Gym For Overweight People

[dirtydade305]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida

So I have an idea to start a gym that is only for overweight and obese people. Basically people would have to sign up for a membership after a 1-on-1 consult to determine that they are medically considered overweight.

I know Curves gym only allows women to join, so my question is can I start a gym that only allows overweight and obese people to join?

Thanks for any help, I appreciate it.

-Zach

 

[CSO286]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida

So I have an idea to start a gym that is only for overweight and obese people. Basically people would have to sign up for a membership after a 1-on-1 consult to determine that they are medically considered overweight.

I know Curves gym only allows women to join, so my question is can I start a gym that only allows overweight and obese people to join?

Thanks for any help, I appreciate it.

-Zach

Quick question: Once they lose the weight, do you kick them out?

 

[dirtydade305]

Not at all, they would absolutely be allowed to stay. It's all about creating a comfortable atmosphere. So if everyone that joins knows that EVERYONE else had to be overweight at some point to join the gym, then they would look at anyone who is skinny as someone who succeeded in overcoming their obesity. They also wouldn't feel uncomfortable b/c they would know that person was once in their shoes. It's great for motivation also.

 

[cbg]

Off the top of my head, I can't think of any reason why not. "Overweight" is not a category protected by law so it would not be illegal discrimination, if that is what you are thinking.

But I would review your entire business plan with a Florida attorney first.

 

[dirtydade305]

ok thanks I really appreciate the help. I just don't want people who are skinny/of a healthy weight suing me b/c I don't allow them to join. There is always someone looking to give other people a hard time.

 

[racer72]

The only issue I see for your gym is getting people to go. I don't know of any gym that does not allow overweight or obese people to join. What make you think they will join your gym if they choose not to join an established gym?

 

[CSO286]

The only issue I see for your gym is getting people to go. I don't know of any gym that does not allow overweight or obese people to join. What make you think they will join your gym if they choose not to join an established gym?

Racer....he wants to create a place FOR obese and overweight people.
A place taht welcomes them and lets them know that everyone there either is or has been "in their shoes."

I think you misunderstood.

 

[dirtydade305]

Racer....he wants to create a place FOR obese and overweight people.
A place taht welcomes them and lets them know that everyone there either is or has been "in their shoes."

I think you misunderstood.

Yes exactly. One of the biggest issues facing overweight people is that they don't feel comfortable going to your average gym, and they end up not getting exercise. They feel discouraged, intimidated, like they are being judged, etc, so they just decide not to go. The idea I had was to create a comfortable atmosphere for these people to get the exercise they need. A place where they can all motivate each other to get healthy and not worry about being intimidated by a 100 lb female or a toned and muscular man.

 

[TinkerBelleLuvr]

At planet fitness, they have policies in place that DISCOURAGE the "very muscular" who make lots of noises that others find distasteful. Check them out cuz their premise is for it to be a comfortable place for those just starting out.

 

[davew128]

Racer....he wants to create a place FOR obese and overweight people.
A place taht welcomes them and lets them know that everyone there either is or has been "in their shoes."

I think you misunderstood.

I believe there was a gym like this next to Gary's Shoes during an episode of Married with Children.

 

[Hot Topic]

As I'm sure you're aware, a great many people don't want to admit that they're overweight. I know of a woman who refuses to acknowledge that her physical problems, e.g., her back and knees, have been made worse by her weight. She borders on what's known as "morbid" obesity.

How do you plan to reach these people?

 

[davew128]

How do you plan to reach these people?

Hot dog on a stick.

 

[dirtydade305]

As for the Planet Fitness thing, I suppose that's the best solution out there now, but a system that "discourages" muscular people from doing whatever doesnt exactly make most overweight people feel comfortable. They still feel like they are being judged as long as there are people around who are in good shape.

In terms of the people who refuse to admit they are overweight, I hadnt heard much about that. Maybe they SAY they are healthy, but deep down I'm sure they know they are not. There are plenty of overweight people who also actually acknowledge that they are overweight/obese but don't care and therefore are fine not going to the gym.

Obviously you can't reach everyone. There are some people who are fine going to a normal gym and don't care what others think, but from the research I've done the majority of overweight people arent like that and they are very self conscious going to the gym.

The bottom line is that there are more and more gyms and diets popping up everyday, yet the obesity rate is also increasing drastically. I think a huge issue is that many of these overweight people can't get themselves to actually go to the gym. Maybe they go once or twice, look around at everyone in better shape, get extremely discouraged, and that's the last time they use their membership.

 

[racer72]

Racer....he wants to create a place FOR obese and overweight people.
A place taht welcomes them and lets them know that everyone there either is or has been "in their shoes."

I think you misunderstood.

No, I understood perfectly. As someone on the heavy side and related to many overweight folks, the last thing any of us want is a "special" place. We want to be like regular folks and use the same facilities as everyone else. Also consider this, if there was a market for such an establishment, there would already be some. There are none in the area I live.

 

[dirtydade305]

No, I understood perfectly. As someone on the heavy side and related to many overweight folks, the last thing any of us want is a "special" place. We want to be like regular folks and use the same facilities as everyone else. Also consider this, if there was a market for such an establishment, there would already be some. There are none in the area I live.

That's not true at all. You can say that about any new idea someone has then can't you? "Well if there was a market for it someone would've done it already". I'm sure that's what someone told the founder of Curves when they wanted to make a gym for only women. It doesn't really work like that though and there is in fact an enormous market for what I want to do.

And I completely understand that you may not want a "special" place (even though I wouldnt call it that), but many people do, and I've heard that straight from their mouth. Maybe you're OK working out at a normal gym, but the fact is that many people are not. Like I said before, this won't appeal to EVERY person who is overweight, but it will to many. Read these articles if you're interested.

p.s. 2/3 of Americans overweight or obese, sounds like a big market to me. Not sure how to "link" articles btw, sorry.

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