Monday, January 20, 2014

Sam Schwall- In These Gyms, Nobody Cares How You Look In Yoga Pants- period 1


I read the article, In These Gyms, Nobody Cares How You Look In Yoga Pants, by Lauren Silverman from NPR.org. The story explores gyms create specifically for overweight individuals and looks at Downsize Fitness, a chain of gyms where if you want to exercise you must be 50 pounds overweight. These gyms were created to eliminate the “alienating atmosphere” and stares that someone overweight or obese may feel at the gym. The concept has been proven to be a positive force in weight loss due to a preference for being around other overweight members while working out. 5000 pounds have been lost total at Downsize Fitness so they must be doing something right.

I feel that Downsize Fitness is great as they aim for actual goals. Planet Fitness’ philosophy is a bit irritating as they don’t believe in progress as much as simply “feeling good.” Someone who’s has the right to say that they feel judgment at times at another gym and I think that as long as they are serious about a goal, it doesn’t matter what makes one feel comfortable. What do you think?

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/01/20/261063115/in-these-gyms-nobody-cares-how-you-look-in-yoga-pants

3 comments:

  1. I think that is a fascinating concept. If gyms like this became more common, many more people would feel comfortable and would be able to achieve the goals they want to.

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  2. Hey Sam! I like this take on the gym! I also respect the consideration of the person who has come up with this idea and I am interested in checking this one out. I also feel like this will further motivate the over weight people to go to the gym adn it is also amazing how America is starting to do every little thing to make sure all types of people can have the benefit of the doubt. Hopefully there will be an outcome yes? Nice! ;)

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  3. I think that this gym is likely a positive force. Although I dislike the idea that a gym would be a place of judgement where status is assessed by those around one in the first place (it is similar to an illiterate person feeling uncomfortable in a class where one learns to read), I concede that this judgment is probably not imagined, and it is good that its effects are being combated in some form.

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