If you've ever felt uncomfortable exercising next to thin, fit and firm bodies, there's a gym that might be of interest to you.
Downsize Fitness is an exclusive health club for people who are at least 50 pounds overweight. Downsize Fitness says it offers "personalized fitness and lifestyle coaching in a setting where you feel like you belong."
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 bigger and heavier people.
The gyms are located in Chicago, Las Vegas and Dallas. Chicago entrepreneur Francis Wisnewski tells CBS news he started the gym because "I've been overweight my whole life, and I was embarrassed to go to the gym myself."
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.
Not everyone agrees with the concept. Cafemom blogger Maressa Brown says, "while I understand what Downsize was founded for, I feel like they may have done better to open a gym where the atmosphere simply fosters inclusion, and everyone's encouraged to be less judgmental. Where there are people are all ages and levels of fitness."
What do you think? Should Downsize Fitness allow all types of sizes of people?
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