A Kenilworth gym specialising in female fitness is looking to attract a new generation of gym-goers after it celebrated a key milestone following a difficult period during the pandemic.

Curves Kenilworth, which has been in Talisman Shopping Centre for more than 12 years, celebrated the Curves company's 30th anniversary with members enjoying coffee and cake, a club tombola, and fundraising activities within the shopping centre's square.

The gym, which prides itself on offering workouts and personal training completely tailored to women and girls, is looking to build on this momentum and encourage younger women and girls to join after many members left as a result of the pandemic.

Throughout October, Curves is offering 30 new members a free one-week experience including one-on-one training, circuit training, wellness classes, and nutrition advice. And those looking to join permanently can enjoy a half-price joining fee, while anyone joining in October will get January 2023 free.

Jane Westrope, owner of Curves Kenilworth, said: "Our membership was in a very strong place before the pandemic hit, with around 265 women and girls enjoying the gym.

"But just before the first lockdown, we had so many cancel overnight. This barely increased throughout the pandemic with the various changes to lockdown rules and general uncertainty over that time.

"Thankfully, a rent reduction from Discovery Properties helped us stay afloat during the toughest periods, and meant we were able to come out of the other side.

"Even when the worst of it was over, the cost-of-living crisis has meant memberships are not increasing as much as we might like.

"But it was a fantastic feeling to be part of the company's 30th anniversary celebrations. And we want to use it as a springboard to future success."

Jane is looking to attract more teenagers and younger women into Curves in the near future, and believes the appeal of a friendly, woman-only gym is attractive to many potential members.

She added: "Self-esteem and body perception are still major issues for many women, and a significant number feel shy about taking their first step into any sort of gym.

"What's great about Curves is its wonderful community – we greet everyone by name and we are all so supportive of each other's goals.

"Our workouts are simple too – our main workout is a full-body, 30-minute session which increases strength, burns fat and tones muscles.

"And we include one-to-one training in our price, which means we can produce tailored fitness advice for any member with no additional cost.

"However, physical fitness is not the be-all and end-all. Physical exercise has strong links to positive wellbeing, and we also offer a wellness service to ensure our members can keep on top of their mental health.

"Not only that, we ensure we give 2.5 per cent of our intake goes to charities, many of which are local to Kenilworth and Warwickshire such as the Waverley Day Centre and Myton Hospices.

"Now that Curves has turned 30, we'd love to welcome a new generation through our doors and help them with their fitness goals."

Hugo Hawkings, chief executive of Discovery Properties – the developers of Talisman Shopping Centre – added: "It's fantastic that Curves Kenilworth has been able to celebrate the firm's 30th anniversary after coming out of the pandemic.

"Jane and the team deliver a brilliant service to their members and I hope many more consider joining in the coming months."