Truce declared between Gold's Gym and anti-porn groups

PROVO — An accord has been struck between Gold's Gym and a group of Utah Valley college students who called some of their video programming and aerobics classes pornographic.

A week and a half ago, five student-run anti-pornography organizations submitted a lengthy petition with nearly 1,000 signatures demanding Gold's Gym get rid of R-rated or sexually explicit PG-13 movies and set up blinds on aerobic room windows to shield views of provocative dance classes.

In a statement released Friday morning, Jesse Yaffe, spokesman for the anti-porn groups, said Gold's Gym has acquiesced to their requests and will clean up the media played in the Cardio Cinema and racy music videos played on Gold's Broadcasting Network.

"Some of the female members still await Gold's installing shades in the aerobic room to protect their privacy," Yaffe said. "But meanwhile, the coalition is elated at the changes thus far."

The group plans to hold a "Thank You Rally" soon in front the Gold's Gym on 460 N. 900 East in Provo to show their appreciation to the fitness chain for their commitment "to upholding family values and opposing the objectification of women.'

Approximately 4,000 out of 5,000 local Gold's Gym members are BYU students who sign a contract vowing to not view anything deemed questionable.