Overweight Only Gym – Too Exclusive or Just Right?

[Jazzy]

To join Downsize Fitness, it takes more than a monthly payment and gym shoes. You have to be 50 pounds or more overweight.



An exclusive health club catering to the overweight, the chain’s goal is to provide a comfortable environment. Not only are there no mirrors, but even the windows are fogged to prevent outsiders from looking in.



Founder Francis Wisnewski even provides equipment designed for heavier people and hires fitness trainers that are also still in the process of losing weight.



Wisnewski started the gym because he grew up overweight and too embarrassed to go to the gym.



The Chicago-resident opened his first location in his hometown and Las Vegas in 2011. In 2012, a location in Dallas, Texas was opened.



According to its website, Downsize Fitness is modeled after the TV show “The Biggest Loser.” In order to create the ultimate support system, members always work with a coach.



Every time they come to the gym, members work with a trainer. The trainer takes them through their workout and monitors their diet. When a member first enrolls, they receive a customized nutritional program



While some may argue that such a restriction is prejudiced against those who aren’t 50 pounds overweight, Wisnewski’s only intentions were to lessen body expectations. Many members of Downsize Fitness particularly like the fact that the trainers aren’t in “perfect” shape.



According to the Washington Post, personal trainer at the Dallas location, Krisanne Hale, says that the fact that she is still trying to lose weight helps members relate.



Cafemom blogger, Maressa Brown, doesn’t agree with the concept. Quoted by Examiner, she says, “while I understand what Downsize was founded for, I feel like they may have done better to open a gym where the atmosphere simply fosters inclusion and everyone’s encouraged to be less judgmental.”

Source



Whose side are you taking? Is Downsize Fitness a prejudiced or supportive environment?

 

[Evil Eye]

Doesn't seem like a bad thing to me.

While Brown does have a point, such a thing is just fairly unrealistic. You might be able to create a decent atmosphere, but overweight people could still feel bad about their weight because of other (non-overweight) people being around.



Pretty harmless, in any case, isn't it?

 

[Jazzy]

I say to each their own. Nobody is forcing these people to join the gym. They are there because they want to be there.

 

[seasidemike]

I think it is a good idea, people who are overweight may be intimidated working out with people who are fit and in good shape... I wonder at what point though do they tell you that you can no longer be a member cause they are now in shape?

 

[Jazzy]

I wonder at what point though do they tell you that you can no longer be a member cause they are now in shape?

That's a very good question.