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A member works out at Downsize Fitness, a gym that only allows members who are at least 50 pounds overweight. (AP image)

Unique gym only allows overweight members

BY Josh Kerns  on January 7, 2013 @ 12:10 pm (Updated: 10:52 am - 1/25/13 )

Like a lot of people, Luke Burbank's friends Kevin and Anita started the new year by joining a gym. Inevitably, they'll face plenty of ridicule from those who criticize the time honored tradition. But Luke's got nothing but praise for them.

"I salute anyone who's trying to do anything, however short lived, to improve their health," Burbank says.

It's not easy, especially for those who've gotten far out of shape. Now, a unique gym is taking steps to make people more comfortable getting off the couch. But there's a catch. In order to join Downsize Fitness, you have to be at least 50 pounds overweight.

"I've been overweight my whole life and I was embarrassed to go to the gym myself. It's intimidating to go in when you can't do all the exercises, when you feel like people are going to be staring at you, people are going to judge you," says founder Francis Wisnewski, who just opened a new gym in Dallas after starting in Chicago and Las Vegas.

The gym offers a safe, comfortable and non-judgmental environment. The equipment is tailored to larger clients, and the windows are even shaded to keep people from looking in.

It's an idea drawing plenty of applause from Ross and Burbank.

"If you're in a gym with people who are also struggling with the same problem you have, you've got company. You've got people who understand where you're coming from," says fitness buff Dave Ross.

"I think it's great because I think one of the things that happens to people is they get to a point where they kind of start to think 'I'm too far gone,'" says Luke.

He can understand. He's been up and down about exercise for years, going months without working out then turning around and training for a marathon. Now, he's on a new year's all-juice diet to shed some unwanted weight. But he understands we all can't or shouldn't be so extreme.

"I think we look at those ultra-performing athletes and we feel like 'I can never be them so what's the point of trying anything.'"

Downsize Fitness says its program is three-pronged, with an emphasis on fitness, nutrition and support. While the company doesn't make any promises, it touts a number of success stories from members who've lost over 100 pounds.

There's nothing magic about the program. Eat less and exercise. But it's clearly working for people who've struggled to take even the first step.

Luke agrees with the company's philosophy just getting started is often the key.

"If you're somebody who can't run, go for a walk. If you can can walk one block around your block, do that. And then the next day see if you can do a block and a half."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
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Comments (8)


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  • FormerMarineSgt wrote...
    That rule would eliminate what, 12 people?
    January 7, 2013 12:47 pm
    The 50+ lbs. overweight rule would eliminate only about 12 people, wouldn't it?
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  • hpygolkyone wrote...
    In Other News..............
    January 7, 2013 1:08 pm
    Downsize Fitness recently sued for discrimination.

    Chubby chasers outraged.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • snow2doxie3 wrote...
    This is Awesome
    January 7, 2013 2:17 pm
    When I was at my heaviest I was so embarrassed to go work out with the people who stare at themselves in the mirror and are all bulked up. I did it anyway but it was hard. I think this is the greatest thing I have heard in awhile. This lets overweight people work out with those in the same boat and not feel intimidated. Thank you!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    $.50 a lbs . . . .
    January 7, 2013 2:35 pm
    put me down for $800.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cash wrote...
    Stupid
    January 7, 2013 3:11 pm
    Just go to the regular gym... If you are embarrassed it is because you let yourself get to this point and now you need to buck up and get it done. I personally think it is just the opposit when a larger out of shape person hits the gym; I think they pass too much judgement on those who are in shape and choose to live a healthy life and blame their situation on them. I personally like seeing people who have let themselves go and hit the gym I go to and see the transformation they make when they stick to it! I see it a lot and anyone can do it if they stick their mind to it and get it done. Having a place for just overweight people will have no long term motivation and the folks are doomed to failure.
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  • gsfan wrote...
    Really???
    January 8, 2013 7:08 am
    You are correct that the someone out of shape needs to buck up and get it done. I have been that person that is overweight and walked into the gym past the 120 -150 ladies when I was 250. I would have been MUCH more comfortable going into a gym with ladies and gentlemen my size. I would have known that no one was judging me. Because whether you want to believe it or not people will judge me at 250 differently then they will at 150, even though I am the same person. The real discrimination here is the one that overweight people face every day of there lives. This gym is a wonderful idea. If it can help anyone be healthier and happier way to go!
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  • murr wrote...
    A lawsuit will follow
    January 7, 2013 3:38 pm
    Discrimination is on the way.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • TwoTrees wrote...
    I think it's a great business idea.
    January 7, 2013 3:54 pm
    Is it discrimination? Perhaps. Usually, cries of discrimination are the result of keeping people OUT of a desireous group or club. In this case, I don't foresee many people clamoring to be part of the 'fat gym.' If the owners have a business plan that caters solely to the overweight folks who want to no longer be heavy, then I say 'Good Luck!'
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