MEXICO – Linda Barton and Laurie-Anne Targett are excited about their new business that aims to help women lose weight and get in shape.

The two sisters will open the doors in late April of the area’s first Curves franchise, right next door to a video store and a sandwich restaurant in Mexico’s new mini-mall.

The location, said Barton, fits right in.

“Entertainment, exercise and food,” she laughed. “They compliment each other nicely.”

The sisters have signed a five-year lease for use of the 1,440-square-foot space.

Targett, a registered nurse at Franklin Memorial Hospital, will manage the new business with the help of employees. Barton is also owner of Richard’s Florist in Farmington.

The two have been getting their exercise at the Wilton Curves for about six months. Once they realized how well the program works, they decided to open their own business.

“For less than a dollar a day, women can get a fast, fun workout,” said Barton.

The workout studio will be open six days a week, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Barton and Targett completed a week-long training session at Curves home office in Waco, Texas. They will then train their employees to lead the exercise sessions. A trainer from the Texas office will also help out during the first week of the grand opening at the end of April.

The sisters will have a booth at the annual Rumford Hospital Women’s Health Fair on April 3.

Women who attend Curves go through a 30-minute session on 12 hydraulic machines that provides upper and lower body workouts, muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise. During the first session, appointments will be made to meet one-on-one to discuss personal fitness goals. Members then can pop in at any time during open hours to do the workouts as often as they want for a monthly fee. Barton and Targett recommended three times a week.

Details on cost, special opening offers and other things will become available as the opening draws closer.

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