On the left is the Gisborne Y Gym poster before it was changed to remove a line criticised for "body shaming". Image / YMCA Gisborne Fitness
On the left is the Gisborne Y Gym poster before it was changed to remove a line criticised for "body shaming". Image / YMCA Gisborne Fitness
Gisborne YMCA has apologised and removed a controversial line from a Gym Etiquette post after social media backlash criticised it for “body shaming”.
YMCA Gisborne Fitness made a post with a Y Gym Etiquette poster this month, describing it as a “bit of tongue in cheek”.
Rules included advising people to re-rack weights, wipe down equipment and not to sit on machines while texting.
Commenters drew attention to a section under “Wear appropriate workout gear” that stated: “Remember, dress for the body you have not the body you want”.
One called the line “disgraceful”, while another described it as “absolutely disgusting”.
Others commented the poster did not fit with YMCA core values, which include “caring” and “respect”.
Initial Facebook comments made by YMCA Gisborne Fitness in response to some commentators said the intention of the poster was to “bring awareness using a comical post”.
Facebook comments were critical of the wording in the post. Screenshot / Facebook
Acting Gisborne YMCA chief executive Lara Meyer said in a statement that it valued and appreciated the community feedback and understood the concerns raised about the poster’s tone.
“The Y is committed to upholding the values of our organisation and we always strive to reflect this in all that we do,” Meyer said.
“We have carefully reviewed the poster and acknowledge that certain elements of the wording may have unintentionally caused offence to some people. We believe that feedback from the community is crucial in helping us improve and grow.”
“It is worth noting that only three people who raised concerns are connected to The Y. However, we take all feedback seriously and we will continue to work diligently to support our Te Tairāwhiti hapori.”
She said alterations were made to the poster in response to the concerns raised and comments on the Facebook post were closed to “ensure a constructive and respectful dialogue moving forward”.
This week, an updated post with a new version of the poster was made on Facebook.
The controversial line was removed while the rest of the poster remained the same.
“It wasn’t our intention to body shame. Sorry to those we caused offence. We meant it in jest, but now see that it wasn’t,” the edited post reads.
