A reader writes:
Fat people don't go to the gym. Do we pay thousands of dollars for membership? Yes, on top of all the other stuff you're supposed to be buying as a certified fat person (diet books, Weight Watchers memberships, and every single thing they advertise on The Biggest Loser no matter how fucking stupid it is). Do we go to the gym? Nope. Because the only thing worse than being fat in our culture is being visible and exercising while being fat (well that's not true, eating lunch while being fat is probably the worst possible thing you could do). So the gym may be awesome for you, but don't act like it's a "solution" to the "obesity problem," because for that to be true, fat people would have to stop being shamed out of public places – and the gym is the lion's den of body-shaming.
Just for anecdotal fun – I had a gym membership that really worked for me once. The gym was across the street from my work and there was a deal for $50 a month membership – instead of the usual $86 a month. I was making $11.50/hr at a coffee shop, but I really wanted to try to be a gym person for once, so I did it. I got a deal on a 3 session personal trainer session. I was like "Great! now I'll feel more confident and I won't be so lost when I go in." But I forgot I was fat and personal trainers don't actually know how to train people who aren't already "in shape."
This jock had me do jumping-jacks out on the circuit training floor. I objected on account of my 38DDD boobs (another thing that tends to shame me out of exercising in front of people), and he told me I was being lazy. Because here's the thing – gyms don't actually care whether you feel comfortable or welcome. That's why they have the 12 month contract and 19 year old "trainers" who have no idea what health and wellness are. They care about your money, and that's it.
Another differs:
Friedman’s advice is just plain stupid. One of the main barriers to exercise is getting off your butt in the first place. Having a goal and a place that offers classes and a schedule can help shape the path to exercise. You can find workout buddies to hold you accountable. You can find professionals who can advise you on how to meet your goals. You have the damn equipment. For the truly self-motivated, yes, a gym may be unnecessary, but for most people hitting the gym on the way home will mean actually working out, rather than getting home, being exhausted, and then eating a pizza while watching TV.
A final reader gives tips on making the gym work:
You wrote, "The guilt created by shelling out a bunch of cash was a pretty strong motivator to at least try [the gym] out." In fact, there's a more direct and perhaps more effective way to motivate yourself. You may already know about this, but can I suggest Stickk?
This service will set up an enforceable incentive for you to achieve your goals, such as hitting the gym. You pick a goal, a time frame, an incentive, and a referee. At the end of the period, the referee logs onto the account and indicates whether or not you met your goal. If not, then the incentive kicks into effect.
For example, you could set it up such that if you don't go to the gym at least 3 times per week for 12 weeks, then you automatically make a $500 donation to NOM. I bet that would get you out of your chair.
The Dish 
