Monday 19 November 2007

No Chubbies

There is a new phenomena in Denver... it is quite controversial. Even in my own family, the commercials cause discussion. It is called the Anti-gym, and its motto is "No Chubbies". The commercials are in your face - "you'll never get a hubby if you're a chubby," etc. Just before the owner of the gym throws a pie in the face of an overweight woman. It is so disrespectful and awful. But he just might have a point. Really. I just said that...

Yes, me, Mary Gee, the one who says I will NEVER diet again. But I will certainly run. And I have certainly gotten better results running than I have ever had with a diet... because this is not temporary. I have been running consistently for 4 years. I do not have it in me to diet for 4 years, so I can lose weight dieting, but I inevitably gain more back.

So, I would love it if you would visit this website and let me know what you think. I am not questioning its offensiveness, it is NO DOUBT offensive. But it would be nice if people would get off their butts and exercise.

7 comments:

Wes said...

Looks to me like someone trying to create a market niche by combining to very different emotions, feeling depressed about weight and sex. That's why sex is in all these horror films. Nothing like getting axed while you are doing the deed. Then to make it even better, they throw in all those threesomes and lesbian images. LOL.... The message is good. But a good message can be lost in the delivery.

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

From what Wes said I think I'll wait to visit the site at home. Mary, your answer for continuing to run is in your post....running is the diet you need and admit has been the most helpful....I hope you keep running and I look forward to experiencing one of your routes with you one day soon.

Jess said...

Interesting how the ad comes with a warning.

It certainly is offensive, but I am divided as to how I feel about that. On the one hand, are they simply using shocking images and messages to gain membership? Or, is their shock meant to wake people up to the reality of being overweight and unhealthy? Perhaps some people need such a jerk to reality.

In the end, I wish gyms would seek to appeal to people on the basis that they need to exercise in order to maintain health and that phsyical exteriors are not any indication of good or poor health. And certainly, beauty, just like money, won't buy you happiness or love.

Marcy said...

Hmmmmmm I'll have to look at the links a bit later, it sounds offensive but I'll come back when I see it . . .

Unknown said...

Oddly the link didn't work for me. Maybe that's just for my own good. I was all defensive when I clicked it...

Michelle said...

Wow, that is offensive!! I only watched the first commercial because that is all I could stomach.

I know a couple women who are obese but it is due to conditions that they have a hard time controlling. In other words, it is not because they are sitting around stuffing their face with cake all day and not exercising. It is because they have hormone issues and other health issues that make their bodies not work the way they should.

Enough of my rant. Some people are just insensitive, if you ask me. I am just glad I don't live near Denver and have to see that on TV.

J~Mom said...

I totally agree with Jess. Definitely offensive but maybe a message for greater good. If I was that obese though I know I would not respond positively to the message.