Curves women-only gym set for new era with ownership handover celebrated at Christmas Party in Inverness
A women-only gym in Inverness is celebrating a new chapter - and the legacy of two dedicated ladies who began the story.
Exercise and fitness specialist Linda Bailey has taken over the running of Curves at 33 Harbour Road from the now retiring previous owners Audrey Barnett and Jane Harris.
With expertise in GP and clinician exercise referrals, Linda has a rich background in empowering people with illness and other conditions to improve fitness in a safe, sociable and life-enhancing way.
She is now preparing to integrate her skills and 25 years of experience into Curves by creating a new social enterprise at the same premises.
Bailey’s Gym, a Community Interest Company (CIC), will complement Curves by offering fitness and wellness solutions tailored to individuals with specific medical and therapeutic needs.
A recent Curves Christmas Party at the Columba Hotel, supported by members, provided the perfect opportunity to look to the future while celebrating the past.
Amid the dinner and disco fun, a special raffle raised £800 for the Highland homeless charity Gateway.
“It was a chance to celebrate the incredible legacy of Audrey and Jane, who have run Curves Inverness for 15 amazing years,” Linda explained.
“Over this time, their leadership has created a vibrant, supportive environment for women and raised thousands of pounds for local charities.
“As they step down, I’m honoured to take over and continue the mission of empowering women through health, fitness, and community.
“Alongside taking the reins at Curves, I am also introducing Bailey’s Gym that will complement Curves by offering fitness and wellness solutions tailored to individuals with specific medical and therapeutic needs.”
Bailey’s Gym will provide specialised programmes for people living with conditions such as Parkinson’s, age-related illnesses, mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, and chronic illnesses like arthritis and diabetes.
From vibration training and mobility classes to infrared treatments and therapy sessions, Bailey’s focus will be on making fitness and well-being accessible to everyone, especially those who need personalised support.
Linda has a level 4 GB exercise referral specialist qualification enabling her to work with GPs and NHS clinicians who seek her assistance with patients, as well as those who self-refer.
“It is about helping people with medical conditions in their homes, keeping them mobile and keeping them alive in some cases,” she said.
“The reason I decided to buy Curves was on the proviso that I could also open alongside curves, Baileys, which is my GP exercise referral service.
“Baileys is not yet open, but is going to be a social enterprise so that we can reach everybody who needs to come and do some form of activity.
“I’m going to appoint other GP exercise referral specialists so we can help the maximum number of people as they come to us.”
She encounters natural fears and reticence from people who have suffered illness as they look to exercise and fitness.
“There is a time for rest, but there is a time for activity, also,” Linda said.
“Often, through activity, people will recover faster. It is all about quality of life. Quite understandably, people can be fearful of exercise after or during illness - and that’s where I can help them.
“It is about reaching as many people as possible, so we will be working online as well as in person. It is also about getting people out of their homes, providing the opportunity to meet people with similar issues and challenges as them.
“They can make new friends and shake off some of the isolation that people can experience through illness and other factors.”
Linda also serves as a trustee of the Highland Senior Citizens Network (HSCN), working on initiatives like the Warm Space Winter Initiative.
That programme provides welcoming safe and heated spaces for vulnerable members of the community during the colder months.
“Supporting the health and well-being of Inverness residents is a personal passion of mine, and I am excited about the opportunities to contribute to these meaningful projects,” she added.
