The Anti-Gym – No “Chubbies” Allowed
June 9, 2007 by Claire
Filed under Women's Health
Word is getting out about a gym in Denver, run by a man named Michael Karolchyk, called the Anti-Gym. It’s a gym where chubby people or “Chubbies” as Karolchyk calls them, are ridiculed (he throws cupcakes at them!) and gymgoers are encouraged to push themselves as hard as they can (there’s a “barf bucket” set up near the workout area).
The Anti-Gym keeps lists like “The Sausage List” and “The Fatso List” to report how members are doing. To add to the humiliation further, there are coed shower areas.
There is a secret sauna and hot tub room called the “Ravish Room” that will only admit men with 11 percent body fat or women with 16 percent body fat.
If you visit the gym’s website, you will hear this: “This year, let’s have sex with the lights on or turn the lights off, turn your partner off, and eat cupcakes in the dark. What’s it gonna be?”
Claire
Thanks to Big Fat Blog for the story idea.
Okay that’s just ridiculous. That’s taking “tough love” to a new extreme… it won’t be long before NAFA goes after them I’m sure.
(BTW – Your link is mis-entered – I think you forgot the http part…
)
Actually – that link “antigym.com” isn’t correct at all… ???
eep- and the BFB link isn’t right either… sorry!
I just entered the http:// so they should work now. Sorry for the mixup!
Well, yes and no…
it’s THEantigym.com (not antigym.com) but good work otherwise!
Fixed it, thanks!
This is just great marketing. I think this guy really does do an outstanding job with his clients
This is just about the most awful thing i can think of. The people who would allow this man and his employees to treat them like shit based on the way they look must be the most shallow people in the world. I hope the owner knows that he is pissing off a lot of people right now. Just because you are skinny doesn’t make you attractive, it might just make you a total asshole.
I know, it’s terrible, isn’t it?
I have to wonder why people would even join that gym in the first place unless they enjoy being ridiculed.
It is over the top… but I think people miss the point. This guy isn’t out to hurt people’s feelings – he is trying to use extreme measures to wake people up in order to change their attitudes and lives. No, it’s not for everyone – and yes, throwing cupcakes is a bit ridiculous. But I’ve researched his techniques and it’s a much more real and comprehensive program to help people get in great shape. Look beyond the shock-factor marketing and check out the program. I think it’s refreshing and if you can stick to it – will enhance your strength and self-esteem not make it worse…. but again, to each his own and it’s not for everyone.
Laura,
I’ve always thought though that ridicule just makes people more likely to do whatever they were going to do anyway, almost in defiance. I certainly couldn’t take it, but maybe it does help some people. Thanks for commenting!
to the owers of anti gym, don’t let ME meet yopu on the street, I will kick your ass, along with the asses of your mmost buff boyos. please reply.
yes iu said it 3 times,because i don’t believe any of your clients can read.
what got nothin? Girlie boys?
Uh..where are the people that don’t like racists comments? Isn’t this the same it covers all races.
Lots of opinions from people who would never darken the doorstep of the place.
From someone who has:
a. It’s a fantastic workout, plain and simple.
b. no, you don’t feel like shit or abused afterwards.
c. What is worse? Those who are bettering themselves with fitness, or those who abuse their own bodies with gluttony?
It’s pretty simple.
Hi just wanted to say that this guy Jeff is a real as*hole. Very closed minded and it’s not for everyone but it is for some people. I am not big and buff at all, but I would love to run into him on the street and see who’s going to kick who’s but, ignorant people.
Ok some of us who are overweight are not gluttons. Nor do we sit on the couch all day stuffing our faces. And not all of us who are overweight got there by being lazy. I’ve been battling with my weight since I was 19. Due to a medication I was put on I went from 120 lbs to 198 lbs in 3 months!!! What upset me is that walked to work, I walked to the bus stop. I ate normal amounts of food. And I still gained weight & couldn’t lose it until changing medications. No I’m still not down to 120 again but I’m trying. I can tell you this guy is a jerk. I’m in Colorado & my friend knows him. He’s an ego maniac who truly has no respect for others.
all u CHUBBIES stop cryin thanksgivings over your just wasting gravy NO CHUBBIES!!!!!!!!!!
I am sure this guy will go by the wayside just like many before him that try to be cute about the feelings of others. There is a place that is much more suited for mature adults without the stripper atmosphere, it is called Fitness Evolution!! We want results for our clients without the ego’s. Here is the website http://www.fitevol.com. Sorry Mikey your way will not last.
I feel that everyone misses the point of his rhymes and gimmicks and harassment. Someone before used the term “wake up” to describe what people need to do about the things that make them unhappy. Issues with ones self image are ultimately yours to overcome. its not fair to point fingers at people you have never met and tell them they are inconsiderate of peoples problems. even if its medication, its your choice to get off of it, or research it first. the fact that you did and are working to get back to a body mass thats suits you and make you feel comfortable and confident with yourself is great. thats the attitude people need to have with this whole thing. its an issue that is within your control and up to you to be motivated about it. he might be extreme but i think its refreshing compared to the backseat bs people try to play off. its like pumping little kids full of Ritalin because they are energetic. trying to convince people that its fine to be large and that people shouldn’t held accountable for a “disease” that they have. a “disease” set in through a thoroughly unhealthy lifestyle. that was a choice you consciously made. dont be mad at other people for wanting to feel comfortable in their own skin. i was a fat kind from birth until i was 17, i felt every minute of it, and it got me down. i know what its feels like to just embrace it and say well thats life. but the moment you realize thats not what you want, then its up to you. dont hate on mike because he rhymes. its catchy and you know it.
I think that the commercials for this gym are way out of line. Why would any moron support any company that viewed a certain group of people as less than and solicit dollars from the same group that they are discriminating against? I think that jarhead looking dude needs to understand something, women typically want to look good for themselves, and not to gain acceptance for some jackass military looking dude. The other thing is this: when you look at the weight issues in this country, you cannot overlook the fact that people are from lower economic classes which does not produce a healthy lifestyle. If you have a limited income and are typically living on carbs because it is ultimately cheaper to eat meals that sustain your family versus meals that require a certain amount of education and money, than guess what, you’re eating the carbs. I cannot believe that anyone would support or endorse such derogatory material to make a point. This guy Mike as well as the network airing these commercials need the real wake up call and not air this garbage. If you don’t like fat people, stop sleeping with them. Oh you’re not sleeping with any fat people, than let me give you a tip, IT’S NONE OF YOUR BUISNESS!!! Mike is not the authority on these issues and should not be allowed to continue to verbally abuse people for marketing purposes. Mike might be in great physical shape, but you have to question his below average emotional state and anyone else that supports this shit.
I just saw a local commercial for the gym thinking it was a joke. It would seem the ad of smashing pies in “chubbies” faces. I would imagine the commercial would put off more people than it attracted.
If what is described in your post is true, I am sure someone from a government agency will be paying a visit.
I just saw a local commercial for the gym thinking it was a joke. It would seem the ad of smashing pies in “chubbies’” faces. I would imagine the commercial would put off more people than it attracted.
If what is described in your post is true, I am sure someone from a government agency will be paying a visit.
Just heard about this the other day. Can’t say I necessarily agree with the approach, but I do like the “wake up” term someone else used. Different people respond to different types of motivation and some people need an in your face approach to make them realize how bad their health has gotten. Granted, it’s unfortunate that others are subjected to it as well.
And for the comment about lower classes being unhealthy because they’re forced to eat carbs…carbs are good for you…last time I checked, it was reccomended to drink milk and eat fruits and whole grains. Carbs from whole grains will sustain your family longer, because they’re digested slower and thus will keep you satisfied longer. Low carbs diets are a farce, but that’s another topic. I’m not poor, but it costs more for me to provide my family with junk, than the actually feed them healthy meals. It has nothing to do with income, but with the lack of discipline most people have when it comes to fitness. Are there health reasons why some people are overweight? Of course. But the vast majority are just lazy and have no discipline to lay off the junk. Even Weight Watchers features recipes for cakes.
I have to give some kudos to this guy for being bold enough to take this marketing approach….but it is definitely pushing the boundaries of acceptable.
I totally disagrees with Edward in that people from lower economic classes are not affected by poor eating habits that result in too many carbs. Yes, carbs are good for you. However, when the majority of your diet consists of pasta, potatoes, corn and rice, there surely will be further health issues associated with that particular diet. This is is one of the main reasons that people are being diagnosed with illnesses such as diebetes. People are overweight for a variety of reasons and not just because they are lazy. It seems as though that the people that are usually making comments know little to nothing about what the root causes are in someone’s illness. So who are you or Mike to tell someone about what is going on with their bodies when you don’t know the details surrounding their health? The other piece is this, so what if people were overweight because they are lazy? Who makes who the authority on such issues? No one has a right to verbally or physically abuse another individual because they don’t agree with their lifestyle. It seems that this country has thrived on creating scapegoats to fuck with throughout American History. Why are we always targeting a specific group of people to pick on in any given decade? How is THAT healthy for anyone?
All the people who are mad about this site, GO WORK OUT!! do it now, before our obesity rates go up!!
No one enjoys sitting next to a huge person on an elevator or a bus or a plane. it makes people uncomfortable when a human is large beyond the means of their own body. you can see how uncomfortable obese people are in their skin, dont expect that doesnt make people feel awkward.
poor doesnt equal fat based on fast food. fast food costs more than healthy food from a store. people are lazy and would rather have a prepared meal they can rely on rather than cook something geared towards what they should be eating. the link between poor and fat is a cop out, it takes more work to live that way.
I am actually a client of the anti-gym. I am 50 lbs overweight and I thought the commercials were quite funny. I was nervous going to my first workout, but there are people of all shapes and sizes in the gym. You do your INTENSE workout in a group setting. No one ever demeans you, instead they push you to work hard. You keep track of everything you put in your mouth and send a report to your ‘consultant’ by email every day. It forces you to keep yourself honest and really think aboutwhat you are eating. I had no idea how many calories I was eating every day before the anti-gym. Now I realize why I was gaining weight. Yes, the commercials are a bit shocking, but it’s a really good program and I’ve lost 8 pounds in 4 weeks. Try it before you knock it.
Thats what Im talking about.
Well I don’t know much about this except for the commercials and also I know that you have to email in your food everyday and be accountable, I actually go to a Fitness Boot Camp, which of course you are responsible for you own food, but it’s very high intensity, each camp is 4 weeks, 4 days a week and hour each of those days and it’s much much cheaper. The are called Genesis Fitness Camps, and all the info is up on on their websites with schedules, location and costs, he now has 2 locations and is preparing to open a 3rd one. http://www.genesisfitnesscamps.com/
The Anti-Gym gym in Cherry Creek North shut down this week — and for once, owner Michael Karolchyk has nothing to say.
“I’d love to talk to you, but I’m under a gag order and can’t say anything,” he told me Tuesday. “I don’t want to get myself in any more trouble.”
There is no sign on the doors in Cherry Creek, just a deserted gym with a few dumbbells sitting around, looking lost. The issues of prepaid dues and the loss of a location are left unanswered.
The controversial workout outfit still operates a gym in downtown Denver — and has clearly been going through some kind of turmoil. In a two-page, single-spaced e-mail to members last week, Karolchyk explained why he recently fired five “consultants” (a.k.a. trainers) and restated his mission to get people in shape through tough, in-your-face, emotionally challenging workouts. He signed the letter with his trademark slogan “No chubbies!!!!” On the same day, members received an invitation to the “Anti-Social” brunch 3-6 p.m. Saturday at the Black Pearl. More news to follow.
If you want a high intensity workout visit http://www.crossfit.com. It’s amazing if you dedicate yourself to it!!
I was a member of the Anti-Gym-note the “was.” Michael was not that bad….in the beginning….but when I started it was as follows…..meet with Michael-talk about how he was not like a normal gym-aka the whole no contract thing-then it was your trainer was xxy thank you drive thru! But from one of his early radio spots I told my husband….I want that! I want that! Honestly-when I started with the gym Michael was just the stepping stone-it was my (aka-the trainers) trainer that was the most awsome person ever! My husband would tell me “ask Michael if we can pay this way” so I would email Michael….when I went in for my next session my trainer would say “oh yeah-paying that way is fine-no prob!” That was when I realized-he was just the “let’s get you in here….then I turn you over to your trainer!” guy. Honestly-that was the best thing he ever did!!! Yeah….”he fired 5 trainers and replaced them with new and improved trainers!” WHATEVER! The said “five fired trainers” were the best thing that ever happened to that gym! And-oh yeah-not to mention Kelly-his wife! To this day she is the most awsome person ever! Honestly……I told my husband “oh, oh-I so want to go to this gym!” and the day of our meeting with Michael-back in the “dark ages!”-Kelly was at the juice bar-making shakes for clients. She is the sweetest person ever (what the heck was she doing with Michael???? Oh yeah-he was kinda human at that time!) she asked my name-I told her…..10 months later I would walk into that gym and if she was at the juicebar-she would always call me by my FIRST NAME and ask how I was doing! I will always have so much respect for Kelly! Then one day….remember the blonde from one of the commercials? The one who got her ass squeezed by the hot guy??? What the…….she appeared in the gym as one of the trainers……..OH NO YOU DIDN…..INT! Ok-sorry for such a long post but DAMN…..I’m in a great place now and at one time did respect this man…..until………..just my 2 cents.
Ya know what, it actually looks more like a swingers club than a gym
I bet this guy read Vitale’s Outrageous Marketing
Mike is GAY, broke, a compulsive liar and a conartist.
I’m just wondering….why would you say that? Unless you have been to the very gym we talk about and worked with the awsome trainers!!! Like I said before….I totally loved the gym when I started however…….after a few months and about one hundred hard bodies later-no thank you! When I had to try to accept another guy as my trainer (oh no you di int!) then….try to accept the chick from the commercial (honestly she was holding a frickin coffee cup while trying to train…….oh yeah-this is so working!) I could so feel the burn if I had a coffee cup to frickin hold in my hand!! Just a thought…..been there done that! Take care!
Let me clairfy………the trainers were the total selling point. I did not know this until I had questions about my payments…..then I found out……oh yeah……”you are my bitches…..this is how it is!!!” It took me a while to realize but then it was a total “OMG” moment and I was totally like…..”Oh no you didnt!!!!!” My trainer totally gave me the upmost respect however when it came time for me to leave…….MICHAEL WANTED ME TO BE HAPPY WITH MY NEW TRAINER……..DONT FRICKIN THINK SO!!!!! ALL I WANT TO SAY IS YOU (MICHAEL OF THE ANTI GYM-TOTALLY SOLD MY ON ONE OF YOUR TRAINERS…….I WILL STICK TO THAT TRAINER AND IF I HAPPEN TO SEE YOU ON THE STREET…….IT IS ON………….MY TRAINING AGAINST YOURS……………AFTERALL………..I WOULD THINK YOU WOULD AT LEAST WANT TO WIN YOUR MONEY BACK!! Take care…..michellle b
The anti-gym is gone!!! Come see me for personal training and fitness boot camps.
he was on people’s court today! lol! the judge hated him! he is so cocky. he ripped someone off $2000 and she won.
I just saw this guy on People’s Court. Why would anyone go there? The man just likes to hear himself speak – without saying really important. blah blah blah. It might be the “best workout” but I don’t think I want to be in the same state as this guy, let alone a gym.
My girlfriend signed up for his services. Found his diet program to be good but his texting and such to be excessive. Today is October 24th and she has not been a member since August. Today she received a text from Mike the head honcho of the ant-gym. It was from a new phone number that she didn’t recognize. he bwgan by texting “did you do your cardio today?” she responded back with “ya I just ran a half marathon, who is this?” He says back “where to the grocery store?” She sends back “no to your mom’s house, who is this?” He says back, ” my mom’s dead cause you sat on her and killed her you bitch.” At this point i got involved and texted and tried to call him from my phone. No answer and then he starts telling me he had sex with my girl (only in different words) and also making comments about my genitalia size. At this point I had to make a decision ignore or take action. I sent back some texts to him that were pretty defensive and i even offered to meet him somewhere since he wants to harass me and my girl and be a “text thug”. I’ve fought MMA for 3 years and would gladly hand him an ass beating. After getting ahold of some of her friends who are still in his “no Chubbies” program we realized it’s him and he had a new phone number. My point to the story is think wisely before you get involved with this guy because whether you’re a member or not he still feels he has the right to harass you.