Overweight-only gym offers "supportive" fitness environment

Gym members use as treadmill to warm up for a morning exercise class at Downsize Fitness Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, in Addison, Texas. Downsize Fitness is a selective gym where the rule is that new members must tip the scales. / LM Otero

DALLASDownsize Fitness is an exclusive health club, evocative of the nation's trendiest gyms. But there's a strict requirement to join: You must be 50 pounds or more overweight.

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Overweight-only gyms

The chain wants its members to feel comfortable while exercising, so there are no mirrors inside and the windows are fogged. Even the equipment is designed for heavier people.

Chicago entrepreneur Francis Wisnewski says he started the gym because "I've been overweight my whole life, and I was embarrassed to go to the gym myself."

The first locations opened in Chicago and Las Vegas in 2011, and expanded to Dallas in 2012.

Gym member Janie Busch said she likes the supportive atmosphere.

Krisanne Hale, a personal trainer in Dallas, is still trying to lose weight. She says that helps members relate.

[bpalmer85]

Please!! I love this concept. I am morbidly obese and have been to quite a few gym...even invested in a trainer. It IS embarrassing when you walk in (being jiggly in all) and everyone is staring at you and watching you work out, talk about being rude. My trainer wanted me to do jumping jax and I refused because I didn't want my fat flapping everywhere especially when all the people around me were extremely fit. When you are fit and going to the gym, you are going to stay fit this is your goal. When some one who is overweigh goes to the gym, they are going because their lively hood is at stake. Overweight people do not expect nonoverweight people to understand what an actual mental, emotional and physical journey this is. That's fine if you don't get it, no one cares, but at least you can be decent human beings and realize when someone is trying to help themselves, it's a step in the right direction. Much kudo's to the person starting this gym, at least they are being innovative in helping solve the weight crisis that America is having. To those who just the owners...What have you done besides judge?

[JuHa18]

I actutally think this is a good idea. I know quite a few overweight people who don't like going to gyms because they're uncomfortable. They feel like everyone's starting them. It's like seeing an overweight person at McDonald's eating a Big Mac and some people will think 'oh yeah, like they really need to be eating that.' and eating a salad and others will think 'guess those salads aren't really helping.' I've heard both comments come from people when I'm out with one of my heavier friends. They often feel like theyre being judged and I think a gym like this would really benefit them. The only downfall I see is, like what's already been pointed out, what happens when they're no longer 50 pounds overweight?

[AJM2009]

This is absurd. This is like Planet Fitness not wanting serious weight lifters in their facility because it disturbs the environment for others. By others I mean the people who walk on the treadmill at a mediocre pace and do two reps of a machine and move on. People who have no idea how to complete a successful work out. Why turn away people who just by their presence would serve as the best motivational tool there is? I'm sorry you're overweight and uncomfortable. I'm glad that we've come to the point in our society where we turn healthy people away because they are embarrassing others.

[nurse1964]

basically its obvious you've never had to endure being gawked at, bullied and looked down upon as though u were so inferior. just got one thing to say to you. get a clue, but unfortunately you are that person who treat others so crappy!

[SinginChristianTeach1]

I thought the same thing Sephia. I would hate to form friendships and build confidences, only to be tossed out after I had reached my goal! A good idea for newly "skinny" members would be for them to have their success stories on the gym website and in the gym itself. Perhaps, they could share their story every once in a while or begin working at the gym. It might be good for new overweight members to see what could be for them. It would be like, "hey, they did it, so I can too!" I am super morbidly obese, weighing in at over well I am not gonna tell ya. haha. So, I like the idea. Other gyms I worked out in, the male fitness instructors quickly showed me what to do and then catered to the "skinny" members. It was very hard getting their attention or help. Curves is a good place for women. I felt completely comfortable there, but many of the machines are not made for a larger person. I hurt my knees and back trying to fit. Without the proper support and equipment, it is hard to lose weight and easier to just give up. Kudos to the creator of this gym. At least she is trying to make a difference.

[guddling]

They never toss you out. They rather you stay on and act as inspiration to other members.

[jlenoconel]

So stupid. I'm a little overweight but am confident enough to go to a regular gym. I'd be more embaressed if I couldn't lift heavy than what my waist size is. I'm sure this gym would be good for some people but it sounds a bit like that gym with the "lunk alarm" whatever its called.

[SinginChristianTeach1]

Add a couple hundred pounds to being just a little overweight. How comfortable would you be now?

[evilpink22]

This comment sounds more like you're taking advantage of the article to brag about your own amazing confidence, that's like saying 'I have no problem getting up in front of a large audience and giving a speech, therefore everyone should be able to'. Congrats on your self-esteem, unfortunately there are also people in this world who will procrastinate on taking care of themselves because they feel embarrassed to go to a gym.

[dani6477]

I don't think anybody would technically be "looked down on" - Once you lose the weight, you should probably have enough confidence to join a normal gym then.

I like it. As a fatty myself, the only issue I have working out at a gym is everyone else there. They stare. Some make jokes (although I've never actually heard them personally but I do know people who do it and go as far as posting pictures of fatties on their FB pages) Why make fun when all you're trying to do is better yourself? So yes, I like this idea. I wish they had one in my area.

[Sephia9]

So . . . if you succeed to lose the weight and are 50lb from your GOAL of no longer being "overweight" they get to kick you out?! All of the support & friendship is now tossed out the window as you are now looked down on for having succeeded where others have or are failing?!

I mean I like the concept, but where do they go after they hit the weight cut off?

[SinginChristianTeach1]

I replied to your response at the top. Sorry. =)

[guddling]

Once you've been accepted as a member they never throw you out. Even if you drop down to your ideal body weight they hope you stay on and act as inspiration to other members.