New gym bans "skinny people"

[Anonymous]

Guy here. I had to laugh my ass off when in the middle about this article describing how body image prevents women from working out, there is a link entitled "See more: 10 Things He's Thinking When You're Naked "

Holy crap, these women mags are half of the problem. They cover a story about a gym that kicks out skinny women (bad skinny women!) in order to allow other women to exercise without becoming demoralized. And at the same time, they feed you an article about what men are thinking when they look at you. That's some crazy head games.

[Anonymous]

I think it's a good idea too. It's no different than having a gym for "beginners." Kids do this: you start your DD off in beginners' ballet, then she masters that and moves up to intermediate, etc. So, this is the same thing : a gym for beginners, where they can learn the basics and feel comfortable because everyone is a beginner just like them. And then once they've mastered that, they can move up to the next thing (a regular gym), so to speak.

[Anonymous]

gmafb about being "discriminated against." like fat people aren't the real victims when it comes to discrimination. Back off and let these women work out in a safe, comfortable environment.

[Anonymous]

^^ Who said they thought they were being discriminated against? Seems like everyone here thinks it's a good idea.

[Anonymous]

Overweight gal here. When going to the gym, I admit that i find the in shape people working out a bit intimidating for a reason I can't explain, but i find it silly to ban 'skinny people'. They want to work out too.

[Anonymous]

To me this is stupid and it is discrimination.

If you are overweight own it and do the work to change if that is what you want to do. Why do people go to the gym and watch other people and then get all caught up about feeling intimidated and insecure, give me break.

You are at the gym to focus on yourself and work out. Enough about all these hurt and intimidated feelings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's a good idea too. It's no different than having a gym for "beginners." Kids do this: you start your DD off in beginners' ballet, then she masters that and moves up to intermediate, etc. So, this is the same thing : a gym for beginners, where they can learn the basics and feel comfortable because everyone is a beginner just like them. And then once they've mastered that, they can move up to the next thing (a regular gym), so to speak.

Except that at the gym, you do your own thing. It would make sense if they were talking about beginners' group classes, but they're not. You don't need to "master" the use of a treadmill, you just need to use it.

[Anonymous]

I'm skinny fat - meaning blessed with "thin" genes but completely out of shape (can maybe do one push-up).

I REALLY need to work out.

That gym is ignorant when it shouldn't be - healthy bodies cannot be divined from appearances.

[Anonymous]

The gym wants passive members, not active ones.
The more rarely you use the gym, the more members they can get

[Anonymous]

I'd cry if they didn't turn me away at the door .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm going to a women only facility and I don't mind skinny women. Just reminds me where I want to be and motivate me to get there.
OTOH, I get intimidated quickly by in shape people. Even though it's not really the case, I feel like they're judging me and laughing at me struggling. I try to tell myself it's all in my head.

I think it's cool that a gym gives this a try. Though what happens if the overweight people fall of the wagon and the gym is empty?

That's perfect for the gym. They get their membership fees and don't have to do any work (clean up, replace equipment, etc). Then they re-sign them the next January when all of the out of shape people join. It's a great business model.

[Anonymous]

They should just say it's for "beginners"

I don't think that would work if the purpose was to exclude all skinny people. I'm relatively skinny but totally out of shape and weak, and would feel like "beginners" included me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

They should just say it's for "beginners"

I don't think that would work if the purpose was to exclude all skinny people. I'm relatively skinny but totally out of shape and weak, and would feel like "beginners" included me!

That's fine. All beginners, regardless of size. That's what they should do. All of us beginners can look ridiculous together and learn as we go!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Guy here. I had to laugh my ass off when in the middle about this article describing how body image prevents women from working out, there is a link entitled "See more: 10 Things He's Thinking When You're Naked "

Holy crap, these women mags are half of the problem. They cover a story about a gym that kicks out skinny women (bad skinny women!) in order to allow other women to exercise without becoming demoralized. And at the same time, they feed you an article about what men are thinking when they look at you. That's some crazy head games.

Well said!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To me this is stupid and it is discrimination.

If you are overweight own it and do the work to change if that is what you want to do. Why do people go to the gym and watch other people and then get all caught up about feeling intimidated and insecure, give me break.

You are at the gym to focus on yourself and work out. Enough about all these hurt and intimidated feelings.

Not necessarily. For "gym rats" working out is serious business and they get annoyed when they have to wait for equipment (when the person using it is obviously clueless). "Long-timers" tend to get territorial. I've seen it happen many times.