Walking through the front doors of Lady of America Fitness Club last week, Maddy Jacobson was filled with the hope that many newly committed exercisers experience. This was her first time visiting the brightly lit, airy club nestled in the Metropolitan Market complex on S. Dash Point Road. Jacobson, who is 5'7" and weighs 163 pounds, had already decided to join because the club was near her workplace and was there for her orientation.

"I've heard people talk about circuit training, and I knew I wanted to join a women's only club, so here goes," said Jacobson as she headed to the large bathroom in the back to change into her workout gear.

"I just turned 37, and I'm finding that my old workout - I ran on my treadmill at home a couple times a week and go hiking a lot - just wasn't cutting it anymore," said Jacobson, "I'm hoping that doing the circuit training three or four times a week will help me lose my extra 20 pounds. I'm not waiting until New Year's."

After changing into a tank top and leggings, Jacobson was met near the front desk by Colleen Bodily, a certified personal trainer that's been with the club for two years.

Bodily provides an inspiring welcome. With finely sculpted features, short curly hair and a warm smile, Bodily exudes energy and great posture, besides possessing a thoroughly toned body. Jacobson's jaw drops when she hears that Bodily is the mother of six children.

"Exercise has always been a big part of my life, and I enjoy it so much I turned it into my career. After I had my last child at age 35, and now as I enter my 40s, it's even more necessary to keep at it. Particularly strength training, to guard against osteoporosis," said Bodily. "Once in their 40s, women's bone mass really starts to go quickly."

To start the orientation, Bodily took a tape measure to Jacobson's arms, chest, stomach, hips, thighs and calves and wrote down the numbers on a sheet of paper that will stay in Jacobson's file to chart future progress. After a discussion about goals, the two move to the circuit training area.

Bodily explained that circuit training is a highly effective way to improve mobility, stamina and strength, in addition to providing a cardiovascular workout and toning muscles.

The circuit-training format consists of a group of six to twelve exercises performed on simple hydraulic machines or with free weights for a specified time period or number of repetitions before moving on to the next exercise, with a brief rest period in between each set. Twice around the circuit provides a total body workout.

During her orientation, Bodily showed Jacobson how to correctly use each machine and adjust the weights. Jacobson will get plenty of staff support until she feels comfortable on her own.

"The circuit training craze just started...with Curves, they launched a mini-revolution," explained Bodily. "It is so important for women to do strength training, but the old smelly gym with guys hanging all over the place, and complicated machines, ugh! It turned so many women away," Bodily said.

"Circuit training combined with a healthy diet, a few yoga or Pilates classes and some cardio, the pounds melt away, it's truly amazing."

Bodily continued, "And the 'I don't' have the time' excuse doesn't work anymore, because with circuit training, you can come in, do a loop and be toned and out the door in half an hour."

It is this streamlined, express approach to a daily workout, and the absence of men, that is responsible for the tremendous growth in popularity of women-only fitness clubs specializing in circuit training. Some are independently owned clubs, such as Liberty Fitness Center on 1st Avenue South in Federal Way, while others are part of a larger corporation. Across the country, businesses such as Curves or Lady of America are selling franchises at a rate of about 50 per month.

In the past four years of owning a Lady of America exercise facility at 1614 S. W. Dash Point Road, Lori Jerome has seen her membership grow to over 800 women.

"Fortunately they don't all come in at once," laughed Jerome. "Typically we have four or five women doing the circuit, and about 15 taking one of our classes such as kick boxing or Pilates. The goal is to be in and out in under an hour, so we accommodate lots of women each day."

On a recent afternoon visit to the Curves fitness club on S. 288th in Federal Way, Lillian Svetli, 43, proudly told of the 35 pounds she has lost since joining the club. Continuing her workout while she spoke, Svetli made it look easy.

Curves has a pre-recorded soundtrack of high-energy music interrupted every minute or so with the instruction, "Change now," prompting Svetli to move to the next machine; she's done the circuit so many times, it's now second nature.

"I'm not sure why doing this kind of work out has been so effective for me...but it has. I used to belong to one of those huge gyms because of all the extras, like steam rooms and pools and such. But this is all I need," Svetli smiled. "Plus I live nearby, so that helps."

"The circuit training creates what we call a double positive," said Lenora Alexander, manager of the S. 288th Curves location. "You're pushing and pulling at the same time, working more than one muscle group at a time."

Membership fees vary, but most of the women-only clubs in Federal Way cost about $30 per month, with a joining fee ranging from $0 to $150; most run specials to entice new business, so prospective members are encouraged to negotiate for the best price.

The facilities of these fitness clubs are often minimal. But the absence of amenities such as showers, pools or climbing walls help keep their prices down. The Curves center of 288th is just one large room containing the circuit-training equipment, front desk and stretching area, with four private changing rooms and two bathrooms. The Lady of America facility has one large common room, with areas for free weights, the circuit equipment, treadmills and classes. In the back is a room with stationary bikes for spinning classes, a multi-person bathroom complete with a one-person sauna and a child-care room with toys and kid-sized tables and chairs.

Lori Jerome says that the child-care they offer is a big draw for many of their members.

"I've found my clients want a place they can feel totally comfortable and supported, and just get on with their exercising without distractions. That's what I provide," said Jerome.