As the World Tans

Tanning is the most popular topic on the FM blog, even though there’s only been one post on the subject. It’s generated the most comments, most of which support tanning in fitness facilities.

Tanning enthusiasts have been getting some long-awaited public love lately, thanks to Project Runway contestant and admitted “tanorexic” Blayne, E!'s reality show Sunset Tan, and Republican Vice President nominee Sarah Palin, who installed a tanning bed in the Alaska governor’s mansion when she took that office.
*A brief aside: Why are people who tan in excess called “tanorexics”? Doesn’t that term imply that they deny themselves tanning, the way anorexics deny themselves food? Enlighten me in the comments, please.

I happen to agree with FM Senior Editor Anne McDonnell when she says tanning has no place in the fitness industry. But let’s be honest: As long as it’s a viable profit center, some fitness facilities will continue to offer it to members. Just like some will continue to sell dietary supplements, and hire sub-par personal trainers. Without strict and enforceable industry standards, it’s a buyer-beware market — especially for fitness center members.

If the McCain/Palin ticket is victorious in the polls this November, it will mark the first time that a woman takes that office. But there may be another milestone, as well: The White House’s first tanning bed.

Is that a boost for the tanning industry, or what?