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Anytime Fitness Apologizes For 'I Can't Breathe' Workout Mocking George Floyd's Death

The gym chain's Milwaukee location created the insulting class.

An international gym chain is being forced to apologize after one of its locations created an insulting workout mocking the death of George Floyd.

Anytime Fitness, which has 4000 gyms in 50 countries, is under fire after a Milwaukee, Wisconsin location advertised an "I Can't Breathe" workout featuring burpees and a rowing machine. The sign board showed a picture of a kneeling man, and the caption on the bottom read, "...and don't you dare lay down."

Twitter user @cashewcruise posted about the offensive session on June 10. "Really concerned that @AnytimeFitness finds mocking the death of George Floyd appropriate. racism is alive in Wauwatosa #Milwaukee," the Twitter user wrote:

After the post sparked outrage, Anytime Fitness issued an apology. "No matter the intent, we absolutely do not condone the words, illustrations or actions this represents," a statement read. "To our employees, owners and members, we are truly and profoundly sorry that this incident occurred."

Jen Dunnington, the co-owner and general manager of the Wauwatosa location, apologized on Facebook for "how deeply offensive our words, illustrations and actions have been." Dunnington could not be reached on Wednesday.

Anytime Fitness went on to say that it realizes it still has work to do in training franchise owners to "lead with empathy, love and respect" and will use this incident to show other franchise owners why it's offensive.

"We remain committed to working to inform and educate employees and owners worldwide to stand for our black communities including our members and employees," the statement read.

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