Women of all ages moved from station to station in the Curves circle, following the routine that has brought many of them back each week since the fitness center opened in December 2003.

Janet Cauthen, who has been a Curves client for one year, said she decided to try the Curves program “to get into shape.”

“I started a year ago and lost 13.75 inches,” she said. “I try to come at least three times a week.”

The three times a week is the minimum recommended time, said Angie Saucier, who owns the franchise with her parents, Randy and Delores Lindsey of Escodido, Calif.

Located in the Bellemont Shopping Center off U.S. 61 South, the Curves center offers a complete workout, Saucier said.

The workout includes warming up, cardio exercise, strength training, cooling down and stretching.

“We have a wide range of clients,” she said. “They are from teenage to Mrs. Hazel.”

Mrs. Hazel is Hazel James of Natchez, who today celebrates her 83rd birthday and is a faithful member of the Curves exercise group.

“We began coming here for health purposes but also to get her out of her house,” said Bobbie Johnson of Fayette, James’ daughter.

“It’s good for her legs and hips, and we’re spending time together. And now another of her daughters has joined us.”

Keisha Bell, assistant manager, said the company has a policy that attracts women.

“No makeup, no mirrors, no men, and I think a lot of women choose this health club because of that,” Bell said.

Another reason women enjoy he Curves program is that the machines are not intimidating, Saucier said.

“I think it’s a comfortable environment for women. It’s at their own pace,” she said. “And the machines work to everyone’s ability. There are no weights to change.”

Saucier explained that the machines work by hydraulic resistance. “To increase resistance, you simply push or pull harder rather than changing weights.”

The machines are organized to provide upper body or lower body or whole body. “They target areas that women have problems with,” Saucier said. “These exercises won’t cause you to bulk up.”

James, at 83, is not the oldest client Saucier has served at the Curves fitness center. “We had one member who was coming when she was 92,” Saucier said.

James is a patient of Dr. Scott Wolfe of Family Medicine Specialists of Natchez. Wolfe said he has seen a “remarkable improvement in her overall health status” since James began the exercise program.

“She has lowered her cholesterol, improved her blood pressure, lessened her arthritis pain, and in general has a renewed spirit and outlook on life,” Wolfe said in a prepared statement.

“She should be an inspiration to her peers that it is never too late to start exercising and improving yourself.”

Sarah Allen, fitness tech at Curves, said she helps to guide clients in their first use of the machines.

“I also try to give them ideas about eating healthy. It’s not just about exercise,” Allen said.

Curves is worldwide, with more than 9,000 fitness centers in the United States and abroad.

Enrollment in any Curves allows entrance to all others, Saucier said.