Ask questions and feel out the answer. Some people are really into certain aspects of fitness, like free weight strength training for example. As in, it is something they believe everyone who is capable should do. Maybe they want to be with someone like-minded, the same way someone interested in politics would find someone who doesn't vote unappealing (maybe). Then again, some dudes just don't like fat chicks. And that's fine too. Either way, they're welcome to have that preference. Just ask and move on.

I'm not one for euphemisms or beating around the bush. Especially in the workplace where it's not helpful for getting shit done. But if someone says they're into fitness to be "nice," that's still noteworthy. Because they don't have to try to spare anyones feelings yet they chose to. If you think it's a thinly veiled attempt at sparing your feelings, and you simply don't like the answer, stop wasting your feelings. There is way more important shit in the world to be upset about.

Yes. It means "no fat chicks." And even "no pleasingly plump chicks." I wish they'd just come out and say that, and be honest about what Shallow Hals they actually are.