FL2: Fabletics for Men Subscription Coming Soon!

Hi Anonymous… I typically would not be responding to something like this, however, I do want to clarify something to offer you my personal perspective, as I can respectfully appreciate you sharing your opinion of how you perceived my post.
I want you to know that I totally get where you’re coming from and what you are saying. I really do. And I see validity in your perspective without needing to call you narrow minded or negative, because I respect the beauty of everyones ability to think freely and share our different perspectives and views from where ever we may be coming from, and to do so with an open mind and heart.
In my post, I am speaking yes, of a broad, general view of people, predominantly focusing on men (since the subject matter is of an upcoming mens fitness line), because the 3 different gym/health facilities I attend (at least 2 daily), as well as volunteering and contributing my time to compassionately caring for and assisting others who have health/fitness/self improvement related goals, allow me to witness and observe a vast range of individuals. I train with people from all backgrounds, and my predominant emphasis and specialization are on people who would never step foot inside a regular, typical gym because of the burden of various kinds of pressure and insecurities they feel. These are people who struggle with body image, who have felt shamed, some of whom were told they are considered morbidly obese, some who feel too old and don’t have the confidence in their abilities, some who’ve spent years incapacitated or bedridden for whatever reason and have never had the courage or strength to even imagine they’d have any right stepping foot inside a gym, and many who just want to practise fitness in a safe environment, where malicious, critical judgments, bullies and insecurity are all checked at the door. I struggle to put into words the compassion and love I have for these people, who have become my family, because it grows every day and with every bead of sweat we fight for and earn. The issues I mentioned in my post are ones that are commonly and openly discussed and kicked about in the facilities, regardless if it’s a day with high level fitness body building competition athletes or a challenge group like those I spend most of my time with or a women’s zumba class, as well as lightheartedly and satirized across pop culture. It’s not something I or anyone I would associate with in my health and fitness activities, would ever say with malice or any perverse seriousness and it is well understood, because many of us who know this lifestyle have been there, have been severely bullied and traumatized by the real, serious, intentionally hurtful bully types, and would never inflict that purposefully. Many of us have been the strugglers, the infirm, the outsiders, the “different” and the weak, myself included.
I am admittedly hurt at your judgements against me, because they are so very far from true and do not represent me, my beliefs or the wonderful people I surround myself with. We are able to look at the interesting and curious societal behaviors and call a spade respectfully a spade because that is that person’s free will and choice and if they aren’t hurting anyone, why take it to a serious point. There are much bigger, much more serious issues in the world that need the serious energy and passion to be called on, than commonplace and often humorous, observations. Look around you, at the state of our own country and you will see how so many exert energy on the smaller scale, individual and interpersonal issues and are ignorant or indifferent to the big, huge, ridiculously massive, in our face, crucial to our freedom, security and preservation of our society type issues that threaten our very way of life! Individual accountability and responsibility is very important and sorely lacking in many areas, but why choose to exact such direct misaligned energies on someone who in no way displayed any malicious intent? Where is the acceptance and embracing of our abilities to express a thoughtfully written personal observation and perspective that may -seem- to differ from our own, with an open, tolerant mind?
I’m sorry you read a different, apparently negative tone in my observations, but I assure you, I am extremely well aware of and compassionate towards gender equality and people’s right to take and post pictures of themselves when and wherever they want for whatever their reason. Why is my acknowledging that some people take it to a funny, at times obsessive and even somewhat inappropriate level narrow minded and negative? Have you ever seen a room full of 50 hard-working people in the middle of an intense HIIT workout panting and fighting to get thru their series, while a couple of 20 yo guys obnoxiously and rudely bust in, interrupting and distracting them/their counts because they’re sole concern is getting that prime spot in the middle of the mirror, in front of the weight sets to take a selfie of them flexing to put on their Insta or Tinder profile? Have you seen these bros completely ignorant to the lady trying to reverse her diabetes diagnosis, or the guy who is fighting to lower his HBP meds and prevent another heart attack, mocking and laughing at all the “old gross fat people?” Those are a kind of example of some of what I’ve observed and I dont feel bad throwing a harmless joke their way. Never, EVER in my post did I knick someone for monitoring their progress or for seeking and receiving encouragement for it to help re-motivate them! Infact, we encourage it and do it daily. The difference is considerate people do it appropriately and with some decency and humility. They dont spend their entire time in the gym taking booty and booby glamour shots, being careful and mindful of their hair, makeup and lighting while others are there because they paid to go in and put in the hard work. And yes, I see this everyday too.
Again, I respect your right to your own perspective, but I am spending my quality time writing this to you, because I am passionate about the way people treat others if they have an expectation of them as well. And I believe tolerance needs to be respected in ALL ways, for ALL people and that respect should be mutual, for the observer as well as the observed. I dont believe in trying to suppress clearly thought out, honestly and openly penned perspectives and opinions merely based on my own personal views of them, or of calling someone narrow minded or negative based on their own personal judgements of what they observed and thoughtfully decided to share with good intentions of sharing a smile and helping to offer some marketing and consumer related views. I would love it if you could take a step back and perhaps re-read my post for humor based logic and commonalities many of us see every day in this (active fitness and health enrichment) part of life. I assure you, I come from what I believe to be a place where I can express my first hand experience, knowledge and daily lessons on the post subject and potential viability and challenges of this new business venture with experience backed confidence, as well as the compassion and concerns of a smart consumer.
As far as the gender stereotypes and generalisations you mention, I clearly state and it’s evident that those observations are made from the very typical, everyday guys guy and the majority of participants we see across the boards at various fitness facilities. And those guys would never, ever personally attack or throw shade at any other person there, but they too are entitled to their observations, just as you and I are. I wish you a blessed rest of your day and hope you are able to recognise respectfully that not everyone is out to shame, hurt or ridicule others, and also that your judgement of me, by generalizing that I am some kind of shamer or meanie type is extremely hurtful, considering I literally spend the first half of my day, 6 days a week working with, motivating, inspiring, laughing with, encouraging and being there for others, specifically those that you seem to accuse me of ridiculing, and I do it voluntarily and with great compassion and love of healing. Equality is not something to demand of others, but rather, something to give, in hopes of receiving it back. Be light and dont worry about condemning others who are trying to create a better society just as you likely are, but in a way that differs from yours. And laugh a little each day. It helps take the judgemental blur filter off the world before you and allows you to see and appreciate the creative joy of all our goofy, intrinsic differences that make us a wonderful, complex and vibrant world.
One last thing, Anonymous… if you happen to be on your fitness journey as well, I would like to extend you my most sincere encouragement, blessings and a huge hug of support. Every day is one of progress and successes, and every day is one to be proud that you gave it your all, put in the effort and loved yourself enough to push through! Know that there is support and encouragement all around you, even when you might not expect it or realize its there. Continued success to you, and best wishes in your endeavors!

Liz and MSA readers, I sincerely apologize for the length… this struck a personal chord and I just felt a bit disappointed at the shade and needed to get that off my chest. Thanks for understanding.

They could go more seasonal by sports seasons… though realistically, to appeal to a wider demo, they would want to center around individual fitness/workouts… perhaps a little activity range/variety in areas like weightlifting, running, hiking, water/snow wear, etc… But I think for it to take off and last, the kicker is going to be value, since guys can get their sportswear so much cheaper and accessible than having to order online. By nature they aren’t typically patient for something that isn’t a real guys guy priority… for example, I can’t see my husband saying “Ugh, when is my Fab gonna get here?!?! *insert frustrated impatient pout here* I really want to wear my new work out outfit to Thursday’s cross fit session, dang it!” I’m pretty sure he’d grab a comic book tee, tear off the sleeves and grab his “lucky” favorite college lacrosse shorts and be good to go. LOL (Disclaimer: if for some freakish blue moon reason, my hubby ever does have a “why isn’t my box here yet!?!” style/fashion related mini meltdown, I will be the first to excessively roll my eyeballs until my head aches, while simply shaking my head and giving him that ‘Really?!’ staredown.)
Also, in lieu of prints, I’m guessing they’ll do a minimal approach color range and focus on breathable, move free kind of cuts. Basically the same thing mens fitness wear has been doing everywhere else. I think the cost is the big issue here. Because realistically, my household already spends enough there monthly, so my worry would be that in budgeting terms, would I have to order less Fabletics to compensate for his F2, for it to make sense. If they somehow did a promotion, like to encourage wives and girlfriends who are purchasers to be able to get pieces for their guy at a special exclusive price with their Fabletics order or points, that would be cool. Like get a guys workout top for $10 with your purchase of a women’s workout top of $30, or something… that would be a game changer. 😉 /tj