Woman Says People Who Weigh 200 Pounds Shouldn’t Be in Pilates Class. Now, She’s Reportedly Lost Her Job
Woman's hot take turned out to be expensive and cost her her job
People no longer respond to fat-shaming as they did a decade ago. Nowadays, whenever it occurs, people almost always hold the fat-shamer accountable, ensuring that this harmful behavior does not continue or set a bad example.
Monica (@succulentaddict8), in a now-deleted TikTok video that Stella AA (@elleelina2) managed to retrieve, said she thinks people who weigh 200 pounds do not “belong” in a Pilates class. She further expressed her preferences, noting that she would rather not have a Pilates instructor with a “gut” who is “fat.”
Naturally, her comments drew public backlash, and she says the fallout reportedly led to her being fired, according to her own follow-up video. Her Pilates membership was also allegedly canceled. In another video, as stated and shared by Stella, Monica apologized for the comments she made.
A quick search on TikTok no longer shows her original account but directs to multiple videos of her apology, including the one shared by @applejuice_tigerboy where she attributes her behavior to her own insecurities. “I think the reason I posted them was because there are some insecurities in me and some self-hate, but my [pilates] membership was revoked and I was told not to go back to work,” Monica said.
Monica also emphasized the need to work on herself, noting that she needs to go to therapy or the church. She concluded her video by urging her followers to unfollow her if they want, a sentiment she seems to share with this woman who embarrassed herself in front of cute guys because of the shirt she was wearing.
“Everybody Has a Right To Exercise”
Some people in the comments section of Stella’s post believe Monica’s statements about who has access to a Pilates class were hurtful and that everyone, regardless of their weight, deserves to be in a class, contrary to what Monica said. One user wrote, “Everybody has a right to exercise.” Another user in an elaborate message said, “I would argue that person is improving their life and that Pilates class is exactly where they should be. Why? Because they are choosing to be there and they are choosing that as their way to make their life better.”
A few others commented, saying that they didn’t think Monica’s apology was sincere. One user commented, saying, “She’s not sorry she’s only sorry cause she got caught. And kudos to that woman exercising great job keep it up you got this.”Another user while remarked on Monica’s decision to go for therapy and said , “Therapy doesn’t work for narcissists. There is no cure.”
There Seems To Be a Stigma Surrounding Access to Fitness
Many people who’ve struggled with their weight can relate to once believing that only thin people belonged in gyms, Pilates classes, or yoga sessions. That perception tends to shift once it’s examined more closely — it’s not just a personal belief, but a reflection of how fitness is often marketed to those who aspire to it.
Many promotional videos for fitness spaces like gyms often feature individuals who are already fit. While probably unintentional, this repeated portrayal creates the impression that only those who look a certain way can belong in the gym, namely the conventionally thin people. One person in this Reddit thread seems to agree with this logic.
Responding to a query from someone who wanted to know if plus-sized people could take up Pilates, they wrote, “Pilates (and fitness generally) has a marketing problem. Media makes us think only slim people can work out. Not true!! Just about anyone in any condition can start Pilates and it’s so beneficial for building muscle.” Many others, while supporting the person, said Pilates is for everyone, regardless of body type.
This Reddit thread shows that not everyone is like Monica. Far more people spoke up in support of the woman than against her. Sometimes that encouragement can come from your spouse, a partner, a friend, a family member, or even a stranger. The key is to keep going, no matter what anyone says.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
Follow The Mary Sue:
