I don't know about the rest of you, but going to the gym with the robochicks and foul mouthed jocks always made me uncomfortable. Maybe these people could start a franchise in the states. I hope the link works.

http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/gym-bans-skinny-people

Robbie

I don't see anything wrong with a gym that caters to plus-sized clientele. When/if they lose weight, they can go to a "normal" gym where they will fit in.

Fat people are discriminated against. It is not enabling to seek out people who are in similar situations as you and who understand where you are coming from. That is why everyone is here, right?

No one wants to go someplace and be stared at or pointed fingers at or made comments at. People want to go to the gym and exercise and maybe get some nutritional advice. We have men's gyms and women's gyms built around the premise that being around similar people is less distracting and/or more comfortable.

Obese people getting into fitness have special needs to consider in their exercise routines are larger sizes that just are not considered by your typical gym rat trainer. Meeting these needs in a supportive environment is a good thing. A lot of people, thin or fat, will avoid the gym just because of the meat market, holier than thou atmospheres at some gyms. It only takes one bad experience to turn some people off for life. If fat people can get the equipment and the fitness programs they need in a manner that will keep them coming back and keep them at their healthiest, then more power to them.

And I contest the idea that the only reason a fat person works out is to get thin. You can work out regularly and not get thin. I know several people who are fat and work out all the time for their health. They just like to eat and have crappy metabolisms. They're in better shape than most people.

ETA: I don't particularly like the tone or stereotyping of thin people in the article, which might also be what is turning people off.

I like the idea of a gym that "caters" to plus-size people. For one, I'd love to work with trainers that are familiar with the physical limitations that some obese people have and trainers that want to work with the obese.

That said, reverse discrimination isn't really the solution. I think it's fine that they are very clear about their mission and their target clientele, but if a skinny gal comes in, looks over the gym, is told that the gym "specializes" in working with the obese and still wants to join? Well then, join they should.

And Butterthebean, I'd love a list of bikes that would work for the very large. I'm close to 400 and didn't think bike riding was an option. I'd love to when I'm cleared to exercise (I'm currently on "rest" due to a blood clot). I have bad knees and lots of walking isn't working for me.