South Dakota Women’s Expo Healthy Living makeover winners, Maria Martinez and Vanya Munce have fun while getting healthy on the Curves 30-minute Circuit. Curves will host an open house in their new location on Sept. 9 and 10 with prizes and discounts for attendees.

The Curves Healthy Living makeover winners have passed the halfway mark on their journey to get healthier and both winners say the experience is changing their lives for the better.

Vanya Munce and Maria Martinez were chosen in July to receive healthy living makeovers as part of this year’s South Dakota Women’s Expo: A Day for Women, which will be held Sat., Sept. 27 at the State Fairgrounds. The healthy living makeovers, sponsored by Curves for Women of Huron include a nutrition and exercise program, vitamins and supplements, healthy eating program, personalized nutrition classes and exercise recommendations

“The biggest thing for me is the energy I have and I feel so much better and comfortable in daily living activities,” said Munce, who teaches eighth grade math at the Huron Middle School. “Fitting into smaller clothes and the weight loss are really a bonus!”

Martinez also points to the increased energy level and ability to do more. “I don’t get tired like I used to — I am able to do a lot more in a day,” said Martinez, who works as a special education Para educator at the Huron Middle School and as an interpreter for patients at Huron Regional Medical Center.

As part of the makeover, Munce and Martinez exercise a minimum of three times per week using the Curves 30-minute Circuit, which includes all the components needed for a complete exercise program — warm-up, cardiovascular, strength training, cool down and stretching.

“I love the workouts,” said Martinez. “If I don’t get my workout, I just don’t feel good — I really miss it!”

“This is the first time I’ve ever actually enjoyed working out,” Munce explained. “With the circuit training, I just don’t have to think about what I’m going to do for the day. I’m in and out of the club in 30 minutes and on my way.”

Baylor University research proves the Curves method protects muscle, burns body fat and raises metabolism, according to Jodi Jensen, manager and nutrition facilitator for Curves in Huron. “The Curves Circuit combines cardiovascular and strength training so you lose weight and gain muscle,” Jensen explained. “The exercise program combined with the Six-Week Solution nutrition program is really getting results for all of our members going through the program with Vanya and Maria.”

Six-week solution participants meet weekly to discuss the highs and lows of the week regarding the nutrition and exercise program, as well as to watch an informative video on how to follow the metabolism-raising eating program, according to Marla Starr, owner of Curves in Huron.

“This program has also changed my eating habits drastically,” said Munce. “I’ve gotten into a rotation of the foods that are healthy — so it’s not as hard for me to plan my meals as it was at first.”

“You just can’t do one without the other,” said Martinez. “The eating and exercise plans go hand-in-hand — and it works. I plan to keep up the program long-term to meet my goals and then just to stay healthy!”

“The success and results Maria and Vanya are experiencing are truly inspiring to me and all of the members,” said Starr. “These ladies are so dedicated and have been working so very hard — I am proud of them.”

Munce and Martinez will “reveal” their new healthy looks at the end of the day during the South Dakota Women’s Expo. Event attendees will get a preview of the winners during a Curves style show earlier in the day. The 2008 Expo will feature keynote speaker Diana Jordan, a comedian and singer who Oprah Winfrey calls “One of the funniest people on the planet.” Diana is a motivational speaker and author of “A Wife’s Little Instruction Book: Your Survival Guide to Marriage without Bloodshed!” She also appeared in the popular movie Jerry McGuire and has been a guest on the Bob & Tom Show radio program.

Throughout the day, information on a diverse number of areas relating to women’s health and their everyday lives will be presented in a relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere. Women can also take advantage of free health screenings, watch healthful cooking demonstrations and enjoy wine tasting with Shade Vineyards of Brookings.

In addition to the Healthy Living makeovers, the Women’s Expo will also offer two more head-to-toe makeovers. Women from throughout the region are invited to apply for one of two “Women for a Day” Fashion & Beauty makeovers. Two lucky women will be transformed during the event with a new hairstyle from Hair & Beyond and Trendz Day Spa, new facial make-up from Merle Norman Cosmetics, clothing from Reggio Imports and Denim and Diamonds and a rejuvenating body wrap from It Works by Sara Liebeck. To complete the new look Potters Shoes will provide footwear and Touch of Country will top it off with jewelry. The Fashion and Beauty makeover deadline is September 12. Makeover applications are available online at www.huronregional.org and with the ticket purchase brochure.

For more information about Curves or the Six-Week Solution program, call 352-0900 or stop by Curves for Women in their new location at 1512 Dakota Avenue South in Huron. For more information on the 2008 Women’s Expo or to purchase a ticket and apply for the Fashion and Beauty makeovers, visit www.huronregional.org. Advance tickets are available through Sept. 12, and ticket prices include a delicious, healthy lunch sponsored in part by Dakota Provisions. The ticket also features a valuable coupon for Verto’s Restaurant and Bar. For a limited time, JT Elite Auto and Sports is offering Expo tickets for a reduced price to the first 100 women who stop by the dealership, located at 2111 Dakota Ave. S. in Huron. Call 352-2649 or go online to www.jteliteautoandsports.com.