Article Contributed on: 1/11/2008 11:59:20 AM
DENVER, January 11, 2008- Anti-Gym's Michael Karolchyk is being dangled over the politically correct deep fryer once again. The Eating Disorder Foundation, a Denver-based non-profit group, is threatening to put a stomach staple on several of the Anti-Gym's TV ads. The ads, according to Foundation directors Toni Saiber and Melissa Chiappetta, are promoting eating disorders-a claim that Karolchyk finds a bit surprising, since the goal of the ads is to promote exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
Karolchyk, along with countless doctors and nutritionists, believe that this country suffers from an obesity epidemic. And he isn't going to sit around like certain "culturally sensitive" community groups and whine about it. Over-the-top, racy, and yes, controversial, the Anti-Gym's ads are like a bullhorn blasting in the face of overweight America, telling them to get off their lazy butts and give their bodies what they need-a work out. "To say that we don't offer solutions to the Betty Bulimics of the world is a bunch of bacon fat. I'm just telling unhealthy America what it needs to hear," says Karolchyk.
But what has gotten The Eating Disorder Foundation so worked up is not necessarily what the Anti-Gym is saying, but how they are saying it. Because the ads feature hard-bodied bombshells, the Foundation feels that Anti-Gym is glorifying thinness, and strengthening culture norms that value physical appearance over inner qualities. But Karolchyk argues that his clients, and a good portion of the general public, are inspired by beautiful bodies, and that there is nothing wrong with motivating people to be healthy by celebrating the virtues of a stellar physique. "If our ads make you want to put your finger down your throat, that's your problem. Go see a therapist. Or better yet, move to a place where media doesn't exist," says Karolchyk.
It does not take a constitutional scholar to realize that The Eating Disorder Foundation is engaging in a form of censorship. Nonetheless, Karolchyk's first reaction was to brush of their centerfold-hating rhetoric by taking the high road. When they initially contacted him, he was open to discussing their concerns in hopes that they could reach some sort of common ground. But according to Karolchyk, it quickly became clear that this organization was determined to do everything it could to turn this country into a sexless, lustless, hormoneless wasteland by pulling the plug on the ads. In Karolchyk's words, "Physical appearance is and always will be a part of sex appeal. If you want to argue with thousands of years of genealogy, be my guest. The fact remains, you won't get a hubby if you are a chubby!"
It is quite obvious Karolchyk has no intention of backing down. He believes that the Anti-Gym represents the voice of our national health conscience, and if anything, the volume should be turned up. His success in Colorado, appearances on national talk shows, and plans to expand to the west coast, are all proof that his "Feel sexy. Look sexy. Be sexy." approach to fitness is only gaining steam. Which means if groups like The Eating Disorder Foundation continue to struggle with his message, then they better get some earplugs.
Anti-Gym provides complete programs for healthy living, including exercise, nutrition, and behavior modification, from their original location in downtown Denver and an additional location in Cherry Creek North. For more information visit www.theantigym.com.
CONTACT:
Michael Karolchyk
Founder, The Anti-Gym
michael@theantigym.com
303-249-9280