DALLAS, Tx. (KNOE 8 News & AP) - Downsize Fitness is an exclusive health club, evocative of the nation's trendiest gyms. But there's a strict requirement to join: You must be 50 pounds or more overweight.
The chain wants its members to feel comfortable while exercising, so there are no mirrors inside and the windows are fogged. Even the equipment is designed for heavier people.
Chicago entrepreneur Francis Wisnewski says he started the gym because "I've been overweight my whole life, and I was embarrassed to go to the gym myself."
The first locations opened in Chicago and Las Vegas in 2011, and expanded to Dallas in 2012.
Gym member Janie Busch said she likes the supportive atmosphere.
Krisanne Hale, a personal trainer in Dallas, is still trying to lose weight. She says that helps members relate.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:31 AM EDT2013-05-22 09:31:57 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Thousands of customers across north Louisiana and southern Arkansas are without power Tuesday evening.An Entergy spokesman tells KNOE 8 News that heavy winds are making for
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Thousands of customers across north Louisiana and southern Arkansas are without power Tuesday evening.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:09:18 GMT
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-07 23:51:36 GMT
BASTROP, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Walking the stage to get your diploma signals the end of a journey. Our Nolan Crane shows us one high school senior whose walking is just the beginning.
BASTROP, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Walking the stage to get your diploma signals the end of a journey. Our Nolan Crane shows us one high school senior whose walking is just the beginning.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:06 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:06:05 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - School closures, cuts to services, and employee reductions will be actions facing new Monroe superintendent-elect Brent Vidrine.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - School closures, cuts to services, and employee reductions will be actions facing new Monroe superintendent-elect Brent Vidrine.
Never a stranger to the big stage, David Beckham went out in a burst of fireworks and adulation Saturday in his final home game for Paris Saint-Germain before retirement.
Never a stranger to the big stage, David Beckham was finally overwhelmed and reduced to tears as he went out in a burst of fireworks and cheers Saturday in his final home game for Paris Saint-Germain before retirement.