Comments on Cranky Fitness: Segregate fat people: a good idea?

Awesome idea! Why don't we move on to segregrating...

2009-09-09T12:07:08.915-04:00

Awesome idea! Why don't we move on to segregrating people by their height, fears and medical conditions too! Because you know I'm totally self conscience working out with someone whose a foot taller than me. Ooh, and don't forget that I have a skin condition so I can't be beside the person who thinks it's contagious.

That's exactly what's going to happen if we start doing this, because we as a human race can't look past ourselves.
I don't like working out in front of guys, or the gym bunnies either, but I'm not doing this for them, I'm doing it for myself. It's time we stop being so damn into ourselves, maybe then we wouldn't have topics of segregating fat people.

Anon, thank you for your comment! It's wonderful t...

2009-07-01T00:34:15.141-04:00

Anon, thank you for your comment! It's wonderful to hear from an actual teacher of larger-size-yoga and get a firsthand impression of its success.

I teach a yoga class for full figured women. I ad...

2009-06-30T23:48:35.978-04:00

I teach a yoga class for full figured women. I advertised it as a class for every body, loving the bodies we have. I offer modifications and variations for all the women in the class...I should mention I have all size women in my class and all ages.

What made me decide to teach this niche class was my work with body image and weight preoccupied women, and the realization that yoga is an activity that is about building that body mind connection which is so helpful to those who suffer from body image and weight preoccupation.

I have a full class, and new people joining every class. It is clearly something that there is a need for. I didn't think of it as segregation, but rather presenting women an opportunity to do something that they might not otherwise do, in an environment that feels safe to them.

I offer the class in a studio that offers many classes in a variety of levels of yoga. What I would love for these women is for them to develop comfort in the studio and in yoga so that one day perhaps they could/would attend a general population class in the studio and feel competent and confident to modify or take variations that are suited to their bodies without being prompted to do so.

fatyogateacher

In the end, I feel strongly that the only exercise...

2009-06-30T10:41:25.439-04:00

In the end, I feel strongly that the only exercise regime anyone will stick to is the one that feels best, is the most convenient, fits with the budget, and yes- does not make one feel like a loser. Aerobics class just didn't cut it for me and don't even get me started on step aerobics! Running is prefect for me, but I respect that it is not for everyone.

Anything that makes you sweat and doesn't kill you is a good thing!

Ciao, bellas!

to me what you're describing isn't so much segrega...

2009-06-28T07:24:40.684-04:00

to me what you're describing isn't so much segregation as it is specialization :-)

I think segregation options would be great as long...

2009-06-26T11:37:44.326-04:00

I think segregation options would be great as long as it didn't become a situation where people felt like they couldnd't go to a "regular" class just because they are heavy.

I don't think segregation based on weight is neces...

2009-06-26T11:10:10.452-04:00

I don't think segregation based on weight is necessary, or even good. My dad, in his early 70s, goes to senior yoga, because he can't do handstands and stuff. At another gym, there's beginner, regular, advanced. I think that's a better option. Fortunately, my current gym is a mix of all sizes, ages, colors, and it's not a place where guys pick up on girls nor other guys, just a gym, we all get sweaty there.

I think I'd much prefer more clearly defined begin...

2009-06-25T22:00:04.367-04:00

I think I'd much prefer more clearly defined beginner/intermediate/advanced classes than simply by size.

i like marste's idea of the flexible/non-flexible ...

2009-06-25T17:42:32.077-04:00

i like marste's idea of the flexible/non-flexible yoga instead of the fat/skinny yoga. because i've been to regular yoga classes with a whole bunch of super-flexible people and i struggle because i have never been super-uber flexible.

balance i've got (tree, anyone?), but a ton of flexibility? nope.

I don't think it's good to say, "Oh, you're big so...

2009-06-25T17:22:25.969-04:00

I don't think it's good to say, "Oh, you're big so you need to be in THIS class." However, if a yoga class were marketed for people with weight problems, more than XXlbs overweight, whatever, I would be MUCH more likely to try it out.

I once tried out an exercise class at a church. It was mostly for seniors but the ladies said I would be welcome. They were in some seriously impressive shape and the class kicked my butt!

Hmmm...I would be intimidated being with people wa...

2009-06-25T16:37:16.647-04:00

Hmmm...I would be intimidated being with people way more fit than me, but size was never an issue. If I saw someone tiny exerciseing their ass off I'd feel less intimidated by them, cuz they worked hard to look that way.
There's other people like my husband who is VERY selfconsiouc when he exercises. We bought an elliptical so he can work out here at home...and he doesn't want me to watch either. Damn.
I suppose if it is something that kept you from exercising it would benice to have the option.
I know seeing the girls of all sizes in our bellydance class made my sis-in-law *want* to sign up...so who knows. There should be options for everyone...

Very thought-provoking post, definitely inspired p...

2009-06-25T16:11:37.685-04:00

Very thought-provoking post, definitely inspired people to share many different views, which is wonderful!

I tried to make a comment but it went on forever and turned into a post so instead I posted it in my blog.

But I guess my 2 cents could be summed up thus: we all have different degrees of physical ability and self-esteem, and we all make choices based on our own priorities. Providing more options is generally seen as a good thing, especially if it results in more people being interested in being active and fit.

Most gyms already offer variety, why would someone frown if their gym wanted to offer more variety? Is the concern that prices will be raised for everyone to accommodate more classes being offered? Or is it that some classes would have to be dropped in order to make room for new ones? If not, what's the big deal?

I think it's all in the context of how it's delive...

2009-06-25T15:26:43.236-04:00

I think it's all in the context of how it's delivered. If it is done truly for the benefit of those involved then it's a good thing, even if it involves a sensitive issue such as weight.

I think there are absolutely times when men and women should have separate classes.

If it's done for punitive purposes it blows.

If segregation is at the sacrifice of others, I di...

2009-06-25T15:00:45.356-04:00

If segregation is at the sacrifice of others, I disagree. The different levels of intensity/capability should give enough diversity for everyone and at most gyms I've frequented, the instructor has been capable enough to notice struggling students and give them extra attention or alternative moves. Certainly gyms should make an effort to make their classes more accessible to everyone, including making sure their instructors know how to aid overweight or disabled patrons. But as long as the gym is protecting its customers from harassment, it's doing its job. It isn't the gym's job to make sure you don't feel bad compared to someone who has put in a lot more effort than you have. Instead of shame-spiraling yourself, maybe you should turn that negative energy into inspiration and get to work.
-Karell

I could never stick with a gym routine until I fou...

2009-06-25T13:23:43.319-04:00

I could never stick with a gym routine until I found a Curves where the clientele was composed of high-end of middle-age women wearing baggy shorts and tee-shirts, like myself. Wish I could find a similar yoga class. Maybe paranoia. but I kind of sense the (young uber-fit) instructor's frustration when I sit out or modify a pose. Segregate, segregate, segregate.

I'd be for it, although I have to admit that Smoke...

2009-06-25T13:18:41.672-04:00

I'd be for it, although I have to admit that Smokey's comment, these same folks might also feel self conscious signing up for a class that has been designated for larger folks is a really good one.

But rather than "plus-sized yoga" or something like that, I'd be all for "Yoga for the Not-So-Flexible," or something like THAT. Because honestly, I wouldn't feel self-conscious about working out next to a thin person if she were struggling just as hard to reach her toes as I was. Plus it wouldn't be nearly as emabarrassing to sign up for. And you could also have "Advanced Yoga" for the folks who are super-fit and flexible.

Man, I'm liking this more the more I think about it!

I think segregation at the gym works well in some ...

2009-06-25T13:09:17.004-04:00

I think segregation at the gym works well in some cases. For example, we have a couple of pilates classes geared toward seniors. The classes are challenging without being intimidating for anyone who may have physical issues, and more advanced exercisers know that this is probably not the class for them.
I used to belong to a female-only gym, and I have to say that I loved it. The atmosphere was very relaxed, non-competitive, and non meat-market. It was geared toward women who were there to work out, not hook up (unlike some other gyms I've belonged to).
Finally, as an instructor, I want my clients to feel as comfortable as possible. So if creating specific classes for them helps, then that's what I would prefer to do. IMHO, it's not about what you look like but about showing up and challenging yourself. I have one client who is in her 60's, has quite a few medical issues, shows up every week and kicks butt. The other day she came in with a bandage on her foot; she'd fallen off of her bike because she was, in her words, "going too fast." I just love her!!!!!
I have another client, same class, also in her 60's, who has been battling cancer and the drugs she's prescribed are giving her menopause and arthritis-like symptoms. But she's there every week, and she kicks MY butt! She's awesome!

I'm opposed to this idea. If my gym or my yoga ...

2009-06-25T13:04:13.456-04:00

I'm opposed to this idea.

If my gym or my yoga studio started to offer classes for larger people, I'd be annoyed. For one thing, these classes would take the place of other, more diverse offerings that would appeal to me, and the majority of the gym-goers. It would result in fewer choices for most of us.

Apart from the actual physical reasons why overweight people would need a class, is the issue of insecurity.

I don't think a gym like mine is a place that should cater to insecurity. It's the opposite - a place of empowerment.

I also can't imagine what would happen if a class like this was created - would others follow?

Would we need a class for- compulsive exercisers (who want to go at a faster pace), anorexics, overly sweaty people (who slip around on the floor more than others), heavy breathers (louder music?)?

Classes like this should only happen at gyms like Curves, that already cater to a niche. At most other gyms, I think there would be resistance.

I would totally have joined a "fat girls" class - ...

2009-06-25T12:40:59.671-04:00

I would totally have joined a "fat girls" class - my fear was always that I would be the only one in a class who couldn't do the moves because of my size. I think this is a good idea!

Wow, I didnt realize I had such a negative opinion...

2009-06-25T12:28:30.793-04:00

Wow, I didnt realize I had such a negative opinion on this one, but I surely do. First off, anyone ever hear of "Ladies Only"? I think that is a pretty self explanatory fitness enviroment.

That being said, why can you have fat girl yoga classes and thats good but not skinny girl yoga? That would be unfair to the fat girls right? What about "non-flexible" people yoga. Any way you try to segregate anything, it will get skewed the wrong way and some P.C. group will be teed off because you are forcing them out.

Maybe I am just irritable about the whole thing because my job is primarily male and I am weary of "girl" accomodations having to be met. Maybe we just need therapists to work on self confidence for these people so they dont care who they exercise in front of and they feel they have the right and ability to raise their hand in school. I am in no way perfect or good at every workout I do...as a matter of fact I am usually the slowest, weakest, and mostly the only girl, but I do my best and dont care who doesnt like it. Come on ladies, gain some self esteem!

I think having that kind of option is a very good ...

2009-06-25T11:59:04.688-04:00

I think having that kind of option is a very good thing. It's sort of silly to think or expect every person to be on the same page. We are all different and have different needs, abilities.

If an all female gym were an option for me (which it isn't where I live) I would be on it. I don't mind having guys around, but I would actually prefer an all female environment - especially in the weight room.

And I know I once went to a kick boxing class where some of the people were in just insane shape. The instructor was too, and she sort of taught to those people. I just could not keep up and I felt really discouraged. I did think I could maybe improve over time, but I still was left feeling a bit down about myself. And I honestly had the feeling like I would have to get into shape before I could go to this class. It would have been nice to have the option of a beginners level class, something more my speed and not quite so overwhelming. Again, no class is suitable for all - so having an alternative choice would be a welcome thing.

I have a client who is obese, but is also a swami ...

2009-06-25T11:47:18.479-04:00

I have a client who is obese, but is also a swami and teaches specialized yoga for all body types. She is quite good, and is very strong and healthy despite the weight.

Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for the person. *takes a bow for dropping such a profound ideological nugget*

I always thought it was strange that heavy people ...

2009-06-25T11:41:53.446-04:00

I always thought it was strange that heavy people think thin/fit people are thinking nasty things about them in the gym. To me, that's insulting. I've never been overweight, and I've never thought it was weird/inappropriate/whatever for a heavy person to participate in any form of exercise.

I think if it will help people feel comfortable an...

2009-06-25T11:33:37.247-04:00

I think if it will help people feel comfortable and encouraged, then I am all for it! They already have "segregated" classes for pregnant women, and for older people. I think segregation is the wrong word here - I agree that it must be voluntary. There are also womens' fitness classes, for much the same reason, so that women will feel more comfortable exercising with other women. I'm all for it!

@sagan: I suspect statistics would show that alth...

2009-06-25T11:26:57.154-04:00

@sagan: I suspect statistics would show that although half the population is male, the chance of an attacker being male is higher than 50-50. Having said that I do agree with the main point you were making!