SAVE THE DATE

SAVE THE DATE

CURVES BETHESDA
HOLIDAY PARTY

DECEMBER 10, 2009
7:00 P.M.
@CURVES BETHESDA

Curves/Avon Connection

CURVES BETHESDA IS NOW PART OF THE CURVES/AVON CONNECTION

Elvi Moore, owner of Curves Bethesda is proud to announce that she and the Curves staff will now be selling the Curves/Avon products as well as Avon cosmetic and other products. Here is why:

***DID YOU KNOW… THAT AVON IS THE LARGEST CORPORATE SUPPORTER OF THE BREAST CANCER CAUSE with programs in 50 countries that advance access to care and find a cure , with special focus on underserved communities?

***DID YOU KNOW…THAT AVON’S SPEAK OUT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN, created in 2004, raises both money and awareness of this important public health issue and is expanding around the world?

***DID YOU KNOW…THAT AVON ALSO RESPONDS QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCIES AND NATURAL DISASTERS, funding relief programs that provide vital services and support of victims?

The Curves/Avon products are great! When you order something from Avon, you pay when you receive the items ordered. There is also a return policy – if for some reason you do not like what you receive, the item can be returned, no questions asked.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THE AVON BROCHURE #19 IN THE CHANGING ROOM – I WILL BE PLACING THE ORDERS BY NOON ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10. THERE ARE SOME MARVELOUS CURVES ITEMS THERE, AND LOTS OF AVON PRODUCTS TO TRY…

Back to Curves

Back to School and Back to Curves!

We hope you had a great summer and are ready to workout!

There are many new happenings at Curves, including new hours, new activities, and new decor.

New Hours
Monday & Wednesday: 6:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m. & 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 6:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday: 6:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m. & 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
1st & 3rd Sundays: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (2nd & 4th at Expo Curves by Montgomery Mall)
As always, remember to arrive 30 minutes prior to closing.

New Activities
*"Yoga for Creaky Bones"
Starts: Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Time: 2:45-3:45 p.m.
How long: 5-weeks
Cost: $60 due the first day
Sign-up at Curves Bethesda!
*A new challenge soon to be announced
*More to be announced!

New Decor
*A new circuit
*A new bathroom look thanks to Kathy

So join us at Curves Bethesda to see everything that's happening!

Libby's Black Bean Salsa

Thanks to Curves Bethesda member Libby E. for sharing this!

Libby's Black Bean Salsa:

(Serves 8)

(Picture Credit: www.dietreceipes.com)

2 cans of black beans

1 can of corn (drained)

1/2 red onion (chopped)

1 red pepper (chopped)

3 cloves of garlic (minced)

1/2 cup of parsley (chopped)

1/2 cup of cilantro (chopped)

1 1/2 tsp. of cumin

1/3 cup of lime juice

1/4 cup of olive oil

1/2 tsp. of salt

1 tsp. of pepper

Mix together

Serve with tortillas or tortilla chips

Keeps in the refrigerator for 1 week

Nutritional value of one serving of salsa only

(an 8th of the total amount/approx. values):

Calories: 91

Fat: 7

Sodium:22.5

Carbohydrates: 12.5

Fiber: 1

Protein: 2

WW Value: 2

September News

August 21, 2009

Dear Members,

Thank you all for your support during our ‘tumultuous’ month of July. Your words of encouragement and enthusiasm when the decision was made to keep our Curves open were most appreciated. And, the wonderful happy faces and joyous celebration at our party on August 12^th made all the efforts to keep our Curves open worthwhile! (If you haven’t yet seen those marvelous photographs from the party taken by member Marcy Forrest, please ask the staff to show these to you on the CurvesSmart computer.)

Many of you wrote suggestions for making our Curves more vibrant for which the staff and I are grateful. You clearly want our Curves to succeed, and many of your suggestions are going to be implemented this fall. Some of these are:

*Longer Hours – as you have already read in my previous letter, we will be open from 6:45am to 2pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 6:45am to 12noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The evening hours will be 4pm to 8pm, except on Fridays when we close at 7pm. Saturdays will remain the same: 8am to 1pm. AND, the big news is that we will be open the first and third Sundays each month. Curves Expo near Montgomery Mall will alternate Sundays with us, so they will be open 2^nd and 4^th Sundays. Those of you who wish to work out on Sundays can do so here in Bethesda and also at Curves Expo. Sunday hours will be from 10am to 1pm. We will keep these hours until December, and re-evaluate at that time whether to continue this schedule or make some changes.

*Classes – once a month we will offer the following classes: Stretch class taught by Elvi Moore; Refresh Your Work-outs taught by Kathy McGuire; Abs Workout taught by Morgan Hogarth (she is getting her personal training certification shortly). AND, a free monthly weight management class. A schedule of these classes will be posted on the bulletin board soon.

*Machines – Our resident ‘engineer’ Kathy and her assistant, Morgan have made a commitment to service the machines every six weeks. You may have already noticed that the machines are tighter and giving you a better work-out since Kathy and Morgan have serviced them. Additionally, new hydraulics are on order for the glute squat and hip abductor/adductor machines.

*Chair Massage – We are going to experiment with having a massage therapist come once a week for a couple of hours to give ten minute upper back massages. There will be a nominal fee for this, and you will have to sign up. More on this later when we confirm the day of the week and hours as well as fees with the therapist.

*Art and Crafts Fair – We have so many artists among our members that we think it would be great to schedule a Fair at our Curves (or out on the Plaza if we can get permission from the landlord) sometime in early November in time for holiday gift buying. So, start thinking about what you would like to show and sell! We might even consider giving a percentage of the sales to a charity.

*PARTY! - Because we had so much fun at the party on August 12^th, it was decided that we should have another one in December around the holiday season. We will schedule one weeks ahead of time so we can all mark the date on our calendars.

There is obviously lots to be done to get our membership up this fall. While we are working on a number of promotional projects, we all know that the best source of new members is from current members. We need your buddy referrals!!! Please give us names and telephone numbers of your friends who would benefit from the Curves work-out and we will do the rest. We will contact them and invite them to come for a free week. Any member who brings in a friend who signs up, will receive a t-shirt; a member who brings in two friends who sign up will receive a free month!

Again, thank you for your support, and most of all, your friendship and good cheer. Let’s make OUR Curves Bethesda an exciting place to be!

Elvi Moore, Owner, Curves Bethesda

Healthy Recipe of the Week: Balsamic Berry Parfait

Courtesy of: The Washington Post Online

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2009/06/03/balsamic-berry-parfait/

The elements of this dessert look great as a tall, layered parfait, which should be assembled just before serving.

MAKE AHEAD: The ricotta cream can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. The sliced fruit can be prepared a few hours in advance.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
*1 cup part-skim ricotta
*Finely grated zest of 1 lemon (loosely packed tablespoon)
*1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
*1 pound freshly washed berries yielding 3 cups; stemmed and cut as appropriate
*1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
*Leaves from 2 stems of basil, chopped (2 tablespoons loosely packed)

Directions:

Combine the ricotta, lemon zest and sugar in a medium bowl; mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Combine the berries and balsamic vinegar in a medium bowl, tossing to coat evenly. Let them sit for 15 minutes, then add the basil and toss to incorporate.

Have four glass dishes or parfait glasses ready. Working with one-quarter of the fruit and 1/4 cup of the ricotta mixture, assemble the first parfait by creating a layer of berries, then adding a heaping tablespoon of the ricotta mixture, another layer of berries, another heaping tablespoon of the ricotta mixture and another layer of berries. Top with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture; garnish with some of the reserved berries.

Fill the remaining 3 portions, following the same order of layers and using all the remaining ingredients. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 154
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 19mg
Sodium: 78mg
Total Carbs: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 13g
Protein: 8g

NEW 6-WEEK CHALLENGE: BECOME A CURVACEOUS CUTIE

Are you ready to get fitter, leaner, and healthier this summer?

The goals of this challenge are:
~Workout 3 times a week*
~Lower your BMI (or maintain your BMI if 25 or lower)
~Pick one more goal:
*Drink 6 glasses of water a day (8 if you’re able)
*Keep a food diary
*Walk, bike, swim, use home equipment twice a week
*No wine on weekdays
*Limit soda intake (or do not drink any soda)
*Limit desserts
*Workout at Curves 4 times a week
*Weigh yourself everyday

STARTS: June 15, 2009 (make sure to weigh-in prior to the challenge)
ENDS: July 31, 2009 (make sure to weigh-in your third day this week)

*If you go out of town and there are no Curves in your area, discuss with your friendly Curves staff member other alternatives.

And here is your goody for reading this blog: Tell your friendly Curves staff member (starting the week of the 15th) the phrase, summer fit, and you will get a free pass if you happen to miss one day of working out.

Summer Special!

Save $100 AND
Get one month free!*
Join Curves Chevy Chase/Bethesda
And receive this summer special!

6831 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 10815
(301) 215-7959
www.bethesdacurves.com
FREE PARKING!
Located in the same building as Trader Joe’s
*Based on a 12-month contract

Supporting Our Community: A Wider Circle is Having a Concert

Curves Bethesda is always wanting to lend a helping hand and now is no different. A charity that the ladies of Curves Bethesda frequently supports is holding a concert on Monday night.

Please join A Wider Circle next Monday for this once in a lifetime opportunity. The Apple Miner Colony, a 20 member band from across the country, made up mostly of students and graduates of the College of Santa Fe and NM Colleges, and featuring BCC-HS Alum Ellen Brand ( '06) on the viola, will be performing live at our Center for Community Service ( 9159C Brookville Rd., Silver Spring 20910). They are in the midst of a 5-week, 6000-mile tour of the U.S. Their travels and performances are being filmed and will be featured in the documentary Home is Wherever You Are. Playfully referred to as “orchestral folk”, the band boasts an impressive arsenal of instruments including clarinets, flutes, mandolins, trumpets, drums, violin, cello, musical saw, trombone, electric and acoustic guitars, an ethereal chorus, stand up bass, and a boundless amount of passionate creativity. With the Apple Miner Colony there are no delusions of grandeur. The last show of the tour will also be the band's last show ever, and, for many, the beginning of completely new chapters in their lives.
Doors will open at 7 pm. The concert will start at 7:30 pm with a performance by Everyone Only. It's free but donations are welcome. Light refreshments will be available. Those of you who have already been to a concert at AWC know that there is all kinds of fun seating available so come early to pick the best couch, chair, bench, cushion, mattress, or step to sit on.

Please contact Pam Feinstein (301-332-7859) or the office (301-608-3504) if you have any questions or need directions. Free onsite parking is available.
Also watch for another note coming out soon about the Big Train Picnic and Game Saturday, June 6th!

Master Moon Teaches Curves Women Self-Defense

The May Curves Bethesda workshop of self-defense turned into a fun hour of yelling, kicking, and quite a few laughs. Curves ladies are always interested in learning new and useful things - and can always find a way to make it entertaining! (Right: Master Moon and Mr. Craig demonstrating with our attentive ladies)

Master Moon and Mr. Craig, of Karate Need, graciously agreed to teach an introductory class on self-defense for women at Curves. Their key message was to try to avoid the need for self-defense by using smiles and words, but to also be prepared to defend yourself if necessary. Joining Master Moon and Mr. Craig was Elvi M., Kathy M., Marcy F. (thank you for the pictures!), Catherine M., and Monique H.

First on the agenda was practicing strong yells - a task that every woman found enjoyable (and not overly difficult!). Next up were power kicks. Working out at Curves paid off as the ladies gave powerful kicks to the blue bag. (Below: Marcy giving a powerful kick to the bag)

But we can't forget about the arms! The gals learned how to remove arms from their necks and possibly break the attackers arm if necessary. They did have to practice on each other - fortunately no arms were broken! (Left: Elvi and Monique attempting not to hurt each other)

Other strategies included finger jams to the face and thumb holds. As Kathy shares, "We all did a wonderful job and now feel empowered if we ever find ourselves in need of these body tools."

It was recommended to practice the moves to become more proficient. Some of the new hints for the recovery pads reflect excellent practice exercises, a key one being the Sumo Squat. (Below: Kathy practicing breaking an assailant's arm - in this case Mr. Craig!)

The overall feeling upon the close of the session was one of fun and empowering. One member shared that she had told her husband she was going to this workshop and he said, "Great! But no practicing on me!"

(Left: Catherine being a bit easier on Mr. Craig than Kathy) Watch our blog for another Self-Defense Workshop in June and other topics of interest. These workshops are FREE, Open to the Public and friends, with easy parking, and fun. Afterwards shop at Trader Joe's or have lunch at the India Saveur restaurant upstairs.

Race For The Cure

On June 6, 2009, the ladies of Curves Bethesda will be walking to help find a cure for breast cancer in Washington DC. This is the 6th year that Curves Bethesda has been a part of this race -- meaning that every year that Curves has been open, they have participated.

This is the 20th annual Race for the Cure and they have gone global, not just national. Run by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, this race raised over $3.8 million last year in DC alone. The ladies of Curves Bethesda are hoping to raise $1,500 to assist in helping to raise even more this year. If you have $5, $25, $100, or more, please donate. To find out more, go to www.globalraceforthecure.org. Search for the team: Curves Bethesda.

If you are interested in joining our squad, please go to this same web site and join us - you do not have to be a Curves member to join us in supporting this wonderful cause. We welcome friends, family, and anybody who wants to join.

Self-Defense with Master Moon

INTRODUCTORY SELF-DEFENSE TIPS FOR WOMEN
With
MASTER MOON, MARTIAL ARTS KUMO, INSTRUCTOR

Who: Curves Women, Martial Arts Women, and Friends

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
1:15 – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Curves Chevy Chase/Bethesda on Wisconsin Avenue*
Same building as Trader Joe’s

Crimes against women are ever increasing in Montgomery County. Therefore, women have to equip themselves and be prepared to defend themselves under any circumstances. Being proactive about self-defense for women has become the order of the day.

Master Moon will demonstrate techniques to help you, if you are ever in a situation where you need to protect yourself.

*For more information: call 310-215-7959

Chevy Chase/Bethesda

Estelle's 85th Birthday Lunch

On Thursday, May 7th, seven Curves ladies joined Estelle J. for a lovely luncheon at Clyde's in Chevy Chase to celebrate Estelle's 85th birthday. (That's Estelle to the left!)

Susan L., Barbara P., Connie B., Jean S., Robin W., Judie M. and Elvi M. toasted Estelle and heard about her latest adventures. All the ladies are part of the early morning Curves workout group, and after the luscious desert of 'healthy' carrot cake, everyone decided they had to go back to Curves burn off those calories. Many happy returns, Estelle!

Stretching with Elvi

Stretching with Elvi Moore*

When: Thursday, May 14th @ 10:00 a.m. OR
Thursday, May 21st @ 6:15 p.m.

Where: Curves Bethesda

Cost: FREE

Who: Curves members and friends

Why stretch???

Stretching: Focus on flexibility

By Mayo Clinic Staff

You can stretch anytime, anywhere. Consider the benefits of stretching, such as increased flexibility and circulation. Then ready, set, stretch!

You workout at Curves or pound out a few miles on the treadmill. You work your way through a series of strength training exercises. You even add some time on the stationary bike for good measure – and you smile with satisfaction that you made it through your workout. Nothing to do now but hit the shower.

Not so fast. Did you consider stretching those muscles that pulled your way through your invigorating workout? Understand why stretching matters – and how to stretch correctly.

Benefits of Stretching

Most aerobic and strength training programs inherently cause your muscles to contract and flex. That’s why regular stretching is a powerful part of any exercise program. Consider this:

Ø Stretching increases flexibility. Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring.
Ø Stretching improves range of motion of your joints. Good range of motion keeps you in better balance, which will help you be mobile and less prone to falls – and the related injuries, especially as you age.
Ø Stretching improves circulation. Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Improved circulation can speed recovery after muscle injuries.
Ø Stretching can relieve stress. Stretching relaxes the tense muscles that often accompany stress.

*Elvi Moore is the owner of Curves Bethesda and formerly the General Director of The Washington Ballet. She has extensive teaching experience in both DC and Chicago.

A Special Message from Elvi

Thank you to the fourteen members and four staff members who attended the Curves Bethesda Town Meeting on Monday evening, April 20th.

Lots of good ideas came out of the meeting, and a summary of those will be posted very soon. I have also heard via email from several others.

The goodwill emanating from the meeting and from the emails is very gratifying indeed. We will be implementing many of the ideas that came out of the meeting as soon as possible. My apologies that the summary will be a few days delayed as I am out of town at the moment, but we will get this out to you soon. Again, thank you so much for your support, your enthusiasm about our Curves Bethesda, and your friendship.

Elvi, owner, Curves Bethesda

*Remember to look at our website: www.BethesdaCurves.com; we will have a blogspot within the next few days; and our email is: CurvesBethesda@yahoo.com

Curves Bethesda Supports Our Community: A Wider Circle

Curves Bethesda has a loyal early morning workout crowd that often heads out to breakfast together upon finishing their workout, affectionately termed the Curves Breakfast Club.

On Thursday, April 23, 2009, the Curves Breakfast Club will be supporting a local charity, A Wider Circle, by eating at a local Maryland location of the Original House of Pancakes.

Anybody who dines at the Original House of Pancakes for breakfast or lunch in Bethesda or Rockville, Maryland, on Thursday will be supporting A Wider Circle in that 15% of proceeds will be donated to A Wider Circle.

A Wider Circle is a 501(c)(3) grassroots nonprofit organization that serves individuals and families living in poverty in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. The programs conducted by A Wider Circle reach low-income children, teens, seniors, individuals who are disabled, and adults who lack access to many resources. For more information, please visit: http://www.awidercircle.org/.

Curves Bethesda has a history of supporting A Wider Circle, and our community, by donating clothing and furnishings to the organization.

Help the Curves Bethesda Breakfast Club support this wonderful organization by also eating out at the Original House of Pancakes on Thursday, April 23, 2009.

Welcome to Curves Bethesda!

Good afternoon everybody!

Welcome to the new blog for Curves Bethesda! The staff is thrilled that you have chosen to stop by and see what our club is actively participating in and meet some of our members. Here is some basic information to get you started about what Curves is and the details about Curves Bethesda that you may be interested in.

What is Curves?

Created specifically for women, Curves offers a complete fitness and nutrition solution. The Curves 30 minute workout exercises every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories through a proven program of strength training, cardio and stretching. In addition, club promotions and events encourage women to support charitable causes, learn about health-related issues and forge lasting friendships as part of the global Curves community.

Where is Curves Bethesda?

Located in the Trader Joe's Shopping Plaza on Wisconsin Avenue, Curves Bethesda is easily accessible. The address is: 6831 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 10815. If you need driving directions, visit this web site: http://maps.google.com/.

What are Curves Bethesda's Hours?

Monday - Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 3:30 - 7:30 p.m.*

Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; 3:30 - 7:00 p.m.*

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.*

Sunday: Closed

*Must arrive a half-hour before closing

More Questions? Interested in joining?

Please call and speak to any of our knowledgable staff at:

301.215.7959

or e-mail:

curvesbethesda@yahoo.com.