Name of business: Curves of Ceres.

Type of business: Fitness salon for women.

Location: Inside the Richland Shopping Center, 2531 E. Whitmore Ave., Suite L2.

Hours of operation: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. weekdays; and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Contact info: (209) 538-1515.

History of business: Dovie Wilson is big on taking care of herself.

It started when she moved to Ceres from Oklahoma in 1967 at age 12 and realized how out of shape she became.

"I wasn't fit," admitted Wilson. "I was a chubby, chunky overweight Okie and that's what started my whole lifestyle change for fitness and health. I had a very poor image and that's the problem with women and also girls and it starts younger and younger. We have a bad self-image physically of our bodies and that's not fair because we all come in all shapes and sizes."

Since becoming owner of Curves of Ceres, Dovie is helping other women improve their bodies and their lives.

"I'm about women being healthy and strong and staying fit and weight is not the important thing. To me, you can be obese and still be somewhat healthy if you're working out and doing something physical."

Wilson felt it was a good move to involve herself in a fitness business in Ceres, where she feels invested.
"You want it (Ceres) to be prosperous and you want the people to be healthy and to be happy."

It was also a scary move going into business and buying a Curves franchise. Dovie had been out of work for two years after being laid off from Hughson School District human resources. About the time she went to work for the Ceres Chamber of Commerce, Linda Javine announced she was closing the Curves of Ceres in five days to tend to her ill husband. At that time Curves was located on Mitchell Road. Linda began contacting members about the closure since she had no buyer. When Dovie heard about the impending closure, she felt compelled to keep it open.

"God opens up doors that we never expect," said Wilson. "So I landed my job with the Chamber and within three months I'm an owner of Curves. So now I have two jobs where for two years I had no job."

She also acts as a secretary for her father's church. Adrian Condit is the pastor of Village Chapel Assembly of God in Ceres.

Wilson opened her Curves business in a new location inside the Richland Shopping Center on Whitmore Avenue.
"Who would not want to be able to work out all day, listen to fantastic music and associate with wonderful women and try to give them motivation to stay healthy and fit?" asked Wilson. "It's a fantastic opportunity."

Curves is offering two weeks free to new members who sign up as either a Fitness or Curves Complete member on their first visit between April 23 to May 7.

Wilson said this is just in time for the start of swimsuit season. The offer is designed to help further motivate those looking to kick start their weight loss, while building lean muscle and toning. "Curves" is a leader in the fitness and weight management category and is the largest chain of fitness centers for women in the world.

In January, Curves introduced Curves Workouts with Jillian Michaels which are cutting-edge total body workouts featuring the Curves Circuit strength training machines in conjunction with functional bodyweight-based exercises that are designed to ramp up metabolism and transform physique. The program is refreshed frequently with 12 new functional moves introduced each month throughout 2014.

"With spring in full swing, we are thrilled to offer new Curves members two weeks free as a way to get started with their health and fitness goals," said the Wilson. "In addition, we are excited to offer Curves Workouts with Jillian Michaels, which offer a new workout each month, as well as Curves Complete. We invite women in Ceres to come in and to learn more about these innovative programs with a free consultation."

For more information, about scheduled classes contact a staff member at the Ceres Curves, 538-1515 or cerescurves@gmail.com or visit the club at 2531 E. Whitmore Ave., L-2, in the Richland Market Place. For more information about Curves, visit www.curves.com.