BBW Fitness, Plus Size Fitness, BBW Exercise, BBW Fitness Resources

Archive-name: fat-acceptance-faq/fitness
Posting-Frequency: monthly to *.answers, bi-weekly to soc.support.fat-acceptance and alt.support.big-folks
Last-modified: February 18, 2000
Version: 3.1

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Exercise and Fitness Resources for Big Folks

This document contains information about exercise and fitness equipment and clothing for fat people.

To make it clear, this is not a missive from the lifestyle police trying to get all fat people to exercise, but a source of information for the fat folks who do want to exercise.

If you don't find what you're looking for here, try one of the related FAQs (see question B1 for a complete list). In particular, try the Sports and Activities FAQ for information about specific exercises.

Changes from last version: Added Women of Size fitness class website

Contents

SECTION A: FAQ about exercise and fitness for fat people

A1) What home exercise equipment is suitable for fat folks?
A2) What exercise videos are there available for fat folks?
A3) Are there are books about fatness and fitness that don't think the two words are mutually exclusive?
A4) Where can I get sports clothing and equipment from?
A5) Are there any organizations, people, workshops or classes concerned with fitness for fat folks?
A6) Are there any helpful scientific references about fitness?
A7) Are there any online resources about exercising for plus-sizes?

SECTION A: FAQ about exercise and fitness for fat people

A1) What home exercise equipment is suitable for fat folks?

Check out the manufacturer's rating. Some pieces of equipment are only built to handle people up to 210lbs.

Some people like Nordic-Trak ski machines, because they're easy on the knees, adjustable pace, doesn't take up much space, and you can do other things at the same time. It's also quiet, and seems solid. One recommended one is the NordicTrak WalkFit 5000, which has 6 inclinations, no motor, and folds down. Approximate price $800.

Some people like the Cardio-Glide (similar to a health rider), because it is no impact (easy on the joints), not putting a strain on the knees, a gentle full-body workout, and has adjustable resistance. Some prefer the Aerobic Rider (similar to the Health Rider), as it doesn't have a piston like the Cardio-Glide, and it has been suggested that the piston gives out a little quicker for heavy people, although some people (over 350lbs) have not had this problem at all.

Another exercise device is the elliptical crosstrainer. It's a no-impact aerobic device that's sort of like a cross between a ski machine, a stairmaster, and a bicycle (without a seat). A recommendation from one person is that it is sturdy enough to accomodate someone who is 300lbs, and they found it comfortable to use, even though they find walking to be hard on the hips and back.

Another recommendation (from someone over 350lbs) is the ProForm CrossWalk.

A2) What exercise videos are there available for fat folks?

Some videos available are the following, with various different emphases:

"Big On Fitness": 53-minute exercise and fitness video for large women.
Has aerobic exercises to tone legs and stomach, while
increasing muscle tone. Suitable for any fitness level.
Exercises are led by large instructors.
Available from:
West Com Productions
1925 Bailey Hill Road
Eugene, OR, 97405
US
or
Harriet Carter
Dept. 34
North Wales, PA, 19455
US
or
I.Y. Murphy Productions ($19.95)
Box 148222
Chicago, IL 60614
US
"Chair Dancing" - Jodi Stolove: US tel 800-551-4FUN
another important resource for those who have knee problems,
difficulty in standing or exercising on their feet
"Gentle Yoga with Naomi": Naomi Judith Offner, MA
4815 Quebrada Circle
Carlsbad, CA 92009
US
tel 800-655-6668
fax 619-943-1081
"Getting Started Right" - Jan Thompson: Showcase Productions
US tel 214-653-8352
designed specifically for plus-size women.
"Great Changes" - Idrea Lippman: featuring Carnie Wilson
"In Grand Form" - Jodi Sandler: In Grand Form Enterprises, Ltd.,
#5-1272 Emery Place,
No. Vancouver, BC V7J 1R3,
Canada
a 40 minute workout with warm-up, low impact aerobics,
stretching and cool-down. $19.95
"The Larger Woman's Workout" - Idrea Lippman: Great Changes
US tel 818-769-4626
a total workout for plus-size women
includes warm-up, low impact aerobics and floor work for
muscle strength and flexibility
"Look Who's Walking": Orchid Leaf Productions,
P.O. Box 72,
Flint,
MI 48501
US
a fun, easy, beneficial exercise video designed especially for
the large size person. $29.95
"Rhythm Walking": Sports Music Inc.,
Box 767364,
Roswell, GA 30076
US
3 different paces for Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced
Tony Little - 3-video series: A program which you slowly build up, at your own pace. It
works primarily to firm and tone muscles (including back
muscles.) He stresses thinness and firmness, so if that's
going to bother you, stay away from the tape.
"Sweating to the Oldies" - Richard Simmons: A good workout, with warmup and cooldown time. Timed segments
for you to take your pulse. Low impact. Folks of all sizes
exercise along with Richard. There isn't any "lose that fat"
talk during the workout. (There is a little at the end, but
it's easy to skip.)
"The Wave": Gabrielle Roth
a video concerned with dance movement, not specifically
for large people (and the dancers are not large) but the
purpose is to get people to feel the music and to feel
their own bodies
Women At Large: This chain of exercise facilities (see section A5) also
have a workout video
Kelly Bliss: Work It Out, Inc.
US tel 610-459-5011
offers customized workout videos suited to your life, your
body, your needs. She spends time in person and with a
lengthy evaluation form to design a program that you'll get
the most from. 20 minutes to an hour (your choice in length).
Yoga for Large People Video: Mara Nesbitt, Licensed Massage Therapist
PO Box 19141
Portland OR 97219
US
WWW: http://www.tsw.com.au/mgt/yogavideo/
Email: nesbitt@hevanet.com
Has a yoga video (90 mins) with stretching, breathing and relaxing.
VHS format, cost $30, plus $5 shipping/handling ($10 overseas).
Send a check to the above address, with your name and address.

A3) Are there are books about fatness and fitness that don't think the two words are mutually exclusive?

Mark Lewis:
"The Roly Polys : fit, fat and fruity"
with a foreword by Les Dawson
Publisher: W.H. Allen, London, 1986
ISBN/ISSN: 0491031750
The Roly Polys are a British dance troupe, all middle aged
and older, and beautifully plump.

Pat Lyons and Debby Burgard:
"Great Shape: The First Fitness Guide for Large Women"
Excellent, excellent, excellent. They talk about fitness and movement as a right. They talk about barriers that keep people (particularly fat women) from exercising. Probably also applicable to men. Covers everything from bicycling to martial arts. Everything you need to get started.
Publisher: Bull Publishing $14.95, US (800) 676-2855

A4) Where can I get sports clothing and equipment from?

For leisure wear, you might also check in the appropriate clothing FAQ.

You may be able to make your own sports clothing, if you are handy with a needle. McCalls have some swimsuit patterns that go up to size 24,

A4-1) in Australia

Bathers for Big Girls: at http://www1.tpgi.com.au/users/big_girls/
Swimwear from bust sizes 38" to 62", made to your own
measurements.

A4-2) in Canada

Cabela's: 812 13th Ave.
Sidney, NE 69160
USA
1-800-237-4444 (U.S. or Canada)
Gortex parkas and pants up to at least 5XL. Many other items
up to 3XL in both big and tall sizes. Reasonable prices.
[checked 4/7/95]
Louis Garneau: a Canadian manufacturer of cycling clothing. They have a
variety of upperbody wear up to XXL, but this is reportedly
somewhat undersized
Sugoi: Vancouver, BC
They make shorts, jackets, vests in sizes up to XXL.
Distributed via various retail outlets.
Suzanne Bell: 5794 Victoria Drive
Vancouver, BC
V5P 3W7
tel 1-604-324-7394
fax 1-604-325-7772
Contact: Suzanne Bell
Active wear and casual clothing in large and super sizes.

A4-3) in the UK

All Woman: c/o 8 Penketh Avenue,
Bewsey,
Warrington
Cheshire
WA5 5AU
tel. 01925 244710
Large swimsuits for ladies sizes 18-36+, prices start
from 16.99 S.A.E. for details
Evans: national chain of shops
They sell leggings, t-shirts, even cycle shorts.
Good range of swimwear
Triumph International: Arkwright Road,
Groundwell,
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN2 5BE
tel. 01793 722200
Underwear and swimwear manufacturer offering extensive selection
of styles from A to H cup

A4-4) in the USA

1824: Arnott Mason Corporation
P.O. Box 293
Clifton, VA 22024
tel 703-503-2916
fax 703-425-1243
Women's riding clothes in big sizes --- breeches, riding
sweats, stretch jeans, Kentucky jods, t-shirts, sweatshirts;
semi-custom boots; half chaps and full chaps.
Anne Terrie Designs: 129-T Derby Road,
Harrison,
Ohio 45030
tel 800-774-6898.
Send $3 for a brochure
Back to Basics II for plus sizes: 1107 West Main St., #201
Durham, NC 27701
tel 1-919-477-5669
fax 1-919-477-6476
Small catalog of simple cotton and cotton-blend clothes and
underwear. Bike shorts, leggings, T-shirts, tights, socks,
underwear. Reasonable prices. Sizes 1X-4X.
The Big, the Bad & the Beautiful: 19225 Ventura Blvd,
Tarzana, CA 91356
tel 1-818-345-3593
fax 1-818-345-1033
tel 1-800-347-3593
Catalog $2. (Credited to first order.)
Sizes 14-32+. They also do custom work for a nominal fee.
Among other things, they sell bike shorts and lingerie.
Big Stitches Swimwear: 2423 Douglas St.
San Pablo, CA 94806
tel 1-510-237-3978
Bold, colorful and affordable swimwear, sizes 34-70+
Many styles. Send SASE for free brochure.
Body by Rubens: tel 1-800-935-0355
Reputed to have large-size bicycle shorts for women.
Brookstone Hard to Find Tools: 5 Vose Farm Road
Petersborough, NH 03460-0803
USA
(800) 926-7000
Unfortunately they no longer sell the seat that looks like
two rectangles (anyone know where those can be obtained?)
but they do sell a gel-filled bicycle seat cover that fits
standard seats.
By Ro! Designs: 26221 Governor Avenue,
Harbor City, CA 90710
tel (310) 534-3877
Rosaria Vitale (large size herself) designs swimwear.
Write for a catalogue.
Cabela's: 812 13th Ave.
Sidney, NE 69160
1-800-237-4444 (U.S. or Canada)
Gortex parkas and pants up to at least 5XL. Many other items
up to 3XL in both big and tall sizes. Reasonable prices.
[checked 4/7/95]
Cannondale: tel 1-800-BIKE-USA
they make bicycles, oft recommended by big folks
they also make shorts and jerseys; the jerseys are reputedly
too short to fully cover the abdomen
The Dehner Company, Inc.: 3614 Martha St.
Omaha, NE 68105
tel 402-342-7788
fax 402-342-5444
Custom boots for riding, Trooper boots, Wellingtons, chukkas,
laced or strap tank boots, and oxfords. Excellent quality.
Boots are all custom and can be ordered to fit any size foot
or leg. Also have a nice style of riding boot with buckles
down the side instead of pulling straight on --- great if you
have arthritic ankles that don't flex well. Everyone I've
talked to who has custom Dehner boots says that they will last
forever. They aren't cheap, but are well worth the price.
Danskin Plus: tel 1-800-288-6749
Their regular catalog has some stuff up to size 4X -- bike
shorts, leggings, sweatshirts, sweatpants, long and
short-sleeved T-shirts, jackets, and sports bras (up to DD).
Their outlet stores also carry items up to 4X.
Excel Sports Science: tel 800-922-9544
They have a catalogue which includes such items as
buoyancy belts, water exercise dumbells, zero impact footwear
for added aquatic resistance
Extra Emphasis: tel 800-539-0030
A mail order company, good for sports bras
Fit To Be Tried: 4754 East Grant,
Tuscon, AZ 85712
tel 800-669-6409
$2 catalog.
Active wear up to 4X. They sell bicycle shorts.
Gilda Marx: tel 800-825-BODY
a full collection of bodywear including solid and printed leotards,
bike shorts, bra tops, T-shirts, leggings, etc. in cotton/Lycra
and nylon/Lycra combinations. Sizes are 1x-3x which fits up to size 24
Bright colours, prices from about $27-$54.
Call the above number for retail locations.
The Greater Salt Lake Clothing Company: PO Box 171422
Salt Lake City,
Utah 84117-1422
tel: 801-273-8700
email: sales@gslcc.com
web: www.gslcc.com
plus size ski wear and exercise wear for men and women
Hanover House: tel 717-633-3377
sells a special wider seat for bicycles. Also sells
sheepskin covers for this seat
Hot Off the Tour: tel 1-800-878-8189
Sportswear catalog. They specialize in golf wear, but some of
their stuff may also be applicable to tennis and other sports.
They are pricey (polo shirt $68, twill shorts $56).
JC Penney: They have some swimsuits up to size 24/26, and one in size
28-32. Try the regular catalogue, and/or the size 16 and up
catalogue.
Junonia: tel 1-800-JUNONIA
http://www.junonia.com/
they have sportswear in sizes 14 to 32, including clothes
for aeorbics, tennis, golf, bicycling, walking
Just Big Sportswear: 4700 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28216
1-804-391-3000
T-shirts up to 10XL. Also sweats, dorm shirts, and hooded
T-shirts.
Just My Size: P.O. Box 748
Rural Hill, NC 27098-0748
tel 1-800-522-9567 (orders)
tel 1-800-522-0889 (customer service)
tel 1-910-635-3447 (orders) though they "don't ship to Canada"
They sell lingerie - Bali, Playtex, JMS and possibly other
brands (up to 46DDD or so). 100% cotton panties up to size
12. And pantyhose. And pettipants (split slips). And Hanes
Her Way sweatpants/shirts. And lycra shorts up to 3x. Also
have inexpensive casual clothes up to about 4X. They use
large models and also disabled models.
King Size: P.O. Box 8385
Indianapolis, IN 46283-8385
tel 1-800-846-1600
Large-size rain gear that is more-or-less unisex. They also
sell extra-large umbrellas, ties, and fanny packs.
Leggings Plus: tel 201-962-4678
http://www.nji.com/~leggings/
leggings, bike shorts and t-shirts, from 1X-4X
Nashbar: tel 800-627-4227
bikes, supplies and accessories
Northwest Kayaks: http://www.nwkayaks.com/
they have a model called Cadence designed for the larger kayaker,
which can support up to 455lbs
Oddessy: tel/fax 1-800-ODDESSY (1-800-633-3779)
or at http://www.oddessy.com/
suppliers of knives, swords, weapons, uniforms and training
equipment; the uniforms go up to size 12 (men's size 5X)
Performance Bicycles: tel 800-727-2453
bikes, supplies and accessories; also some clothing
Plus Active Wear: 877-994-5353
leggings, sports bras, t-shirts, fleeces, palm weights,
and more.
Richman Cotton Clothing Company: 2631 Piner Rd
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
tel 1-707-575-8924
tel 1-800-992-8924
fax 1-707-575-8924
All-cotton, dyed-on-the-premises clothing in sizes from infant
to 3X. Shirts, skirts, dresses, long johns, cotton/lycra bike
shorts, and leggings. Reasonable prices.
Sexy Fat Boys: http://wahoo.netrunner.net/~fatboys/
casual sportswear for big men
sizes from 1x to 6x
Suits Me Swimwear: 2377 Deltona Blvd.
Spring Hill, FL 34606
tel (904) 666-1485
They make an unusual design of tie-on wraparound swimsuit.
Sizes are children's (up to 60lbs), teen's (60-120lbs),
adult (120-250lbs) and plus size (250lbs +)
Speigal: chain of "For you" retail stores throughout the US including:
Pentagon City Mall in Arlington, Virginia
Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Maryland
Potomac Mills Outlet in Dale City, Virginia
they stock bathing suits in large sizes at reasonable prices
Terry: tel 1-800-BUY-TERY
They make bicycle saddles for women. Ask your local bike store,
or ring the above number to either find your local dealer,
or they can sell you one via mail
WalkUSA: 6310 Nancy Ridge Drive,
#101 San Diego, CA 92121
tel 800-445-2209
Ring for a catalogue which includes women's and men's walking
clothing and activewear in sizes to 2XL

A5) Are there any organizations, people, workshops or classes concerned with fitness for fat folks?

A5-1) in Canada

In Grand Form: Jodi Sandler
#5-1272 Emery Place
North Vancouver, BC
Canada,
V7J 1R3
tel./fax (604) 984-9435 (24 hour voice mail)
(office hours are Mon-Fri 9-5)
Jodi holds several fitness classes, and a jazz dance class.
These are designed for "size-plus and deconditioned adults",
and are recommended as great fun; Jodi is a good motivator
for body movements.

A5-2) in the UK

Fat And Fit Group Health Action: Annie Lee
1 Pink Lane
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
NE1 SDW

A5-3) in the USA

African-Carribean Rhythms and Moves: Dimond Recreation Center
3860 Hanly Rd.
Oakland
A low impact aerobics class aimed at the forty-plus or plus-sized
woman; if you enjoy dancing, check it out!
Debby Burgard: c/o Bull Publishing Co
POB 208
Palo Alto, CA 94302-0208
Co-author of _Great Shape, A Fitness Guide for Large Women_
(1990). Teaches exercise classes and gives workshops on
health and fitness for large women.
Donna R. Pittman, MA: Family Therapy Center
340 N Sam Houston Pkwy E, Suite 267
Houston, TX 77060
Phone: 713-591-1721
"Heavy, Healthy & Happy" exercise and support group.
Double XX Riders: 3256 West Country Road 72
Fort Collins, CO 80524
A small organization of full-figured horse riders who are
dedicated to helping and encouraging other full-figured riders
through a monthly newsletter. Offers tips on where to find
clothes and tack that fit, helpful hints, and moral support.
For info and copy of newsletter, sent large SAE.
Judy Mahle Lutter: Melpomene Institute
1010 University St
St Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 612-642-1951
Institute for research on women's health issues. Sponsored a
conference in 1989 for larger women called "Body Image,
Health, and Fitness". Offers informational packet of
literature. Lutter worte article for Women's Sports and
Fitness Magazine in March, 1991 on fitness for larger women,
title "Does Big Mean Bad?"
Lucia Kim August, MA, MFCC: 2550 Peralta Blvd #7
Fremont, CA 94536
Phone: 510-792-5588
Email: lkaugust@ccnet.com
Dance/movement therapy for large women.
Major Moves: Naomi Puro
1-510-841-4741
Fitness in East SF Bay Area.
Carol Squires (a large woman) assists in teaching this fitness
class for large women, in Oakland, CA. Low impact with a high
emphasis on moving for fun and increasing cardiovascular
fitness. Email Carol at carolguy@netcom.com for more details.
Making Waves: They sponsor swims for fat women in the East Bay
(Oakland, CA). The swim currently meets Sundays from 11am-1pm
at the Albany High School pool, sliding scale from $3 - $5.
You have to be a woman weighing 200 pounds or more. Contact
Linda at (510) 526-6206.
Mara Nesbitt, Licensed Massage Therapist: P.O. Box 19141
Portland, OR 97219
Email: nesbitt@hevanet.com
Yoga and massage for large women (also see videos section)
Martha Koester, Ph.D.