Overweight gym staff

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Replies

  • yopeeps025
    yopeeps025 Posts: 8,680 Member
    yopeeps025 wrote: »
    yopeeps025 wrote: »
    Some of the comments have been that you care more about whether they give good advice rather than whether they are fit. Let's talk about that... if I know whether the advice I'm receiving is good advice or bad advice, then why am I paying for it?! If I am an expert on the topic, I wouldn't hire a personal trainer. I would only hire someone for expertise that I don't have myself.

    I'm an accountant, so I do my own taxes. But I take my pets to the vet when they are sick because I'm not a vet. When the vet suggests medicines and such, I don't usually know whether it is good advice or not. I just have to rely on trust - because I don't have the expertise the vet has. The best proof that a personal trainer can be effective is that they are fit. For a lot of professions which require specific knowledge, it isn't as obvious whether they really know the right stuff or not... so we have to trust them. When it comes to fitness experts, though, it is much simpler to know if they can be effective based on the results they exhibit in themselves. Their advice may be good or bad, and I would have no clue because if I'm paying for their help, I shouldn't already know what the right answer will be.

    **Seriously, do you all really spend time and money to see an expert when you already know what to do? I find that hard to believe, but maybe I just value my time and money more than average.

    Women who become pregnant and carry the extra weight can't go to work because they had a baby and people like you would judge that as they would give bad advice?

    What does a trainers body have to do with your goals?

    It has nothing to do with my goals, nor does it need to have anything to do with my goals. None of that is relevant to my point... you are clearly looking at this from a different perspective, though I don't get the impression that you understand the difference between my perspective and yours.

    We have different perspective because I don't care about a trainer practicing what they preach. You do.

    Yes, and it is even deeper than that. I want to see that they took whatever situation they were dealt (maybe they are one of the many people who find it easy to keep a healthy weight, maybe they are like me and find weight loss nearly impossible at times and actually impossible at other times) and were able to customize a plan that worked. The plan they customize for me won't likely be the same plan that worked for them, but I need to see that they can take any situation and figure out a way to make it work - even if weight loss is more difficult for them than for any other person on the planet.... because I'm sure I'm in the top 5% or worse.

    If her only excuse is that she just had a baby, and can't be in shape shortly afterwards, there is no way she will be able to get me in good physical condition because I know my challenges are more difficult to overcome. Not only do I need a trainer who cares enough to keep him/herself in shape (this is where we differ), but they also need to know how. Evidence that they know how should be apparent.

    We differ from the the whole trainer aspect.
  • Bry_Fitness70
    Bry_Fitness70 Posts: 2,480 Member
    thorsmom01 wrote: »
    I find it funny because I've heard lots of people complain about the opposite. I've heard people complain that they are very uncomfortable in a gym where everyone is fit and has perfect looking bodies. They said they feel uncomfortable and feel like they could be judged for not being as fit.
    So this thread struck me as odd because I'm used to hearing complaints about the opposite! I was once asked to hand out flyers and t-shirts at the front door of the gym for an event . my friend works there and asked me for help. as I was greeting people , a lady walked up and then quickly walked away. He asked me to go ask her if she needed help ( he assumed she was searching for a friend or something) so I ran over to her as she was getting into her car and asked why she left and if she needed help . she said, " I'm uncomfortable going inside because everyone looks so fit and I'm over weight "
    I said , well they weren't born this fit and everyone starts somewhere! So come in and join us! She declined and drove away. :(

    I'm guessing that, for most people, there is a happy middle ground. Is expect trainers to be fit, but if they're all made up, perfectly coiffed and dressed in fancy gym wear I'd assume that they don't actually work out! When I read OPs initial post I assumed that these trainers were properly obese. Not a few lbs overweight, but 50, 60, 70lbs overweight. There's a lot of leeway there.

    I would only assess the trainer's appearance in terms of perceived fitness; hairstyle and fashion have nothing to do with their fitness level and wouldn't figure into my analysis.
  • crazyjerseygirl
    crazyjerseygirl Posts: 1,252 Member
    bw_conway wrote: »
    thorsmom01 wrote: »
    I find it funny because I've heard lots of people complain about the opposite. I've heard people complain that they are very uncomfortable in a gym where everyone is fit and has perfect looking bodies. They said they feel uncomfortable and feel like they could be judged for not being as fit.
    So this thread struck me as odd because I'm used to hearing complaints about the opposite! I was once asked to hand out flyers and t-shirts at the front door of the gym for an event . my friend works there and asked me for help. as I was greeting people , a lady walked up and then quickly walked away. He asked me to go ask her if she needed help ( he assumed she was searching for a friend or something) so I ran over to her as she was getting into her car and asked why she left and if she needed help . she said, " I'm uncomfortable going inside because everyone looks so fit and I'm over weight "
    I said , well they weren't born this fit and everyone starts somewhere! So come in and join us! She declined and drove away. :(

    I'm guessing that, for most people, there is a happy middle ground. Is expect trainers to be fit, but if they're all made up, perfectly coiffed and dressed in fancy gym wear I'd assume that they don't actually work out! When I read OPs initial post I assumed that these trainers were properly obese. Not a few lbs overweight, but 50, 60, 70lbs overweight. There's a lot of leeway there.

    I would only assess the trainer's appearance in terms of perceived fitness; hairstyle and fashion have nothing to do with their fitness level and wouldn't figure into my analysis.

    Good for you!
  • conqueringsquidlette
    conqueringsquidlette Posts: 383 Member
    edited August 2015
    I would rather pick a trainer based on the success of their clients more than anything else. Maybe they should all just have references and a portfolio.
  • Blueseraphchaos
    Blueseraphchaos Posts: 843 Member
    Mr_Knight wrote: »
    Mr_Knight wrote: »
    Mr_Knight wrote: »
    If the instructions keep needing to be reposted, the process is broken.

    Some people don't understand how to read the instructions before using. Oh well, it is what it is. Maybe mfp should institute a policy of no posting on the forums until the instructions have been read. Repeatedly.

    The vast majority of people will not read instructions that long.

    Ain't gonna happen.

    A well-designed process would take that into account - repeatedly posting the instructions is (ironically) just more spamming.

    Well, i saw about 20 flags in 2 pages of replies and just couldn't make it through the rest of the pages without a reminder to the flaggers. If it was already posted here, sorry - not trying to spam, although i am not a bot so I'm not sure that qualifies even so. And a well-designed process is exactly what i meant, actually.

    Hey, apologies - wasn't taking a shot at you, but I can see how it could've come across that way.

    Just 'cause it's doomed to failure, doesn't mean the world doesn't need people willing to fit the good fight!

    :drinker:

    I'd be happy with an app that let me see pictures, but broken is broken all around :disappointed:
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    I would rather pick a trainer based on the success of their clients more than anything else. Maybe they should all just have references and a portfolio.

    Good point, but where do you get to see their clients? By recommendation? Btw we werent pointing out what was the best way, just the fact it would be material as to how you might choose a trainer initially.
  • Pinnacle_IAO
    Pinnacle_IAO Posts: 608 Member
    mjwoodcum wrote: »
    Your body is your business card if you are a personal trainer, plain and simple. At least if you want to make any real money doing it. Everyone is so sensitive these days when it comes to "fat shaming". I don't care if you are ACE, NASM, UASE, ABC123, certified. If you look more like you are TCBY certified... you are a disgrace to the profession.

    If you went to a suit tailor and he was wearing a giant baggy suit, would you trust him to take in your suit for you?
    Well said.
    I think it boils down to a human tendency toward lowering the bar. It's no fun admitting that others will judge us on the one area of life where we have near total control: our bodies.
    And this is especially true for those calling themselves "professionals" in the fitness business.
  • Pinnacle_IAO
    Pinnacle_IAO Posts: 608 Member
    edited August 2015
    yopeeps025 wrote: »
    MKEgal wrote: »
    ersacam wrote:
    you perceive them to be stupid because they are fatter than your acceptable standard.
    No, I perceive them to be fat because they're fat.
    So am/was I.
    If they know how to eat healthfully, what an acceptable calorie level is for them, how to maintain a healthy weight,
    etc., why aren't they doing it?
    Do they really not know, or do they not care?
    Ignorant or hypocritical, it doesn't matter much to me.
    If they think it's good advice, they should take it themselves.

    You (usually) can't tell much about someone's IQ just by looking at them.

    .
    msf74 wrote:
    In the absence of a detailed exploration of what the person's qualifications are a fit appearance suggests more strongly that they are able to give better advice ("walking the walk") than someone who doesn't look as good.
    This. Exactly this.

    Not everyone practice what they preach.
    True, and why hire such people?

  • thursdayswoman
    thursdayswoman Posts: 60 Member
    TeeC56 wrote: »
    FunSizedKJ wrote: »
    I understand the idea that if someone isn't following their own advice, it is hard to take them seriously. The logic behind it makes sense.

    But similar to what other's have been saying, you don't know what life circumstances have happened to them. I know you said that they aren't progressing in their own fitness/health journey, but how do you know that? How do you know that maybe at one point, they were extremely fit and qualified to be giving advice, but life happened to them and they got knocked down? One of the trainers at my gym, when judged by these standards, shouldn't be training, but realistically, even though he is still heavier, he also lost around 120 lbs. 120 lbs doesn't come off by accident.

    Why is this such a common train of thought?

    I have neither the time nor the inclination to give consideration to the life situation of every person I see or even meet. Why should anyone?

    If I see an obese trainer in a gym, I will note the discrepancy between his/her profession and their body weight, and give them not a single thought more.

    I do not care if they have some disease preventing weight loss, I do not Care if they've recently put on weight due to trouble in their home life, etc etc. These are things you care about when you know someone.

    Honestly, folks running around trying to pretend to care about everyone are emotionally exhausting themselves

    You don't have to 'care,' if by 'care' you mean empathize.* But deciding that someone must be bad at their job and that it's okay to treat them differently and poorly because of something about them, is actually a form of 'caring.' You're making a judgement and changing your behavior because of your perception of them. You are, in fact, acting like you care.

    *I mean, you probably should take time to think about the situations of others, because that's part of basic respect, but you aren't obligated to.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member

    You don't have to 'care,' if by 'care' you mean empathize.* But deciding that someone must be bad at their job and that it's okay to treat them differently and poorly because of something about them, is actually a form of 'caring.' You're making a judgement and changing your behavior because of your perception of them. You are, in fact, acting like you care.

    *I mean, you probably should take time to think about the situations of others, because that's part of basic respect, but you aren't obligated to.

    You missed his point and are reading too much into it. If as he says he doesnt care, then the only way hes treating them differently is by paying more attention to the PTs who meet his requirement. I cant see why he cnat be indifferent or why he should have to spend any time thinking about why the PT is overweight. he will have a choice of several trainers, he decideds his own criteria, si wht shoyld be be bothered about those he chooses not to pick?

    As this thread shows there are plenty of others who will be attracted to or not be put off by a trainer who is seriously overweight.
  • atypicalsmith
    atypicalsmith Posts: 2,742 Member
    karyabc wrote: »
    karyabc wrote: »
    How about taking advice from an alcoholic on how to quit drinking because he or she quit drinking once or twice for a few months, even though they now continue doing so? Is that being judgmental?

    Well I do take advise from my hairdresser who doesn't have like the best hair at all
    The girl who does my nails, she doesn't have the prettiest nails but damn she does a georgeus job
    I follow/like fashion advise from michael kors, you know the guy who only wears black jeans/t shirts
    My aunt; she is therapist and her patients love her, do you think all therapist have this perfect and balanced life?
    Life happens to everyone , if I would choose to live my life with the whole you don't play the part good enough, I would be missing pretty amazing people in my life.
    but hey that is just my personal experience.

    What exactly does "life happens" mean? I see that written here so many times as an excuse as to why they go back to getting overweight. Life happens ALWAYS - otherwise you are dead. While you are alive, you can control stuff like gaining or losing weight, helping others, or planting gardens and giving the fruit of your labors to the poor. Saying "life happens" to justify gaining weight is such a weak excuse.

    Who are those 'they' that you are talking about? what excuse and from who, I dont even know what and where are you coming from, when I said life happens means that we all go through ups and down that just what life is , very interesting that was all the got your atention from my post.. You keep going and living life with your perfect radar and I will keep giving a shot to those lazy people with weak excuses that I guess you are refering

    They are the multitudes of people who say stuff like, "I lost 85 pounds but then life happened and I gained back 105 pounds." If you read the forums often, you will see that the term "life happens" is mentioned frequently as a reason as to why people gain back part, the same, or more weight back. I don't have a perfect radar. I gained nearly 60 pounds but I don't blame it to "life happens" but to "I decided to lose control over what I was eating". Thanks for your spin, though.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member

    They are the multitudes of people who say stuff like, "I lost 85 pounds but then life happened and I gained back 105 pounds." If you read the forums often, you will see that the term "life happens" is mentioned frequently as a reason as to why people gain back part, the same, or more weight back. I don't have a perfect radar. I gained nearly 60 pounds but I don't blame it to "life happens" but to "I decided to lose control over what I was eating". Thanks for your spin, though.

    Perfectly acceptable phrase imo. Life does happen but it cna mean several things, they stop logging and get on enjoying things thereby forgetting about their calorie control, but what happens whne people experience really difficult times such as someone dies, they o through a divorce etc. I hardly think they are bothered about eating more if it helps them survive, we ant all be hard nosed about things, there are more importnat things than food consumption.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    I haven't read the 300 something replies. But if I was presented with an overweight trainer and a fit, ideal weight one, I would choose the latter. Because he obviously practices what he preaches..
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    I hear football defencemen can be pretty big guys. They are also very strong.

    A side benefit living in a city with more jobs than workers is that visual minorities are more likely to be hired in to visible positions like "fitness instructor". I include in this list the heavy, the awkward, the mature, and the unbeautiful. One of my Zumba leaders is plump with uneven teeth. She always shows up with her game face though, ready to go.

    My personal instructor is an RN and though very fit, is not the slimmest employee in the place. Her advice and knowledge is top notch.

    Three cheers for all leaders who charge past our first impressions to prove their competence.
  • BasicGreatGuy
    BasicGreatGuy Posts: 857 Member
    I haven't read the 300 something replies. But if I was presented with an overweight trainer and a fit, ideal weight one, I would choose the latter. Because he obviously practices what he preaches..
    Just because a person looks a certain way, that doesn't necessarily mean that said person practices what he or she preaches. It also doesn't address whether or not said person is qualified, has good references, gives sound advice, is affable and will be of help to you.

    With that in mind, do you still think going by looks alone is wise?
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    I haven't read the 300 something replies. But if I was presented with an overweight trainer and a fit, ideal weight one, I would choose the latter. Because he obviously practices what he preaches..
    Just because a person looks a certain way, that doesn't necessarily mean that said person practices what he or she preaches. It also doesn't address whether or not said person is qualified, has good references, gives sound advice, is affable and will be of help to you.

    With that in mind, do you still think going by looks alone is wise?

    Yes I do.

    If someone is looking for an "ab workout", who are they going to choose to train them. .. The ripped trainer with a 6 pack or the muffin top trainer?
    In this case, personally I do judge a book by it's cover. As wrong or un pc as it may be..
  • azulvioleta6
    azulvioleta6 Posts: 4,195 Member
    bmele0 wrote: »
    People probably judge me when they look at me- probably think they know what I eat and think I don't exercise.

    When they find out I've lost 114 lbs, then their all like- "omg, how did you do it? What's your secret?" *eye roll*

    No, it wouldn't bother me to see bigger people, elderly people, disabled people, etc at the gym teaching others. Any person can be an expert on something and may not be living that example at the time. I would do my own research into things as well, but I don't automatically discount someone's advice based on appearance. That's irrational.

    This sounds pretty familiar.

    BEING fit and LOOKING fit don't necessarily have much to do with each other...especially for those of us who are older, have serious health problems/disabilities, etc.

    Most people who work in gyms don't even hold Bachelor's degrees. I wouldn't ever rely on or pay for their "expertise." If I need real help, I will see a physical therapist or a physician.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    bmele0 wrote: »
    People probably judge me when they look at me- probably think they know what I eat and think I don't exercise.

    When they find out I've lost 114 lbs, then their all like- "omg, how did you do it? What's your secret?" *eye roll*

    No, it wouldn't bother me to see bigger people, elderly people, disabled people, etc at the gym teaching others. Any person can be an expert on something and may not be living that example at the time. I would do my own research into things as well, but I don't automatically discount someone's advice based on appearance. That's irrational.

    This sounds pretty familiar.

    BEING fit and LOOKING fit don't necessarily have much to do with each other...especially for those of us who are older, have serious health problems/disabilities, etc.

    Most people who work in gyms don't even hold Bachelor's degrees. I wouldn't ever rely on or pay for their "expertise." If I need real help, I will see a physical therapist or a physician.

    If I need real help as to how to use gym equipment, achieve perfect form on lifts, achieve mini goals like pull ups them I would consult a professional trainer, who has experience, good references and relevant training and walks the walk every day over a doctor who has a wide general medical knowledge

    I think these are two different topics ..a doctor is not qualified to give the type of advice you go to a trainer for. People who staff commercial gyms probably aren't either

    If my trainer was unable to motivate himself to apply his recommendations to his own body I would see that as a sign that he would be unable to motivate me as well
  • jms5137
    jms5137 Posts: 26 Member
    I didn't really notice whether or not the trainers at my gym were overweight or not, but I do remember seeing trainers let their clients slack off. It was at LA Fitness and I was considering getting a personal trainer, and I just felt that the trainers weren't what I was looking for, especially for the money. I need someone that will push me and not accept me slacking off. I expect a certain intensity level from a personal trainer, but that's my personal preference.
  • NoIdea101NoIdea
    NoIdea101NoIdea Posts: 659 Member
    bmele0 wrote: »
    People probably judge me when they look at me- probably think they know what I eat and think I don't exercise.

    When they find out I've lost 114 lbs, then their all like- "omg, how did you do it? What's your secret?" *eye roll*

    No, it wouldn't bother me to see bigger people, elderly people, disabled people, etc at the gym teaching others. Any person can be an expert on something and may not be living that example at the time. I would do my own research into things as well, but I don't automatically discount someone's advice based on appearance. That's irrational.

    This sounds pretty familiar.

    BEING fit and LOOKING fit don't necessarily have much to do with each other...especially for those of us who are older, have serious health problems/disabilities, etc.

    Most people who work in gyms don't even hold Bachelor's degrees. I wouldn't ever rely on or pay for their "expertise." If I need real help, I will see a physical therapist or a physician.


    Just because you have a piece of paper saying you are qualified to do something doesn't mean you are any good at it. I know many, many people who have Bachelors in different areas, who are very much out-smarted by people who have no qualification in said area. Plus, Bachelor's don't have a time limit on them-you could get it at 21 years old, and not do anything with that knowledge and have lost most of it by 35.
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    jgnatca wrote: »
    I hear football defencemen can be pretty big guys. They are also very strong.

    You can tell the difference between a 6'2" 300 pound football player and a 6'2" 300 pound couch potato.
  • Pinnacle_IAO
    Pinnacle_IAO Posts: 608 Member
    bmele0 wrote: »
    People probably judge me when they look at me- probably think they know what I eat and think I don't exercise.

    When they find out I've lost 114 lbs, then their all like- "omg, how did you do it? What's your secret?" *eye roll*

    No, it wouldn't bother me to see bigger people, elderly people, disabled people, etc at the gym teaching others. Any person can be an expert on something and may not be living that example at the time. I would do my own research into things as well, but I don't automatically discount someone's advice based on appearance. That's irrational.

    This sounds pretty familiar.

    BEING fit and LOOKING fit don't necessarily have much to do with each other...especially for those of us who are older, have serious health problems/disabilities, etc.

    Most people who work in gyms don't even hold Bachelor's degrees. I wouldn't ever rely on or pay for their "expertise." If I need real help, I will see a physical therapist or a physician.
    The above are medical experts trained to address physical issues from a therapeutic, medicinal perspective.
    And they're expensive :*

    A Personal Trainer helps with the following; consider:
    • Fitness Goals
    • Exercise Plan
    • Nutrition Guide
    • Training Advice
    • Motivation
    Professional personal trainers have great value - especially when they have demonstrated the principles of success in their own lives. Success is as contagious as failure. That's why being fit in the fitness business is also important.
  • FireYankee
    FireYankee Posts: 45 Member
    I haven't read the 300 something replies. But if I was presented with an overweight trainer and a fit, ideal weight one, I would choose the latter. Because he obviously practices what he preaches..
    Just because a person looks a certain way, that doesn't necessarily mean that said person practices what he or she preaches. It also doesn't address whether or not said person is qualified, has good references, gives sound advice, is affable and will be of help to you.

    With that in mind, do you still think going by looks alone is wise?

    Yes I do.

    If someone is looking for an "ab workout", who are they going to choose to train them. .. The ripped trainer with a 6 pack or the muffin top trainer?
    In this case, personally I do judge a book by it's cover. As wrong or un pc as it may be..


    BRAVO!!!

    So refreshing to hear someone that doesn't look like Pinnacle_IAO or me say this. At least you won't get the "chauvinist alpha male pig" backlash. HA!
  • WaterBunnie
    WaterBunnie Posts: 1,371 Member
    I haven't read the 300 something replies. But if I was presented with an overweight trainer and a fit, ideal weight one, I would choose the latter. Because he obviously practices what he preaches..
    Just because a person looks a certain way, that doesn't necessarily mean that said person practices what he or she preaches. It also doesn't address whether or not said person is qualified, has good references, gives sound advice, is affable and will be of help to you.

    With that in mind, do you still think going by looks alone is wise?

    Yes I do.

    If someone is looking for an "ab workout", who are they going to choose to train them. .. The ripped trainer with a 6 pack or the muffin top trainer?
    In this case, personally I do judge a book by it's cover. As wrong or un pc as it may be..

    But isn't that just projecting what YOU want for YOUR body on theirs - irrespective of whether that's a look they like for themselves, or can physically maintain/give enough time to for themselves year in year out? Or do you just need someone you can feel inferior to to keep you motivated to aspire to their build?

  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    edited August 2015
    I haven't read the 300 something replies. But if I was presented with an overweight trainer and a fit, ideal weight one, I would choose the latter. Because he obviously practices what he preaches..
    Just because a person looks a certain way, that doesn't necessarily mean that said person practices what he or she preaches. It also doesn't address whether or not said person is qualified, has good references, gives sound advice, is affable and will be of help to you.

    With that in mind, do you still think going by looks alone is wise?

    Yes I do.

    If someone is looking for an "ab workout", who are they going to choose to train them. .. The ripped trainer with a 6 pack or the muffin top trainer?
    In this case, personally I do judge a book by it's cover. As wrong or un pc as it may be..

    But isn't that just projecting what YOU want for YOUR body on theirs - irrespective of whether that's a look they like for themselves, or can physically maintain/give enough time to for themselves year in year out? Or do you just need someone you can feel inferior to to keep you motivated to aspire to their build?

    I have never aspired to my trainers build...but the fact he is clearly in shape and fit is testament to his knowledge and application and I would expect nothing less from someone who is motivating me to push myself harder than I feel is possible to achieve goals I never thought I would

    He is a living embodiment of his own knowledge...why would I trust him if he had a pot belly and double chin? Then it would be just some random fat dude shouting at me :smile:
  • ciacyrus29
    ciacyrus29 Posts: 109 Member
    Where I go I see staff that are physically fit but some who aren't. I've often wondered about it but it they can make fitness fun, give you good advice and encourage you to eat right - then who cares what they look like. Some people don't lose weight the way others do. Look at yourself, did you lose the same way as anyone else here or that you know? No.
    I knew two men, one was a bouncer and the other was a weight lifter. The weight lifter was always telling his clients about bulking up but didn't pay attention to the client he had. He was a sweet man, a big man but sweet. When I first saw him, I said I wanted him as my trainer but after hearing him - I was glad I did get him. I got the bouncer. I thought the bouncer was just a big guy no definition - how could he be a good trainer, but he knew his stuff plus he made me laugh. Although I'm not at that gym anymore, I still keep in touch with him. He is a good resource and I enjoy talking to him. He still makes me laugh.
    Too often we judge people based on the way they look and not on who they are or what they know. If you feel the trainers at your gym aren't giving out great advice, then don't take it. Get into shape and become a trainer yourself if you feel you know better or more.
    I hope you get the body your searching for but just remember, what you see in the mirror may not be what everyone else sees. Don't get so wrapped up in appearance that you forget to see the person.
  • Therealobi1
    Therealobi1 Posts: 3,262 Member
    if i would ever shell out for a personal trainer
    I haven't read the 300 something replies. But if I was presented with an overweight trainer and a fit, ideal weight one, I would choose the latter. Because he obviously practices what he preaches..
    Just because a person looks a certain way, that doesn't necessarily mean that said person practices what he or she preaches. It also doesn't address whether or not said person is qualified, has good references, gives sound advice, is affable and will be of help to you.

    With that in mind, do you still think going by looks alone is wise?

    Yes I do.

    If someone is looking for an "ab workout", who are they going to choose to train them. .. The ripped trainer with a 6 pack or the muffin top trainer?
    In this case, personally I do judge a book by it's cover. As wrong or un pc as it may be..

    But isn't that just projecting what YOU want for YOUR body on theirs - irrespective of whether that's a look they like for themselves, or can physically maintain/give enough time to for themselves year in year out? Or do you just need someone you can feel inferior to to keep you motivated to aspire to their build?

    Personal trainers are not cheap especially a good one. The day I pay for one it would be someone who looks physically fit, and can do what they are expecting me to do and more. Unfortunately thats just the way it is, not projecting, nothing to do with feeling inferior to anyone. Its just trying to get yourself value for money. How am i going to listen to a personal trainer talking about fitness and health when possibly they are not practicing what they preach. And yes i know all sorts could have happened in their personal life that made them then put on weight but still i am not having it.

  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
    edited August 2015
    Hornsby wrote: »
    Could not read all the replies...cause well...8 pages. I have started this exact thread before on these forums as my gym has a few large trainers and a few obese trainers.

    To me, if you are a trainer, your body is your billboard. Your advertisement. If you can't put into effect the things you are going to have me do, then you aren't a trainer I want. Are there outlying circumstances? Sure, but that is a general thought I have.

    Pretty much that.

    Doesn't mean I won't be friends with him/her, I won't judge him/her as a person, etc. But I probably won't be hiring him/her professionally.

    I also wouldn't hire an accountant who couldn't keep current on his/her own tax filings, a contractor whose house is caving in, nor a vocal coach who can't sing.

    I guess I'll go stand over here in the judgey-judgey corner.
  • Therealobi1
    Therealobi1 Posts: 3,262 Member
    p.s in all the gyms i have been to i have never seen overweight staff .
  • Therealobi1
    Therealobi1 Posts: 3,262 Member
    ceoverturf wrote: »
    Hornsby wrote: »
    Could not read all the replies...cause well...8 pages. I have started this exact thread before on these forums as my gym has a few large trainers and a few obese trainers.

    To me, if you are a trainer, your body is your billboard. Your advertisement. If you can't put into effect the things you are going to have me do, then you aren't a trainer I want. Are there outlying circumstances? Sure, but that is a general thought I have.

    Pretty much that.

    Doesn't mean I won't be friends with him/her, I won't judge him/her as a person, etc. But I probably won't be hiring him/her professionally.

    I also wouldn't hire an accountant who couldn't keep current on his/her own tax filings, a contractor whose house is caving in, nor a vocal coach who can't sing.

    I guess I'll go stand over here in the judgey-judgey corner.

    i will stand there with you. lol