Anyone not a member of the fitness elite and who has a shred of honesty will admit going to the gym sucks. Why? Because who wants to jiggle on a treadmill next to a hard body who could easily be a contender for the title of Mr. Universe? Exactly. But one fitness center is catering to the majority of Americans who aren’t in peak physical shape and would like to get there without feeling they must measure up to less weight-challenged clientele.

Downsize Fitness offers all the state-of-the art equipment as other national health clubs, but differs based on one strict membership requirement: Customers must be at least 50 pounds overweight to join.

There are no mirrors in the chain’s facilities, and the windows are fogged. The goal is for members to feel comfortable while exercising so they’ll be more inclined to come back.

Owner Francis Wisnewski told the Associated Press he started the gym because “I’ve been overweight my whole life, and I was embarrassed to go to the gym myself.”

Downsize Fitness started in 2011 with locations in Chicago and Las Vegas. Another gym opened in Dallas in 2012.

Downsize Fitness doesn’t just cater to its overweight members in its membership criteria. Its equipment is designed for heavier clients, and all members work with trainers who guide them through workouts and help monitor their diets. During workouts, trainers monitor members’ hear rates, and fitness classes are tailored to the physical limits of obese exercisers.

“It’s safe,” trainer Krisanne Hale told TODAY of the club. “It’s just safe and it’s comfortable and it’s nobody looking in. We’re just all here together.”

What happens to members after they drop the weight? The club doesn’t kick them out when they no longer meet the weight requirements for memberships. They are invited to stay and inspire their comrades.

[Images via Downsize Fitness On Facebook]