Curves gym boycott based on facts?

[sarahmichigan]

It has been circulating around the Web that the owner of the all-women's gym , Gary Heavin, is heavily anti-abortion and gives to anti-abortion causes. Only, the truth is not so black-and-white. He does give money to pregnancy care clinics that counsel adoption rather than abortion, and he does give to a teen sex ed program that advocates abstinence. But he is not linked with any of the more radical groups that tote signs with bloody fetuses or blockade Planned Parenthood. And he gives money to a lot of other good causes, like health care clinics that treat the homeless.

Good article in salon.com today clarifying the facts, and pointing out that there are other options besides boycotting (which mainly hurts small-time local franchise owners, many of whom are women). Other options are to donate to Planned Parenthood in Hevin's name, or wear pro-choice gear to your workout, or encourage other gym members to donate to pro-choice causes.

I still wouldn't go there, because I think the plan is too "one-size-fits-all" and I hate that their program book is sprinkled with scriptural passages. But, maybe they're not *quite* as evil as I'd thought.

Edited due to anisoptera's input: Saying he's "not linked" with radical anti-abortion groups is not entirely accurate, either. He does talk with some anti-abortion wackos, and they support what he does. However, *according to the piece in salon.com*, he doesn't actually give money *directly* to any group whose main mission is opposing Planned Parenthood or lobbying against abortion rights.

Comments

[sarahmichigan.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I still wouldn't support him either, but I just thought it was interesting that the issue wasn't as black-and-white as some people were making it out to be.

On the one-size-fits-all thing: I just can't get into their circuit-training idea. I have to have variety in my workout or I'll get bored, and have to be able to skip some parts and vary the weight-lifting to cardio ratio, etc.

I walk around the neighborhood, do a little yoga, do the treadmill at the gym and do some resistance training. I think the Curves program would work well for a lot of women, but I think I'd get frustrated and bored.

[anisoptera.livejournal.com]

You can vary the workout, whatever gave the idea you could not?

[sarahmichigan.livejournal.com]

They only have their machines in there, don't they? No separate stairmasters or treadmills or freeweights?

Just using their combo equipmment doesn't appeal to me.

[anisoptera.livejournal.com]

Yes, but you can vary what you do. And bring your own weights. Several people did.

Trainers always had me go in set pattern so I'm not sure what you are getting at. Trainer, Curves it was boring either way.

The point is it makes you actually go. What good is having lots of freedom if you don't actually go and work out?

[sarahmichigan.livejournal.com]

I know the Curves program works for a lot of people, but I don't like the concept. I've been in one, I know what the equipment looks like, I've seen the program guide. It's too narrow for me. I like lots of variety. I'm not saying a personal trainer is any better. I'm sure I wouldn't like that, either.

What motivates me is having an exercise partner, and not being stuck in a routine. Variety is essential to me not being bored; if I'm bored, I don't work out.