Margaret Hoffman, owner of Curves of Northfield, told Northfield Patch on Thursday that an intent to purchase agreement for her business has been submitted to Curves International, which has thousands of franchises worldwide.

Hoffman last week told her 200 club members that the fitness and weight-loss franchise for women was closing by the end of the month because she had family medical issues she needed to attend to.

Days later, a potential buyer, who will remain nameless until the deal is finalized, stepped forward.

"Curves is more than a workout facility; it’s a community," Hoffman told Patch. "We are just a group of woman who are very caring and supportive of each other."

Curves client and part-time employee Nancy Sweeny told Patch last week that the women at Curves are every bit as important to the process as the machinery they use to stay healthy. It's about the camaraderie, she said.

As for Hoffman, who took over ownership in 2007 after serving as manager, it was a bittersweet decision to leave the facility.

“It’s a passion of mine; we’ve put our heart and soul into it,” she said.

Hoffman is hosting a member appreciation day from 8-9 a.m. and 4-5 p.m. Friday. 

Curves of Northfield is located at 1040 Highway 3 S. in the strip mall that also has El Tequila and Fantastic Sams.

Be sure to follow Northfield Patch on Twitter, "Like" us on Facebook, and sign up for our newsletter, which sends you updates about stories, breaking news, announcements, events and blogs on our site.