Working out sounds good in theory: tighten up your bod, wear comfy, colorful spandex clothes in public guilt -free, and get your endorphins going. But it’s ads like this one for David Barton Gym that reaffirm my commitment to my flabby physique. It makes working out seem like more of a spectator sport than a personal challenge. The creepy tagline, “I’d pay to see you sweat,” sends a chill up my spine even without some pervy lurker staring at me, breathing harder than me trying to work a Stairmaster. Seriously, this gym sounds like the Creepmaster 2000. The ad makes me want to keep my clothes on, save the membership fees and turn the lights off when I get naked. Problem solved! Gee, who would have thought a gym ad would make me feel a strong sense of body acceptance. [Ad Week]
