sissies Day--the third Tuesday in September--by donning camo prints and performing feats of strength and courage in their communities.

Curves International also announced that as of June 2011, 539 of its independently owned and operated clubs are enrolled in the IHRSA Joining Forces Network, an affiliation of health clubs offering free memberships to the immediate family members of actively deployed Reservists and National Guard members throughout the U.S.

"Our company mission is 'strengthening women'," said Curves co-founder Diane Heavin. "And it's not just about strengthening their bodies, but also their spirits and their families. Curves' Not for Sissies Day and the Joining Forces program allow us to do all three simultaneously. Plus, it's a lot of fun and a day that everyone looks forward to all year."

This year, the Not for Sissies theme went full-on military in an effort to highlight the company's committed participation in the Joining Forces Network and to honor all the courageous 9/11 heroes. The line includes a T-shirt, tank, pants, socks, jackets and a dog tag.

What did Curves members do in their NFS gear? Climb rocks, mountains and telephone poles, lift cars, pull tractors and airplanes, run, walk, bike, and paint houses for charity, whitewater raft, zip line, ropes course, roller hockey, flying trapeze, work out, Curves Circuit with Zumba...you name it, they did it passionately.

Curves clubs are also passionate about welcoming military family members into the Curves community. To date, 231 military family members are taking advantage of free Curves memberships.

"Our clubs are so energized and excited to welcome these heroes to the Curves community," Heavin said. "We can only imagine how stressful it must be to have a loved one so far from home. Our amazing owners are thrilled to help them keep fit, de-stress, make friends, and discover another avenue of support."

Eligible military families can search for a participating Joining Forces gym by clicking here at http://www.healthclubs.com/.

About Curves

Curves, the world's largest fitness franchise and the global leader in women's fitness, is the brand recognized and trusted by millions of women worldwide. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to millions of women globally, many of whom are in the gym for the first time.

For more info visit http://www.curves.com. For more information about Curves franchisees , visit http://www.curvesfranchiseblog.com.

About IHRSA

IHRSA is a not-for-profit trade association representing health and fitness facilities, gyms, spas, sports clubs, and suppliers worldwide. IHRSA is committed to taking a leadership role in promoting physical activity, which is critical to America's health and the battle against obesity and disease. IHRSA and its members are dedicated to making the world healthier through regular exercise and fitness promotion. Learn more about the IHRSA Joining Forces Network at www.healthclubs.com.

For more information on the benefits of exercise, visit www.health.gov/PAGuidelines/guidelines/chapter2.aspx

About the IHRSA Joining Forces Network

The IHRSA Joining Forces Network, an affiliation of health clubs offering free memberships to the immediate family members of actively deployed Reservists and National Guard members throughout the country, successfully merges the active lifestyle goals of Let's Move! with the desire to provide support and services to military families through Joining Forces. The IHRSA Joining Forces Network was introduced on May 9th by Mrs. Obama at a health and wellness event for military families on the south lawn of the White House.