Who founded the Curves women’s fitness franchise with his wife Diane?

Gary Heavin founded the Curves women’s fitness franchise with his wife, Diane Heavin. The first Curves location opened in Harlingen, Texas, in 1992.

Curves was designed as a women-only fitness concept centered on a short circuit workout. Its clubs typically combined hydraulic resistance machines with timed movement stations, creating a standardized format that could be reproduced by franchise owners.

The company expanded rapidly during the 1990s and 2000s. Its appeal rested on a simple routine, relatively small locations, and a community-oriented environment rather than the large equipment floor associated with many traditional gyms.

Curves is sometimes confused with other fitness franchises founded by male entrepreneurs, including 24 Hour Fitness and Anytime Fitness. Those businesses have different founders and operating models.