George Floyd: Anytime Fitness in the US slammed for 'I can't breathe' workout

Gym-goers were horrified to discover the workout suggestion. Photo / Twitter

A gym has been labelled "disgusting" for advertising an "I can't breathe" workout with a drawing of a black man kneeling.

It is widely known George Floyd told police he couldn't breathe as a Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane knelt on Floyd's neck before he died.

Hundreds took to Twitter to slam the Anytime Fitness gym for the sign in Wisconsin in the US.

@AnytimeFitness a "I Can't Breathe Workout?" That's completely disgusting and beyond reprehensible. If I were you I'd putting out a nationwide statement in the morning, first thing denouncing this. Otherwise, your business will go bankrupt from lack of customers. Wisconsin gym. pic.twitter.com/wLcKY4ePvx

— rangerfan94 (@rsdarnell) June 11, 2020

When the local @AnytimeFitness decides to exploit a man's murder for fitness.
Poor taste pic.twitter.com/e5SAEK68G2

— DoppelBanger (@sarita516) June 10, 2020

The ad showed a 35-minute drill of burpees and rowing exercises.

At the bottom were the words: "And don't you dare lay down."

People on social media claim the sign is mocking the death of George Floyd at the hands of police last month.

The shocking incident sparked Black Lives Matter protests across theworld.

One woman on Twitter said the sign was "unacceptable".

"The franchise needs to be pulled immediately as well as firing that trainer," she said.

"Absolutely disgusting."

Another said it was a "completely irresponsible, tone deaf workout".

Anytime Fitness was forced to apologise over the incident.

The co-founders and brand president of the company, which owns more than 4000 franchises across 50 countries, including Australia and New Zealand, said they were "shocked and devastated" over the sign.

In a separate update they said the trainer had been placed on leave and his employment status was under review.

They said the franchise owner and his staff volunteered to be the first to do anti-racism training the company announced last week.

A statement from Anytime Fitness Co-Founders and Brand President regarding Wauwatosa, WI incident pic.twitter.com/qUmeaeQ5eT

— Anytime Fitness (@AnytimeFitness) June 10, 2020