"Lightweight Challenge"

My gym offered a "Lightweight Challenge", which involved taking 18 classes between Nov. 26 and Dec 22 and losing a pound by Dec 22. That equals 4.5 classes a week, and the incentive included a party today, a free raffle and a T-shirt.

I actually completed the 18 classes, lost 2 pounds, and was so proud of myself.I worked really really hard, and asked my husband to swing by there on our way to run errands so I could pick up my T-shirt. Keep in mind I'm a big girl--shirt size for me is XXL (women's 18).

So I get there, and all the shirts (Men's and Ladies') are Small, Medium or Large. I was among the first people to get there, so I'm sure that they didn't just run out. I KNOW I'm not the only bigger person who did the challenge, and I'm so insulted. I felt so embarrassed and ashamed.

I started to walk away, changed my mind and grabbed a Large ladies' tank. I figured I earned it, whether it fit or not. I felt like they assumed bigger people couldn't do that many classes. I got in the van and cried. I'm trying to figure out if there's a way to add some extra panels in at the sides--it's just a basic black tank with the Gold's Gym logo on the front. So some black panels on the side might work, if I can figure it out. . . .

Anyways. I don't even really want to go back there right now. I was pissy and dh asked this afternoon if I wanted to go work out and he'd watch the kids. No thanks. Why would I want to go back there????

 I decided to email a letter. Here's what I wrote:

"I was very disappointed in the 'Biggest Lightweight' challenge. I worked very hard to attend all 18 classes and lose some weight. I recognize that the weight loss is truly the ultimate goal. But I was so excited about earning a T-shirt. I went out of my way to arrive on time for the party today and celebrate. I felt disappointed, insulted and ashamed when I went to get a T-shirt and you had only ordered sizes Small, Medium and Large. I am full figured, and require at least a XXL. I sorted through both the ladies' and men's shirts. I felt as if Gold's Gym had decided that big people could not possibly complete the challenge. I was in tears as I left, extremely embarrassed and ashamed of my size. I am reluctant to return now, feeling that I am being judged because of weight. What should have been a day for me to be proud of my hard work turned into a day of shame regarding my plus size. I feel an apology and a shirt is in order for those of us (I certainly am not the only plus-sized person who participated in the challenge) who were excluded today. "