Also: the combination of being anti-choice, while not paying child support? That's uber-classy.

More on the owner:

Obviously, Mr. Heavin went way beyond just exercising his considerable influence. He stepped up to the plate in a major way. As a result, no longer can Planned Parenthood claim the high moral ground that has deceived the masses by stating they provide services for women that nobody else does. No longer will women be enslaved to receiving "health care" from an odious organization that kills children, spreads immorality, and has provided a safe haven for pedophiles that prey upon our daughters. Mr. Heavin has removed the mask of legitimacy from Planned Parenthood and is helping to make their "services" obsolete.

This outfit definitely deserves a boycott. But people who aren't gym bunnies need an alternative to gyms where everyone already looks perfectly toned. There is the Y (YMCA, YWCA, YMHA etc.) there must be some other non-profit community oriented fitness centres that don't make people who want to improve their fitness and help feel like shit for being a little or a lot out of shape.

I wonder if I should send them those links...

I hate to that they're using women's concern for their bodies to take away their rights to their bodies...Audra, when you say lots of the money from the franchises goes to fund the anti-choice faux clinics, exactly how much do you think that is, and do you have any idea how it gets funnelled through to his "activism"?? Any links or anything?

[ 19 April 2004: Message edited by: Lizard Breath ]

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By age 32, he found himself serving a six-month jail sentence for failure to pay child support. But in his jail cell, Heavin read the Bible and recommitted his life to Jesus Christ.

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"Servanthood may not be today's normal model for business success, but that hasn't stopped the Heavins. In 2003, the couple gave away $10 million—10 percent of their company's gross revenues and 80 percent of Gary's net income—to charities. Heavin matches the first $1,000 that each franchise raises for community causes such as walkathons to benefit pro-life pregnancy-care centers. Such controversial stances have led to criticism, but Heavin is unfazed. "There's nothing healthy about abortion," he says. "I'm not afraid to tell the truth."

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Originally posted by Scott Piatkowski:

And, did he also "recommit" himself to paying the child support that he owed?

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[ 19 April 2004: Message edited by: Michelle ]

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Originally posted by Michelle:
Besides, why would any nice woman leave a good Christian provider like him?

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"There's nothing healthy about abortion," he says. "I'm not afraid to tell the truth."

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And, did he also "recommit" himself to paying the child support that he owed?

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Originally posted by lagatta:

This outfit definitely deserves a boycott. But people who aren't gym bunnies need an alternative to gyms where everyone already looks perfectly toned. There is the Y (YMCA, YWCA, YMHA etc.) there must be some other non-profit community oriented fitness centres that don't make people who want to improve their fitness and help feel like shit for being a little or a lot out of shape.

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Originally posted by lagatta:
The Y was just an example; there are also community centres etc. where people can do fitness activities in a less competitive and judgemental environment than some of the snazzy fitness clubs.

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And that is a very good point. But no matter where you go, there is always a chance you will find managers or owners or whatever with some views that you many not agree with. So by all means attack Curves for being a for-profit snazzy fitness club, but the owner being pro-life is a pretty flimsy basis.

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So by all means attack Curves for being a for-profit snazzy fitness club, but the owner being pro-life is a pretty flimsy basis.

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Originally posted by Gir Draxon:
Right, because there is no way that a place like your local The Young Men's Christian Association could possibly ever have a fundy in the management Or any other gym for that matter...

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When the Village People sang about the "fun" young men could have at the YMCA, their lyrics were a nod to the long history of intimate male bonding at this renowned American institution. Almost from its inception in the mid-19th century, the YMCA provided a meeting place for men who sought each other's company, not just for friendship, but for romance and sex.

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Originally posted by Cougyr:
I'm a firm believer that if one walks, or runs, to the gym, one won't need to go inside.

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Anyway, I find it ironic that Curves gym is owned by a fundy. There's one right smack in the middle of Kitsilano - one of the most left liberal grass eating environmentalist neighbourhoods in B.C. That place would close down pretty quickly if people knew that the profits were funding anti-abortion centres.

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(people living east of Calgary are notoriously out of shape).

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Treadmills seem ludicrous, and they are tedious, but they can enable people who can't exercise outside in the winter to get aerobic exercise. Many people (with asthma, etc.) can't tolerate the cold air in their lungs while doing strenuous exercise.

Gym is only one reason people in BC tend to be in better shape - the lack of a real winter in the most-populated areas is another big factor! I think it is essential to push for better non-profit community gyms, pools etc as a public service and factor in preventive physical and emotional health. Places like Curves are filling an important gap.

Right now I'm translating documents pertaining to the problems of street people with multiple health and addiction problems. If I should happen to raise questions about the need for better programmes for such people, I hope you won't assume I'm in that situation!

[ 22 April 2004: Message edited by: lagatta ]

As for YMCA/YWCA...I can vouch that they're decidedly non religious. I am Wiccan, and used their free counselling service. Some of my counselling was based around my relationship with my ex-fiance who is a fundie born again, and the counsellor was very much on my side (as were her supervisors), and gave me the greatest support to leave him.

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As for YMCA/YWCA...I can vouch that they're decidedly non religious.

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Note the difference in the Canadian and US YMCA "mission statements".

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To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

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The YMCA in Canda is dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind and body, and in a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community.

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Maybe take 10% of what I pay at Curves each month and give it to a pro-choice organization?