At Curves Topsfield, women aren’t just getting in shape—they’re finding the support, structure, and community to make real, lasting change.

“We’re not just here to help someone build strength or lose weight,” says owner Karen Johnston. “We want women to feel better, sleep better, and have more energy for the things they care about. The fitness matters, but so does the coaching and accountability. That’s what keeps people coming back.”

Karen knows the impact Curves can have because she experienced it firsthand. Back in 2011, after struggling to lose 30 pounds of post-baby weight and recovering from shoulder surgery, she joined as a member.

“Nothing else had stuck,” she says. “But Curves worked. I felt stronger, I had less pain, and I was finally getting results.”

Within a year, she trained to become a coach. In 2017, she became the manager, and when longtime owner Anne Tarvin retired in 2018, Karen purchased the business.

“I couldn’t imagine letting the women in this community lose the support they had here. I knew this was what I was meant to do.”

Located at 30 Main Street, Curves Topsfield offers a complete workout in just 30 minutes. The circuit includes strength training, cardio, and stretching, and is designed for women of all fitness levels.

“It’s easy to learn, but it’s also really effective,” Karen says. “We coach every member through the workout so it’s safe and tailored to what their body needs.”

Every session is led by a Curves coach, with regular one-on-one check-ins to track progress and set goals.

Each week features a Workout of the Week, combining the Curves equipment with targeted conditioning moves.

“It keeps the workouts fresh and helps women feel confident as they build strength and coordination,” Karen says.

Specialty classes are also offered, including Balance, Body Basics, Boxing, and Cardio. The boxing class, which focuses on speed, agility, and intensity, is a favorite.

For those who want to take their wellness a step further, Curves also offers nutrition and lifestyle support. The 8-Week Body Project combines small group coaching with goal-setting and habit-building strategies.

“It’s not about quick fixes,” Karen said. “We want women to create healthy routines that last.” The three-phase Curves Nutrition Plan is also available, focusing on realistic, sustainable changes instead of extreme dieting.

Members also have access to MyCurves On Demand, a virtual workout platform that mirrors the in-person circuit. “It’s perfect for vacations or busy weeks,” Karen said. “You can stay consistent, even from home.”

What makes Curves different is the coaching. Every member starts with a personal consultation, where goals and health history are reviewed.

New members are trained one-on-one on the equipment and fitted with a heart rate monitor that helps guide intensity during each session. Each month, members receive a progress check-in that includes a full body composition scan.

Karen shared the story of a member whose husband gave her a skydiving trip for her 60th birthday. “She had always wanted to do it, but needed to lose some weight. She lost 57 pounds in a year, felt stronger, and had the stamina to play with her grandkids. And she went skydiving! She sent us the video. It was incredible.”

Stories like that keep Karen motivated. “I love when someone comes in and tells me they’re sleeping better or keeping up with their grandkids. That’s what we’re here for.”

Outside of the gym, Karen enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling to visit her two grown children who live in Baltimore and Thailand. She lives in Boxford, just a few miles from the club, and feels deeply connected to the Topsfield community.

“We have members from all over the North Shore, but Topsfield has always been special,” she said. “There’s a warmth here. People care about each other.”

That care extends into the club’s charitable efforts. Curves Topsfield runs fundraisers throughout the year, including an Annual Food Drive and a Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign. In 2025, the club raised and donated a combined total of more than 1,000 dollars and pounds of food to the Top Cupboard Food Pantry.

“They were in desperate need, and our members showed up in a huge way,” Karen said. “It really showed how much they care about the wider community.”

For Karen, owning the gym has never been just about fitness.

“It’s about helping women feel proud of what they’re doing,” she said. “We celebrate everything—from someone’s first 12 workouts in a month to someone hitting a major milestone. Progress is personal, and it all counts.”

Curves Topsfield
 30 Main Street, Topsfield, MA
 (978) 887-9466
 curvestopsfield@verizon.net
 www.curves.com