WAUWATOSA — The Anytime Fitness trainer who created an "I can't breathe" workout has been placed on leave and his employment is under review.
The news of the leave came one day after a viral image began to circulate that showed a whiteboard describing the "I Can't Breathe" workout. Underneath the workout, the whiteboard read "...and don't you dare lay down."
Gym goers were furious with the workout. One user even shared the photo on Reddit saying "Boycott Anytime Fitness."
According to Anytime Fitness, the Wauwatosa franchise owner has taken full responsibility and placed the trainer who created the workout on leave. The trainer's employment status is under review.
Additionally, the owner and his entire staff have volunteered to be the first to undergo the anti-racism training that Anytime Fitness announced last week.
In announcing the trainers leave, Anytime Fitness also took the time to apologize once again for the Wauwatosa gym's actions.
They said, "regardless of their original intent, the actions of the Wauwatosa location were offensive, insensitive, and inconsistent with our brand values. We understand the deep hurt that this gym’s actions have caused for many of our members, and we truly apologize that this happened."
