Gold's Gym slammed for ad that body-shames women

Hannah Kramer
This Customer Was Fat Shamed on His Receipt
This Customer Was Fat Shamed on His Receipt

Everyday, there seems to be a new viral story about body-shaming.

From a bride who was ridiculed during her engagement photos for her weight, to a woman who took to social media after being body-shamed for wearing a bikini, fat-shaming is unfortunately very common.

One place many of these women feel comforted in is the gym, where many times, they're surrounded by encouraging teachers and inspired by an environment of determination and excitement.

No one expects a gym to be the culprit of these body-shaming occurrences. However, one popular gym posted an ad that targeted women who were 'pear-shaped'.

Gold's Gym Dreamland, a franchisee in Cairo, is under fire for posting the following advertisement, which has since gone viral:


Gold's Gym/Facebook

Social media users did not react kindly to the post.

The gym franchise issued an apology, saying:

Dear Gold's Gym Members, Followers, Franchisees and Team Members Around the World,

Words cannot express how shocked and appalled we were by the recent posts of Gold's Gym Dreamland, a sub-franchise in Cairo, Egypt. Not only were they offensive and disgusting, they go against everything we believe in and stand for. For years we have been dedicated to helping people feel empowered by fitness, not intimidated or ashamed by it. We believe that strength comes in many forms...be it physical, mental or emotional...and that our purpose (and rallying cry) is to help people Know Their Own Strength.

You can read the rest of their apology on Facebook, which sparked further criticism for some sexist remarks.

The company responded to one of the comments, saying their franchise agreement is in the process of being terminated.

Scroll through below to learn how this woman uses social media to inspire body positivity:

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