Reader comments
Orem, Provo groups demanding changes at 2 gyms

Stop being so conservative | 1:48 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Why the changes? As long as no skin is showing (and I mean bare, you know) what is the big deal? It's all over the world. There is no hiding from it. Be big boys and girls and deal with it!

Overboard | 2:00 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Oh great, another nutty group to perpetuate that "bubble" reputation that Utah County cant get rid of.

Seriously everyone who will read this comment, these wacky groups are extremists and not the norm for people who live down here.

I go to Gold's Gym (both the Provo and Orem gym's) and have never been offended. I dont go there to watch the TV's, I go there work out. YOU CANT EVEN HEAR THEY LYRICS THAT ARE SUPOSEDLY OFFENDING ALL OF THE MEMBERS, Its not turned up loud enough normally.

This guy is going overboard and needs to get out into the real world more often. Honestly, if he is getting offended, he best not leave the safety of his house each day.

TravelSeer | 4:30 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I find it interesting that the students say that they don't have a "choice anymore" and that "You're forced" into viewing "outright pornography". Who is forcing whom? I have seen no task masters at Gold's forcing anyone to view anything. As far as choice goes.. you have a choice, DON'T WATCH IT IF IT OFFENDS YOU! Watch something else or better yet, don't go at all, vote with your pocket book not your mouth. Over hyped publicity stunts, forced petitions, and false demonstrations only serves to get your 15-minutes worth... The last item in the list of demands tops it all; "Install blinds on the aerobics room to block the dancing, which is very provocative". WhatDaHek, Only in Utah! I think I am going to have to draw the line on this last item... you mean we can't have any wondering eyes accidentally viewing wiggling derriï¿½res? Whats the point of going to the gym then?

Comments continue below

JWK | 6:45 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

From reading the comments I take it that those making the comments are too caught up watching the skin and having daydreams about night things in the middle of the afternoon. (Ronnie Milsap)

Rick | 7:07 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

When I saw these self-righteous protesters being interviewed on KSL news, I nearly jumped out of my seat, packed and moved out of this state. This is life in a bubble.

So Sad | 7:24 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Poor BYU nitwits. Go use the University's facilities if you don't like Gold's Gym. Orem City has a nice facility that is much cheaper than Gold's (even for non residents).

outsider | 7:32 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

much more skin and curves walk by me, shaking their booty, when I frequent Gold's than anything seen / heard on TV or the radio. give me a break. what next? a dress code for gym visitors...

What kind of fool? | 8:54 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

The nerve of these prudish people makes me sick.

First, they don't need to join the gym. Who the heck do they think they are by joining the gym and then demanding that the gym conform to their super silly standards.

You don't want to see people dancing, or working out in something other than full-length dresses or overalls? Then open your own gym, where you can make all the stupid rules you want. Better yet, just stay home with your fat husband or fat wife, because no one needs to have you around.

If I owned these gyms, I'd refund their membership payments (pro-rated, of course), and boot them out the door, never to return. Then I'd go into my office and dance provocatively in my shorts and T-shirt.

James Christensen | 9:10 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

If it were pornography, business would be much better for Golds.... Don't like it? Don't go. Just like Pres. Hinkley said about blue-laws and buying cars on Sunday, "If no one buys a car on Sunday, they can't stay open on Sunday." If people are so offended by it then don't go to Golds, and the videos and music won't be there. Do what I do, listen to your own music while working out, and don't watch the TV or anyone that might turn you on. Or, is that too hard to do? These people are implicitly saying that there is something wrong with themselves: they don't have any self control. Just stab out your own eyes and solder your ears shut rather than forcing your inability to deal with your own weaknesses on others.

Community Decency | 9:15 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Great idea, let's forget our values just because the world has forgotten its values. Let's perpetuate improper behavior just because everyone else is doing it. That's VERY SOUND thinking! Where do you people come from and how can you expect to maintain today's lax standards if we continually accept worsening standards??? This is ridiculous. We're seeing the downward spiral of morals in this country and in the world and are starting to see the implications of that downward trend. Teens are more sexually active and provocative than they've been in the past. Violence is pervasive in our societies, even extending to our roadways. If we do not work hard to uphold good values then society is doomed to a never-ending misery and will be subjected to endless trouble.

And get over the LDS/Non-LDS argument, this extends to all of society. Do not persecute or criticize any group that seeks to uphold moral values and decency.

If Gold's Gym wants to attract business by using these means then there should be a business classification of Adult Only Exercise, or something similar. That'll restrict minors from possibly entering the facility.

Get over it and uphold values!!!

Papergirl | 10:05 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Yes, given this locale, special signage may be necessary. Perhaps...
Caution: Contents may be HOT!
or
Caution: Reality inside! We highly encourage you to consider this before you purchase a membership.

Emily C. | 10:08 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I can only assume Mr. Yaffe and the others are offended by the videos and the aerobics participants because they are turned on by them. I would be interested to know how many of the protesters are, in fact, members of Goldï¿½s Gym. When I joined my gym (not Goldï¿½s), I checked out several gyms and took advantage of guest passes to make sure that I would join the gym that best suited my needs. If I had found the environment of a certain gym offensive, I simply would not have joined that one. Anyone who joins a club on his own volition and then demands that they change their practices to suit him is an unreasonable idiot.

Perhaps Goldï¿½s should only show Fox News on their TVs and require that their patrons work out in burkhas? Would that please Mr. Yaffe et al.? That way everyone could work out without being so . . . er, stimulated.

RE: Community Decency | 10:10 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Have you ever been in a Gold's Gym? You don't see the videos or hear the music unless you really want to. And like so many have said before me, if you don't like it, don't go!

Reading this article, I can picture the ideal Utah Valley Gym: divider down the middle between boys and girls sections, everyone in pioneer clothes to their ankles and wrists, and Conference talks playing over the loudspeakers....

(oh and I am LDS, so don't get all huffy about outsider persecution...)

Curtail membership | 10:18 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Here's at least one person who would seriously consider canceling his membership...if he doesn't get to see the hotties in spandex doing the strip-tease dances.

Jackie Chiles | 10:33 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I forsee a crafty First Amendment conduct-as-expression argument by potential lawyers for the gym if the city takes action.
Tread carefully utah county officials . . .

Utah County | 11:26 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Hey Utah County: Grow up. Act like adults. Sexually explicit PG-13 movies? Are you kidding us? Anyone who is seeing sexually explicit images in a PG-13 movie is a pervert.

Are you kidding? | 11:49 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Checking out the hotties in skimpy, tight, fitted clothes is what makes the Provo/Orem Gold's Gyms better than working out at home or anywhere else. Ironically, it is the Mormon protesters Mormon compatriots that are likely "dancing provocatively" in the aerobics room.

In all seriousness (all the above is serious too) what I don't like about the Gold's in Provo/Orem is that they made a new policy that you couldn't change the channel on TVs to even watch a Jazz came or that the had two 24hr news channels going (three if you count Fox PropogandaNews).

astonished | 11:57 a.m. Jan. 17, 2008

This story certainly pertains to the questionable conduct at a specific location, but there is another message being missed by many who have commented:

The tide of shifting values especially in the wrong direction brings about instability within a community as well as a number of other more disturbing crimes and detriments. When standards, morals, and values are lowered to satisfy the lusts and appetites of the flesh, selfishness takes over with vengeance. A simple ï¿½normï¿½ in society must not be allowed simply because ï¿½everybody is doing itï¿½ and especially when it defames the purpose of our entire existence and our own unique missions. What kind of society promotes lewdness, the satisfaction of selfish lusts, and breaking up family units, the most basic and precious unit in society? Where are the values that this country is founded upon? Why are we trying to stoop lower and lower into the same duress as other societies? Do we not understand the consequences of allowing sexual promiscuity or the forerunners of hard core pornography? Why are we promoting the very things we are fighting on a daily basis in court (i.e. domestic abuse, sexual predation, violence, etc.)? Surely we are better than this!

bealittleintelligent | 1:10 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

You know you could provide your own media while working out!? You dont have to look at the screen or you can request them to change the channel! This is so ridiculous. If there is a picket line I will definitely be crossing.

Jen C. | 2:01 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

I agree that you can't really hear the music and you don't have to watch the stuff on the TV's at Gold's if you don't want to. It's easy to avoid if it bothers you that much. However during a recent visit to the Gold's in AF, I saw a man spend the better part of an hour sitting on a machine directly in front of the window to the aerobics room watching intently as the women did pelvic thrusts. This man was not using the machine he was on, he was just watching, and getting visibly aroused. I for one would not want to be one of the girls being watched. Whose to say that this guy, and others like him aren't psychopaths that are going to end up stalking some poor girl that was just trying to firm up her backside? It wouldn't kill them to put up blinds.

Skeptic | 2:04 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Jen C. - You should have complained immediately to the staff, that guy's actions were totally inappropriate. Who is to say the nice guy you know who has manners and acts appropriately but is a little shy (and others like him) aren't psychopaths that are going to end up stalking some poor girl. Maybe you should rethink letting guys wear sunglasses at the pool, after all they might be leering at the bikini-clad swimmers.

Ello | 2:12 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

"Parvo" as i call provo has a much larger pornographic problem then Golds Gym. This is hilarious to see a bunch of pail faced hiporcits attack a gym because they are too insecure with their own sexuality. Grow up. Dont go if you dont like, I dont like church, so instead of banning it for all I just dont go.

Face it | 2:44 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Face it - Gold's Gym in Provo/Orem is a meat market and chicks go there to see and be seen. If they don't want guys ogling them "dancing provocatively" then don't dance provocatively.

Even Keel | 4:42 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

It is time to buy your skivvies a size larger. I have been working out at the 9th East Golds for over 10 years. So here is some words of wisdom for those who protest too much. If you are going to the gym to work out you will be far to busy to be stimulated in other ways. If you are going to get stimulated, do the rest of us a favor and stay home. Jen C. you obviously spend too much time watching others and not enough time working out. Interestingly enough I have never seen any strip shows or pole dancing, so those of you who think this is the tipping point of good and evil take your skivvy size up a couple sizes larger. Now one final word for you sanctamonious, self-important Pharasees, (yep, I go to church every Sunday)you may want to reconsider how you characterize those who are participating in these exercise routines. They are mothers, grandmothers, wives, daughters and most important friends. As the father of 3 daughters, all of whom work out at the 9th East Golds I encourage you to save yourself by staying home. We're okay without you.

Anonymous | 8:41 p.m. Jan. 17, 2008

Great cause, but taken about a hundren miles too far.

Chicago | 6:50 a.m. Jan. 18, 2008

I'm sure glad we don't have this problem in Chicago. I find it very silly for people to protest at a gym. If you don't like the gym, cancel your membership and go somewhere else. You don't need a gym to get a good workout. It's easy to do at home but must people go to a gym for motivation. Seeing other hard bodies motivate people to work harder.

Utah needs to get up to speed with the rest of the world.

Brother of Muhammed | 9:29 a.m. Jan. 18, 2008

I applaud these courageous students. But I don't think they go far enough. What are women doing using the same facitilies as me? They should never be allowed in a male gymnasium even if they were decently covered. The gym owners should be ashamed.

As the Quran teaches us: "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and to be mindful of their chastity: this will be most conducive to their purity - (and,) verily, God is aware of all that they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and to be mindful of their chastity, and not to display their charms (in public) beyond what may (decently) be apparent thereof; hence let them draw their head-coverings over their bosoms.(24:30-31)"

W | 10:07 a.m. Jan. 18, 2008

Be reasonable. Women that are in the aerobics room probably don't want gross old men oogling (sp?) them. For the rest of the patrons, they probably don't like listening to obnoxious music. Gold's should make their facility comfortable for all.

American Veteran | 10:53 a.m. Jan. 18, 2008

If they truly cared about eliminating porn,they'd stand up and stop those pervs marrying little girls.

Why don't we see guys like this one standing up about that child rape?

Andrea | 11:41 a.m. Jan. 18, 2008

This is absolutely ABSURD...beyond ridiculous. These moronic BYU students are so out of line with this one. "Provocative dancing" in the aerobics room? Pornography on the tv? Not. Even. Close. If you are offeneded then place yourself in front of a television that has the news on it. Although, lets be honest, they are probably offended by that as well. Get a life. Grow up. And stop perpetuating Provo and Utah stereotypes. You make us all look like closed minded, uneducated, backwards fools. I'm an upstanding citizen, an active Mormon and a Gold's Gym member and trust me...I'm doing just fine. If I see something on the tv that is offensive to me...I don't watch it. You all should try it. It's called being an ADULT.

And Deseret News...must you really report this ridiculous story with a "ITS ABOUT TIME GOLDS GYM CLEANS UP THIER ACT" slant?! Shame shame shame on you!

Mary | 11:54 a.m. Jan. 18, 2008

As for the people arguing that this is just another example of declining morals. Morals should not be taught or controlled by the government. That should be something you teach your children at home. If you don't like the "morals" of an establishment like Gold's Gym, don't go there and do not allow your children to go there. Be a better parent and don't expect the government to parent your children.

Amber | 12:53 p.m. Jan. 18, 2008

Just because some students in Provo and Orem think or believe in a certain 'moral' standard, that does not mean they have to enforce their own beliefs upon thousands of others who are also paying patrons of the facility.

This activity is comparable to the extremists Taliban or Al Qaeda who give Islam a bad name. This is how dictators in history managed to get people to burn books--by enforcing their own beliefs upon others who do not necessarily share the same beliefs.

Please, young students living in a bubble, if you don't like Gold's Gym, go to 24 hour Fitness or your own University gym!!! In addition, I go to the Golds Gym in American Fork or Redwood Road often, rarely see people dressed inappropriately. It's most likely your own students at BYU and UVSC who are dressing as such because they are all desparate to hook up or get married!

Kyle | 1:07 p.m. Jan. 18, 2008

Just another reason to stereotype Utah as some radically conservative state that clearly is not accepting of anything not mormon. It's unfortunate.

The other 49 states may soon kick Utah out.

KP | 1:19 p.m. Jan. 18, 2008

Oh what a bunch of HYPOCRITES! BYU protesting Porn! Take a look at the name on your Arena, the Marriott Center! It is the house that Porn built. As per ABC News Marriott makes about 10-15% of their profits from Porn via pay-per-view. As per USA Today it is a $500 Million per year business.
Donï¿½t be naive and think that money did not find itï¿½s way into BYU via donations from the Marriott family. Give back the money and change the name on your arena, then I will take BYU seriously. Until then your ï¿½concernï¿½ is just hypocritical posturing.

Mateo | 6:38 p.m. Jan. 18, 2008

I for one am shocked, SHOCKED, at the state of today's morality. It's truly a shame. Men not wearing full-body swimsuits as was made so popular in the 1910s. Women flouncing around outdoors when they should be in the home nursing their young. As my pappy always said, if you can see their ankles, you've seen too much.

?! | 10:25 p.m. Jan. 18, 2008

Okay. This is the question for all you protesting Mormons: In the beginning, who was it that wanted to *make* everyone do what was right?

Most of modesty is in your own mind. If you have a problem with that then it is your own problem, not Gold's Gym's problem. You are the one that should solve it. Gym membership is not manditory. You have your own free facilities.

I'm Mormon myself, but you're sounding like the Taliban. Is full-length covering what's next on your agenda?

An Individual | 11:54 p.m. Jan. 18, 2008

Dear Astonished, apparently you live in a different community than mine. My community endorses the individual's freedom to choose for one's self. Whereas your community endorses an authority that chooses for the individual. I'm going to continue to choose to live in my community where the rights of the individual are respected. Perhaps your need to be subjected to the whims of an authority are best suited in another, separate community.

So, let's try to practice tolerance and respect. I won't bother your community and your community won't bother me.

ugh | 12:28 a.m. Jan. 19, 2008

listen, Utah: THIS is the kind of stuff that embarrasses our state, not any of Rocky's shenanigans. Nobody outside of UT notices what he does, but you can bet that this story will be making the email rounds, then Leno jokes about it, and so on and so on. Can we just gather up the prudes and self-righteous people and relocate them somewhere else?

Protesting is getting old | 3:02 p.m. Jan. 19, 2008

Nobody is forced to use the facilities at Gold's Gym. Nobody is forced to go to a church they don't want to go to. Why is protesting the go-to solution to everything? Write a letter for crying out loud! Sign a petition! Do something other than what disturbs the peace. Now watch, someone will step in a silence these protesters, but we still won't stop those getting paid by their church from disrupting the peace on SLC streets during conference time.

nobody | 11:10 p.m. Jan. 19, 2008

Gold's Gym is an organization of business owners and members who believe in physical activity and health. Gold's Gym is an inclusive environment that welcomes old, young, the heavy, the fit, and does so without judgement. These LDS/students pass judgement while Gold's Gym goes about their business of helping people get healthy. Which of these groups lives their values? These students may want to reserve judgement of others and enjoy their freedom to choose to exercise elsewhere. Instead of passing judgement, quietly and humbly go about doing for yourself that which you feel is right and others will do the same. Your vocal and open judgement screams "look at me" more than the videos of which you protest too loudly. While you have every right to protest, you will gain little. Nor should you. While the LDS finds many to not be "temple worthy", Gold's Gym does nothing of the sort. Retreat to your temple where you will find many others who are as "worthy" as yourself and leave the "unworthy" alone. Everyone will feel better.

Cliff | 5:10 a.m. Jan. 20, 2008

Now, now people. Lets not convict the whole "town" because of a few sexually repressed people afraid of their own shadows.

Sexual deviance comes in all forms including voluntary celibacy.

Cliffy | 12:00 p.m. Jan. 20, 2008

Bad = Good, Good = Bad ?

Celibacy = Sexual Deviant?

I dont think so!

crich | 1:47 p.m. Jan. 20, 2008

There are R-rated movies at the Provo Gold's gym? Why aren't there any R-rated movies at MY Gold's gym?! The management is gonna hear from me about this!

Seriously, what are these loons talking about? Do they think that music videos are "movies" because they have those newfangled moving pictures?

Also, I'm confused -- do conservatives think government should meddle in the free market or not?

Shane - BYU Student | 7:43 p.m. Jan. 20, 2008

This is strange. I go to Gold's in Orem and I haven't had any problems. You don't have to watch the tv's. I never notice the aerobics room -- it seems like you would have to make an effort to notice any 'provocative dancing'.

To boot I've lost 35 lbs. in the last 6 months going to Gold's. I struggled to lose weight until I went to Gold's - it's a great facility. BYU's gym isn't available during the day and parking is far easier at Gold's. A lot people are keeping up their health at Gold's. I just want to be a voice of reason, and I believe that I'm in a majority at BYU.

I'm strongly agianst pornography - there is nothing good about it. I've seen it ruin marriages and degrade friends and family members' lives. However, I do not equate fighting against gold's content to fighting against pornography. Maybe they're not perfect, but sometimes you have to choose your battles and this is certainly a strange one to fight.

Detroit 1701 | 11:07 a.m. Jan. 21, 2008

Wow, I need to join a gym!!!

Sick of This | 3:29 a.m. Jan. 26, 2008

Another example of conservative people imposing their values on everyone else & taking away our freedom of choice. Here's a freedom of choice for all of you - don't go there if you don't like it! It's plain & simple. This is what gives Utah a "weird name".

Florida | 4:49 p.m. March 23, 2008

I am sure glad that I don't live in such a place as Utah! The people there seem to be so concered about what others are doing. Where I live, people mind there own business. Utah should try it!!

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