Shirtless men, women in sports bras – not at this gym.
At the Lord’s Gym, a franchise chain with locations across the US, women are not allowed to wear spaghetti-strap tank tops or short shorts. In fact, female gym-goers must make sure their tops are long enough to cover their bottoms.
The rules are meant to offer members a fitness environment that focuses on health whilst leaving out the sexual temptations and vanity often associated with secular gyms.
“Many people want to have a quality atmosphere that’s not involved in the meat-market setting and that’s serious about workouts,” explained Dr Paul Sorchy, a chiropractor who has bought several Lord’s Gyms including one in Clermont, Florida, according to the New York Times. “People want something truly family-friendly, and want to have a team of folks they can trust.”
The unique Christian gym is drawing all kinds of people – from gym buffs to those who confess they would not normally join a gym.
Jason Russell, a former manager of a secular gym, had planned to open his own Christian-friendly gym when he discovered the Lord’s Gym in Clermont. He is now its manager.
“Me being a single guy and trying to walk the Christian line, it was difficult,” said Russell, 30. “I needed not only to protect myself, but as a leader, to help others with their spiritual journey.”
The 10,000-square foot Lord’s Gym in Clermont offers “Yogod”, its version of yoga, a “Chariots of Fire” spinning class, and combines prayer and push-ups. The smoothie bar serves a drink called “The Land of Milk and Honey”, and Christian rock music is also plays encouragingly throughout the 1,800-member gym.
