Gym ban puzzles top bodybuilder

Darryn Onekawa says he's a big guy, but doesn't think he's intimidating. Photo / Daily Post

Just how big is too big? Darryn Onekawa of Rotorua, the Mr New Zealand 2005 winner, is stumped.

Last week the 120kg professional bodybuilder was barred from a casual training session at Lifestyle 2000 Health Centre in the city.

Mr Onekawa feels he is being discriminated against because of his size.

"It's like tall poppy syndrome although I'm not that tall. I'm 180cm (5ft 11in) but 188cm (6ft 2in) when I'm in stilettos," he laughs.

"I am a big guy but don't feel like I'm intimidating anyone."

The owner and operator of Lifestyle 2000 Health Centre, Gary Bradford, says he runs a private club and can make his own decisions on who can and who can't train there.

Mr Bradford declined to say why Mr Onekawa had been barred, saying that was between the bodybuilder and him.

Mr Onekawa said he had been asked by Mr Bradford about a month ago to keep a shirt on while training, and not to pose in front of mirrors or drop weights.

He said he was aware of one complaint from a Lifestyle customer about the intense nature of his workouts. However, he had been told by Mr Bradford it was "water under the bridge".

"If I walk around the place with a singlet on I get told I'm a poser so I cover up. When I work out, I do it intensely but not aggressively."

He said he had complied with all of Mr Bradford's requests, shook hands with him and thought that was the end of the matter.

But that was not the case when he went for a casual session last Wednesday.

"I went to the front desk and paid my $10 but was told I was not allowed to train. When I asked why, they didn't give me a reason.

"I may be a little bit outspoken and I'm no saint, but all I want to know is why they don't want me there."

Mr Onekawa is store manager at the Rotorua branch of Elite Fitness but says that he enjoys an occasional change of scenery.

- DAILY POST