Contributed

Curves of Southern Pines knows that most people who are serious about losing weight know that they won't get the results they want by just dieting.

They also need to exercise and they need encouragement to stick to the plan. This was the thinking behind the new weight loss program Curves Complete - the only program of its kind on the market that offers exercise, customized meal plans and coaching in one integrated program, a news release said.

And, according to Cinny Beggs, the owner of Curves of Southern Pines, the cost is comparable to what other programs charge for diet alone.

Dottie S., of Pinehurst, who lost 18 pounds and two dress sizes in just 90 days on Curves Complete, said of the program, "Curves Complete has been an answer for me. The program is great! I've enjoyed the recipes and meals, felt satisfied, enjoyed the exercise - even though 10,000 steps/day has been a big challenge.

"The coaches have been supportive. I've had significant weight loss, which I was unable to achieve with anything else I've tried recently. At my age, it is difficult to lose any weight. I feel as though I've had a transformation. My outlook has brightened. I look forward to what I'll be eating during the day and am challenged to find the time to get all the steps in - sometimes pacing back and forth while I watch my shows on tape.

"I'm celebrating my 68th birthday this month, and I'm more flexible from exercise and more svelte in some new clothes in a different size. Thank you, Curves. It was well worth the effort!"

"It's really as simple as one-two-three," said Curves' registered dietitian Nadia Rodman. "The Curves circuit gives you strength and cardio training to protect your muscles and burn fat, our proven nutrition plan is fully customizable to your lifestyle, and your Curves coach helps you set goals and reach them one-on-one - you simply can't help but lose. Or rather, win."

By preserving lean muscle, Curves Complete helps maintain or even boost the body's metabolism for better long-term results, the release said. It also can contribute to eliminating stress- related health issues, such as irregular heart rhythms and abdominal discomfort.

Melodie M., of Aberdeen, can attest to both of these things after her journey with the Curves Complete program.

"Curves taught me how to boost my metabolism with both diet and exercise," she said. "I had some health issues when I first joined Curves and was on a special doctor-prescribed diet. I was surprised to see that the Curves Complete diet followed the same special diet that my doctor had given me.

"Now, I have recovered from both of my health issues, and I contribute my recovery to the Curves Complete program as well. I learned that exercise would not kill me but would make me stronger. I can never thank Curves for what they have done for me. I have my confidence back, and I feel so much better mentally and physically. You can lose that weight and get back in shape!"

Curves Complete is the culmination of years of research involving thousands of study participants.

"Ninety-five percent of dieters fail - or lose weight only to gain it all back - not because there's something wrong with them, but because there's something wrong with conventional diets," said Katie Mitchell, Curves' director of exercise and research. "It takes a combination of three things: exercise, diet, and coaching, or motivation, to successfully lose weight as body fat rather than lean muscle and then keep it off.

"The success of the program hinges on the Curves Complete coaches, certified by Cleveland Clinic. After all, it doesn't matter how much you know about proper diet and exercise - if you don't have the motivation and accountability to follow through with them, the knowledge is useless. Curves collaborated with the prestigious Cleveland Clinic to create the Curves Complete coaching certification for its clubs."

All four coaches at Curves of Southern Pines have been certified by the Cleveland Clinic and continue to hone their coaching skills through continuing education programs offered through Curves International.

"All of us at Curves have participated in the actual Curves Complete program, and I personally lost 16 pounds and didn't even know that I had 16 pounds to lose," Beggs said. "And yes, I have kept it off for a year and a half. Curves Complete is so easy to follow and has become a way of life for both me and my husband. Both of us feel so much healthier and are never hungry, and have discovered that you don't have to stuff yourself to feel satisfied. In fact, eating has become a regular pastime for me since I completed the program. And I can't wait to see what terrific recipe we're going to try tonight."

Curves Complete includes a Web portal that features easy meal planning, recipes and shopping lists, goal tracking, motivational tools, a vibrant online community for support, and more. And once a Curves Complete member, the Web portal and tools remain 100 percent free for life, the release said.

With the launch of the new Curves Complete program, Curves becomes the first and only company to offer women a complete weight loss solution - exercise, meal plans and coaching - in one location and for about the same price that other weight loss companies charge for diet alone, the release said.

Curves began 20 years ago with the mission of "Strengthening Women." Making exercise, and now a complete weight loss program, accessible to women everywhere has always been the main focus of Curves, the release said.

Anyone needing more information about Curves Complete can contact Curves of Southern Pines at 262A Pinehurst Ave.; (910) 246-2680.