Is Going to the Gym “Fatphobic” ?

I’ve been musing about this for a little while, trying to figure out how I feel. Perhaps I’d benefit from some insight.

Recently, I’ve been seeing posts calling the gym inherently “fatphobic”, or endorsing a hatred of or disdain for overweight people. Basically, going to the gym means that you are participating in fatphobia and not body positivity.

So I have some feelings on body positivity that are likely better left for a different post, but I’m not sure how to feel about this general idea of gymgoers (or the gym in general) being fatphobic in nature.

I’ve been overweight. I’ve never been what some people would classify as “fat”, but I have been what cruel teenagers would classify as fat. I’ve suffered through an eating disorder and still battle my restrictive habits now. I’m adamantly against “diet culture” as a thing, and recognize the harm that it can do, and I’m also opposed to predatory weight loss MLMS disguised as exercise programs.

Also, my current goal (though not my only goal) at the gym is to lose a few pounds after a winter of bulking.

But

Does this make the gym (or gymgoers) fatphobic? I don’t think so.
All gyms are different. I go to Planet Fitness because I’m, erhem, financially challenged, but I know there are a variety of gyms out there with all different styles and attitudes of doing things.

At mine, there are so many bodies, all doing different things. Some people are just there to quietly do stretches and yoga in the corner. Some (like me) are there to weight lift (and weight lifters come in all different shapes and sizes–muscles take up space, and some of the serious ones are not interested in aesthetics).

I’ve been to powerlifting gyms and yoga studios with all different clientele, I’ve seen so many people there just trying to move their bodies in a world where we’re so often sedentary.

The gym (or exercise in general) isn’t just good for losing weight. Some people just want to get stronger, to move heavy objects, defend themselves, or play with their children. Some people want to be more flexible, or improve their cardiovascular health. Some people (like myself) know that there’s a huge mental health benefit to exercise.

Aesthetic goals are not the only goals that matter. But perhaps our fixation on those aesthetic goals is what starts to push people away and gain those toxic mentalities–that the gym is fatphobic.

It’s easy to be scared away from the gym. It’s easy to feel intimidated by grunting men with big weights, or slim women with six-pack abs running 9mph on the treadmill without breaking a sweat. Seeing these things can be stressful to someone who doesn’t see their own form displayed in fitness advertising.

If fitness isn’t advertised for “fat” people except to change them, why shouldn’t they think it’s fatphobic?

I know there are some brands looking to change that. There are brands actively using models in different sizes showing their activewear. There are fitness classes created especially to be comfortable for “fat” women.

Perhaps these are steps towards a solution. Allowing the gym to be a comfortable space for all people to improve their minds and bodies (in whatever way they see fit) so that no one feels left out or unwelcome.

What are your thoughts? Is the gym fatphobic? What about the fitness industry in general? That one, I could make an argument for.