The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 500
million people worldwide are obese. Many people with weight problems may find
that going to the gym is a daunting task. They may feel as if they don’t belong
when they are surrounded by fit individuals. In order to help those who need it
the most, a new specialty gym, Downsize Fitness, has recently opened in Dallas,
Texas and Chicago, Illinois that only allows members who are at least 50 pounds
overweight. Downsize Fitness was inspired
by the popular television show, The
Biggest Loser, and its mission is to improve the health of those who are
obese.
To make the gym a more inviting place for the self-conscious
individual, there are no mirrors on the walls and the windows are frosted so
others cannot see inside. Downsize
Fitness is also equipped with specialized equipment made to handle excess
weight. The staff focuses on motivating
the participants while holding them accountable for their diets and
workouts. With the expanding waist-lines
of Americans, this may be exactly what cities around the country need in order
to combat obesity!
Sources
This is a really interesting gym concept. One of the biggest factors in people not being consistant in going to the gym to meet goals is peer pressure. Being around people with the same fears takes the peer criticism out of the equation and gives these individuals the best oppertunity in getting into a healthy lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteAdding new gyms that are more inviting to overweight people is a very interesting topic that I have never heard of and I think it’s a brilliant idea. Having gyms where overweight people feel like they are more welcomed and not embarrassed getting involved in physical fitness can help individuals to not give up on exercising. I would like to see the statistics on these gyms and if it’s a greater success having these gyms opened to people who are overweight and want to exercise without that added pressure of people around them that are already fit. Can’t wait to see how many more gyms will open up and how this may change the United States.
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