Obesity Discussion Forums

[zachg]

Hey everyone! I just thought of this idea the other day. I used to always feel uncomfortable going to gyms to workout and because of it I would sacrifice getting in shape.

I am thinking of presenting this idea in my entrepreneurship class and I just wanted to know what you all think?

The gym would be priced the same as any other gym, but all trainers would be people who used to be overweight/obese, but got into great shape.

Thanks for any input!

[Fluffymomma]

I don't believe in the gym concept as a whole. I believe these gyms are for those looking to hook up. I consider them meat markets. I have never walked into one where I saw a single obese person.

Curves is ok but sometimes there's a member in there that just wants to brag about her success and I want to just throw her through the window, nicely though!

[MichaelB]

I think it'd get ripped apart in a business class because you're basically significantly limiting your market and (more importantly) your clientele, if successful in their efforts, will eventually be prevented from doing business with you.

[kjrj]

I do not really understand the idea. You want all the trainers to be small but they would have at some point had to be over weight? What part of the gym made you uncomfortable, the fact that others were smaller or that you think they were always that size.
Besides I really think that getting past what other poeple think of you is very important. Heavier people being so worried about what others think does not help their situation. I use to be worried about it but I could not care less now. I find it so odd that people would say something about the size of someone else in a gym. I know I am out of shape and that is why I go to one. If I let it get to me and sit at home the problem will never go away. Going into an uncomfortable situation and overcoming it builds confidence and that will get you farther with your goal.
I am not trying to be rude just honest.

[Fluffymomma]

No, I did not find you rude. I have become quite self conscious about my weight and I really don't find the gym to be a place for me. I have taken the first step to lose the weight by joining WW. Now, to incorporate an exercise program that I am best fitted for.

[johnita36]

For me the only gym I've really liked is curves, I find the women there to be very supportive and encouraging. So it's been the one gym that I really feel comfortable at. I felt comfortable when I went back in April at 245 and I feel comfortable now, there are women larger and smaller then me and I find they all are just as supportive so for me it's been great. I used to go to Gold Star Women's Fitness Center and I didn't like it at all, the people just weren't the same as far as supportive and encouraging like it is at curves.



Johnita

[Fluffymomma]

I believe you are making a mountain out of a molehill on this issue w/me. Let it be. I am starting to get annoyed.

[SAGirl]

[Steve]

I actually considered opening a gym similar to what you're suggesting. I didn't for numerous reasons but I still like the idea and will probably do so in the future.

Should heavy people be intimidated by gym atmospheres? That's not a question I'm concerned with. What I *am* concerned with is the fact that many heavy people *are* intimidated by typical gym atmospheres and thus they avoid them.

My passion has always been working with obese individuals and I've been successful with it. The fact that said intimidation exists concerns me because of the opportunity costs associated with avoiding gyms. Not that they can't get in shape without them.

I'm sure it could work and if you'd like any ideas to help out with your project, I'd be more than willing to chat.

[matt007]

I think it could be a good concept in theory. The problem I guess would be getting it to work. I think it would be really difficult to advertise without being condescending and that would IMO make it really hard to bring this from theory to practice. Plus I'm not sure it would be legal to only allow overweight customers, so you'd have that whole issue. I think the best you could do in the real world is get a reputation as a place that's friendly for larger folk. By doing things like you mentioned having previously overweight trainers, maybe a lot of larger machines, possibly a decent amount of equiptment available for people who can't go all out to start, maybe a large percentage of beginner friendly classes. But in the end I think even getting that reputation would be difficult.

If you could ever get past those roadblocks I think it could work out very well. You would make a more comfortable atmosphere for your target audience, I think that's why the whole Curves idea works.

[Steve]

It's just a matter of branding, really.

Think of it like this: If Biggest Loser started opening up gyms all over the country, which wouldn't surprise me by the way, it would cater to larger folks. Granted their branding is very engrained in our culture but still.... it's a matter of branding it properly.

Not necessarily easy. But certainly doable IMO.

[Fluffymomma]

Steve, that makes alot of sense. I would be comfortable there.

[bclenney]

It wouldn't surprise me if The Biggest Loser opened some Gyms. Maybe they could make a gym membership that is month to month and not a crazy price.

[Steve]

Yea, like I said... I wouldn't be surprised. I'd expect prices to be jacked sky high and the "trainers" to be very poor. I would not expect it to be the ideal gym for overweight individuals.

Why?

It's a show based on money and sensationalism.

Not integrity and knowledge.

[SAGirl]

KJRJ wrote:

Besides I really think that getting past what other poeple think of you is very important. Heavier people being so worried about what others think does not help their situation.

I made a very long post and then changed it to smiley faces (had to have enough characters in the post) as I didn't know how to delete entirely.

Now that I am calmer I will try to say what I wanted to ..

Some people are seriously depressed by their appearance and are very sensitive to the judgements of others. Saying people should not care what others think is very easy to say and good for you if you are not bothered by others and what they think of how you look. You are in the minority though.

I don't know many people who can be 100% unaffected when sniggered at in public because they are obese.

As for the gym for obese people... I would probably go. I go to Curves and although I thoroughly enjoy it... there is the odd occasion when a 'slim' person comes and jumps around. It annoys me but I convince myself that she was my size when she started and I just get on with it.

The large commercial gyms are cheaper, but majority of people there are going to maintain or to get fitter... not to lose 200+ pounds... so I feel extremely intimidated by those gyms.

[KalliBaby]

I agree with SAGirl! some people just dont understand about other peoples insecurities involving their weight, but everybody is different, and i know i dont like going to the gym with all the skinny, muscle bound men and woman, but eventually if your at the gym working out, obviously you are there for a reason, and trying to fix the problem, but it would be alot easier if you were with alot more people like you who have the same goal, to lose weight, and a decent trainer to help everybody out and not judge or anything like that it would be a good idea to teach them the right exercises, and nutrition to reach their goal!

[SAGirl]

I agree. Nutrition plays an incredible role of course. It would be fantastic to have the fitness motivators as well as the information to arm yourself with for better eating habits

[KalliBaby]

yeah, i wish i had someone who understood and use 2 be overweight and lost it to be a good role model, and help others who was in their position before and not be judge mental about it and give them the right nutrition and exercise tips and was there to push them to get motivated and try harder .