Overweight gym staff
Replies
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I am a sport coach and I battle my weight. I was teaching kids and adults about training and weight control but I was 50lb overweight.
I believe I was setting a bad example and that the young ones wouldn't listen as much. I've since dropped 35lb and don't know anymore info, just believe people like the original poster may have more confidence listening to me0 -
I am a sport coach and I battle my weight. I was teaching kids and adults about training and weight control but I was 50lb overweight.
I believe I was setting a bad example and that the young ones wouldn't listen as much. I've since dropped 35lb and don't know anymore info, just believe people like the original poster may have more confidence listening to me
The OP and your reasoning is based on logical fallacy.
Just because a person may not be as slim as some gym members expect them to be, that doesn't mean that there is something inherently wrong with the personal trainer or with his or her advice. Personal trainers are human too. They have health problems and other things going on in their life, that is nobody else's business.
If somebody doesn't want to listen to a personal trainer just because he or she doesn't meet some shallow expectation of a member, then the member has the problem, in my option.
What is important is whether or not the personal trainer is punctual, caring, motivating, helpful, and giving sound advice to the client. That is the bottom line.0 -
I think the far larger problem is the gym staff handing out bad advice. My mom is one of those people who never remembers to stop payments for contracts she has, so she gifted me about $1000 in training at the gym I go to because she was never going to use it, but forgot to stop the contract (or she was conned into a very long contract, not sure which). It's sat in my account for years because I've seen the trainers at my gym and how they teach beginners. They constantly instruct with bad form for squats and show people things which look downright dangerous. Some are not necessarily bad form, but are incomplete range of motion, so not necessarily harmful, but not as effective as the movement could be. I have no faith in them, so I continue to follow a tried and true program with occasional form checks here. And the credit continues to sit. I wish I could convert it to pay for gym dues, but apparently they are technically different companies or some such thing. Stupid LA fitness...0
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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.
We know that life happens. This may be the case in 5% or so of the situations but we know it's not the usual case,0 -
Charliecatesq wrote: »I dunno, if my PT weighed more than me but could lift 3 times as much as i could then i don't think id give much of a crap. I want to aim for something that is attainable, incredibly lean, fit instructors aren't promoting an atheistic or level of fitness i can achieve. Someone who's a bit soft around the middle but can run three miles and squat my body weight is far more inspiring.
This is my feeling also. A couple of the water aerobics instructors at my pool are overweight but they are great instructors; licensed as lifeguards and in First Aid and CPR; and can out swim many of the regular swimmers with perfect form. They also are like me: a bit doughy in the middle but very active and very fit.
Yes, if you are looking for someone to inspire you to become a "hardbody", it helps if they have already attained that too. The best gyms are those that anyone will feel comfortable in, and having a variety of body types in their instructors, trainers, etc. will encourage people with different body types to join. An obese trainer is a different story, but I have no problem with one who is overweight.
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I think the far larger problem is the gym staff handing out bad advice. My mom is one of those people who never remembers to stop payments for contracts she has, so she gifted me about $1000 in training at the gym I go to because she was never going to use it, but forgot to stop the contract (or she was conned into a very long contract, not sure which). It's sat in my account for years because I've seen the trainers at my gym and how they teach beginners. They constantly instruct with bad form for squats and show people things which look downright dangerous. Some are not necessarily bad form, but are incomplete range of motion, so not necessarily harmful, but not as effective as the movement could be. I have no faith in them, so I continue to follow a tried and true program with occasional form checks here. And the credit continues to sit. I wish I could convert it to pay for gym dues, but apparently they are technically different companies or some such thing. Stupid LA fitness...
LA Fitness is EXACTLY the chain of gyms that I had my one, and only PT instructor from. And I wouldn't rate it either.0 -
I'm just throwing out there that the comparison between medical staff and gym staff is most likely false. Medical staff has years of training for stupefying hours.
Gym workers...get hired by a gym. I'm pretty sure you can get hired sans Degree.
A chubby nutritionist or doctor at least has that degree as proof that they learned something about the topic they are practicing. I don't need to see their bodies or habits, I need to see their degrees.
Gym workers? I dunno. Do they have advanced degrees in health or sports medicine or nutrition? If I ask to see their resume before I hire them what will I see? Their physical body might be the only evidence I have that this guy knows what he's talking about.
Does anybody know what advanced education (if any) is required to be hired by, and give advice at, a gym?0 -
I think the far larger problem is the gym staff handing out bad advice. My mom is one of those people who never remembers to stop payments for contracts she has, so she gifted me about $1000 in training at the gym I go to because she was never going to use it, but forgot to stop the contract (or she was conned into a very long contract, not sure which). It's sat in my account for years because I've seen the trainers at my gym and how they teach beginners. They constantly instruct with bad form for squats and show people things which look downright dangerous. Some are not necessarily bad form, but are incomplete range of motion, so not necessarily harmful, but not as effective as the movement could be. I have no faith in them, so I continue to follow a tried and true program with occasional form checks here. And the credit continues to sit. I wish I could convert it to pay for gym dues, but apparently they are technically different companies or some such thing. Stupid LA fitness...
I belonged to an LA Fitness for about a year. I observed their trainers and was not impressed with them. That LA Fitness paid their yoga teachers the lowest rate I'd ever heard of - perhaps they also pay their trainers so low they are only able to employee brand new trainers.
Given an inexperienced, fit trainer and an experienced, obese trainer, I'd take neither. Those are not the only choices available to me.
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Pinnacle_IAO wrote: »
Like you, I don't mean to sound unkind, but....fitfor30th wrote: »I don't want to be mean or rude, but it is bugging me. One gym I go to a lot of the staff are quite a lot overweight (and not losing). They walk around with 'Health Maker' on the back of their T-shirts and it bugs me. They also give out bad advice. I heard one of them telling a lady the other day she shouldn't aim to get big muscles, just do low reps on the weight machines.
Actually I've heard this a lot lately, in a Bodypump class I go to, the instructor keeps saying 'this will get you stronger, not bigger!' Well I actually want my muscles to get bigger, as then I will burn more calories and be more toned!
Rant over.
NO THANKS!
I have zero interest in gym staff who can't translate their knowledge into success. For example...and these are actual business people I know personally...- a financial "adviser" who filed for bankruptcy...
- a psychologist specializing in "marriage counseling" who cheated on his wife...WITH A PATIENT!
- a business "consultant" who failed in business every time he owned a business
- a police officer who steals from his crime scenes
- a real estate agent who can't sell homes
- a "motivational speaker" who attempted suicide...
- a drug rehab counselor who is a drug addict...
Personal trainers and such are much more than just mouthpieces of information or coaches.
I need to know they have the demonstrated ability to connect knowledge with action and discipline to achieve success - not excuses.
*Likes*
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fitfor30th wrote: »I don't want to be mean or rude, but it is bugging me. One gym I go to a lot of the staff are quite a lot overweight (and not losing). They walk around with 'Health Maker' on the back of their T-shirts and it bugs me. They also give out bad advice. I heard one of them telling a lady the other day she shouldn't aim to get big muscles, just do low reps on the weight machines.
Actually I've heard this a lot lately, in a Bodypump class I go to, the instructor keeps saying 'this will get you stronger, not bigger!' Well I actually want my muscles to get bigger, as then I will burn more calories and be more toned!
Rant over.
Am curious about something - how well is the facility maintained? I used to be a full time yoga teacher and have worked in many gyms. FWIW, the gym with the most overweight staff was also the poorest maintained.0 -
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.0 -
fitfor30th wrote: »I don't want to be mean or rude, but it is bugging me. One gym I go to a lot of the staff are quite a lot overweight (and not losing). They walk around with 'Health Maker' on the back of their T-shirts and it bugs me. They also give out bad advice. I heard one of them telling a lady the other day she shouldn't aim to get big muscles, just do low reps on the weight machines.
Actually I've heard this a lot lately, in a Bodypump class I go to, the instructor keeps saying 'this will get you stronger, not bigger!' Well I actually want my muscles to get bigger, as then I will burn more calories and be more toned!
Rant over.
How many gyms to you belong to? If it bothers you, and that's a personal preference, change gyms!
I workout at home now, but when I belonged to a gym, I wasn't there for advice. I was there for the equipment.
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Pinnacle_IAO wrote: »
Like you, I don't mean to sound unkind, but....fitfor30th wrote: »I don't want to be mean or rude, but it is bugging me. One gym I go to a lot of the staff are quite a lot overweight (and not losing). They walk around with 'Health Maker' on the back of their T-shirts and it bugs me. They also give out bad advice. I heard one of them telling a lady the other day she shouldn't aim to get big muscles, just do low reps on the weight machines.
Actually I've heard this a lot lately, in a Bodypump class I go to, the instructor keeps saying 'this will get you stronger, not bigger!' Well I actually want my muscles to get bigger, as then I will burn more calories and be more toned!
Rant over.
NO THANKS!
I have zero interest in gym staff who can't translate their knowledge into success.
Part of my inspiration are the results of others, because if they can achieve something, so too can I.
Personal trainers and such are much more than just mouthpieces of information or coaches.
I need to know they have the demonstrated ability to connect knowledge with action and discipline to achieve success - not excuses.
I think that the point some people are trying to make is that there are different levels of "success" and what is one person's goal may not be another person's. PT's don't need to all look the same way because their clients do not all aspire to look the same way. Personally, I would never go to a PT who has body fat in single digits. That is a level of "success" I have no interest in achieving and I wouldn't feel that that particular PT would have my needs and desires in mind no matter how good of an instructor he/she is.
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Nop, I could care less about their personal appearance, show what you know, show me results.0
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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.
I'm an overweight yoga teacher. sometimes, I get self conscious but despite it all, I know I teach a good class.0 -
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.
I'm an overweight yoga teacher. sometimes, I get self conscious but despite it all, I know I teach a good class.
My last yoga teacher didn't have the "perfect" body, but I certainly didn't care. I don't consider weight loss to be a primary goal of yoga.0 -
To me this rant is an observation at a gym, so yes it matters. They aren't looking for a pt they are observing. Many make snap judgments in all aspects of life, as pointed out many times.
Now if they were searching for a pt, I am sure they would do more research on them and make the judgment from that.
Any business wants to put the best foot forward to gain more customers... so usually in a gym setting it is healthy fit looking people. But it still is the choice of the owner who to hire.
As someone else posted, there is a difference in the duties of the employees so then appearance wouldn't effect them.
comparing a pt to a doctor is incorrect, the rant is about observation with no time to research.
I would be concerned with hearing them give out incorrect information, no matter what they look like. Then I would mention it to the owner/manager.
imo0 -
Good Point!Pinnacle_IAO wrote: »
Like you, I don't mean to sound unkind, but....fitfor30th wrote: »I don't want to be mean or rude, but it is bugging me. One gym I go to a lot of the staff are quite a lot overweight (and not losing). They walk around with 'Health Maker' on the back of their T-shirts and it bugs me. They also give out bad advice. I heard one of them telling a lady the other day she shouldn't aim to get big muscles, just do low reps on the weight machines.
Actually I've heard this a lot lately, in a Bodypump class I go to, the instructor keeps saying 'this will get you stronger, not bigger!' Well I actually want my muscles to get bigger, as then I will burn more calories and be more toned!
Rant over.
NO THANKS!
I have zero interest in gym staff who can't translate their knowledge into success.
Part of my inspiration are the results of others, because if they can achieve something, so too can I.
Personal trainers and such are much more than just mouthpieces of information or coaches.
I need to know they have the demonstrated ability to connect knowledge with action and discipline to achieve success - not excuses.
I think that the point some people are trying to make is that there are different levels of "success" and what is one person's goal may not be another person's. PT's don't need to all look the same way because their clients do not all aspire to look the same way. Personally, I would never go to a PT who has body fat in single digits. That is a level of "success" I have no interest in achieving and I wouldn't feel that that particular PT would have my needs and desires in mind no matter how good of an instructor he/she is.
When I hire anybody, I need to know they're applying their knowledge in their own lives.
My personal trainer is Sam, and he's everything I want to be when it comes to fitness related goals.
In addition to living what he preaches, Sam is competent, patient and very educated. He also has a good record of success working with others who have affected positive changes under his guidance.
This is what I look for when I hire a personal trainer.
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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.
I'm an overweight yoga teacher. sometimes, I get self conscious but despite it all, I know I teach a good class.
My last yoga teacher didn't have the "perfect" body, but I certainly didn't care. I don't consider weight loss to be a primary goal of yoga.
no but fitness frequesntly is which some people judge by weight0 -
To be honest, someone elses weight is none of your business. You don't know their back story. You are choosing to let something bother you that is none of your business.
I agree with this as to who is at the front desk, or folding gym towels, or a non-trainer, non-advice giving employee.Nope I agree
Gym staff as in the ones who staff the actual gym and prepare programmes and train others in how to use the equipment should be in shape, particularly if they have to dress in stupid slogan bearing t-shirts
Other people who staff gyms, whose jobs are not specific to training others, it doesn't matter ...receptionists, lifeguards, food, managers etc
This as to trainers and who give out weight lifting advise.
Our trainers at the gym are all fit and most of them come across as knowing what they are talking about. Many of them use the MFP tools too, especially the food and exercise diary.0 -
I follow the same process whenever I hire someone - trust, but verify.Pinnacle_IAO wrote: »
Good Point!Pinnacle_IAO wrote: »
Like you, I don't mean to sound unkind, but....fitfor30th wrote: »I don't want to be mean or rude, but it is bugging me. One gym I go to a lot of the staff are quite a lot overweight (and not losing). They walk around with 'Health Maker' on the back of their T-shirts and it bugs me. They also give out bad advice. I heard one of them telling a lady the other day she shouldn't aim to get big muscles, just do low reps on the weight machines.
Actually I've heard this a lot lately, in a Bodypump class I go to, the instructor keeps saying 'this will get you stronger, not bigger!' Well I actually want my muscles to get bigger, as then I will burn more calories and be more toned!
Rant over.
NO THANKS!
I have zero interest in gym staff who can't translate their knowledge into success.
Part of my inspiration are the results of others, because if they can achieve something, so too can I.
Personal trainers and such are much more than just mouthpieces of information or coaches.
I need to know they have the demonstrated ability to connect knowledge with action and discipline to achieve success - not excuses.
I think that the point some people are trying to make is that there are different levels of "success" and what is one person's goal may not be another person's. PT's don't need to all look the same way because their clients do not all aspire to look the same way. Personally, I would never go to a PT who has body fat in single digits. That is a level of "success" I have no interest in achieving and I wouldn't feel that that particular PT would have my needs and desires in mind no matter how good of an instructor he/she is.
When I hire anybody, I need to know they're applying their knowledge in their own lives.
My personal trainer is Sam, and he's everything I want to be when it comes to fitness related goals.
In addition to living what he preaches, Sam is competent, patient and very educated. He also has a good record of success working with others who have affected positive changes under his guidance.
This is what I look for when I hire a personal trainer.
Personal Training is primarily a sales position. Like every other sales position you aren't selling your product, but selling yourself. For a personal trainer this is even more critical as the showcase product are results, which if they can't produce, then why would you purchase their product?
I review certifications, resume, conduct an interview, take a trial session, etc. To each their own, but I work hard for my money and like to see a good return regardless of the investment.0 -
Maybe I missed it, but did OP confirm if he's talking about gym staff (non-trainers) or actual trainers? Also, unless we're talking about someone who is very obviously overweight/obese, not everyone has the same perception when it comes to body type and thinness. Someone you think is overweight, I may view as normal.0
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Lmao! You have to appreciate the irony though. I guess it's a "those who can't do, teach" situation. I don't go to a gym.^_^fitfor30th wrote: »One gym I go to a lot of the staff are quite a lot overweight (and not losing). They walk around with 'Health Maker' on the back of their T-shirts...0 -
I do understand about the marketing and it is a very valid point. Business is business.
I also have the point do we know what is going on in Lisa the Trainer's life? No not really. Maybe she had a baby six months ago, or two babies! Maybe she hurt her back and now is long term disabled but is still able to work? Of course if someone isn't making the effort and that's their job (to get fit) then it's a very different kettle of fish....but my point is as I punter no one knows unless we speak to them and communicate.
Much like here...
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So education is the problem, not how a PT looks in relation to their skills. Doesn't seem to be what everyone else is arguing about.barbecuesauce wrote: »MondayJune22nd2015 wrote: »
No, not by a long stretch. Maybe when you can become an OBGYN with three weeks of night classes.
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fitfor30th wrote: »I don't want to be mean or rude, but it is bugging me. One gym I go to a lot of the staff are quite a lot overweight (and not losing). They walk around with 'Health Maker' on the back of their T-shirts and it bugs me. They also give out bad advice. I heard one of them telling a lady the other day she shouldn't aim to get big muscles, just do low reps on the weight machines.
Actually I've heard this a lot lately, in a Bodypump class I go to, the instructor keeps saying 'this will get you stronger, not bigger!' Well I actually want my muscles to get bigger, as then I will burn more calories and be more toned!
Rant over.
You may be wrong about them since you haven't talked to these people about your concerns/goals and what they are saying/doing. You feel the way you feel though and there are other gyms or other ways to exercise that may be a better fit for you. You definitely have a choice not to go to that gym or that class if you really feel the staff/instructors are not going to be helpful to you achieving your goals.
I don't go to a gym. I don't know what my comfort level with the staff's appearance would be. If they seemed physically incapable of doing the exercises they are telling me to do then I might not feel very confident about their knowledge either.
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What about doctors and nurses then? Do they have to be in shape to give you advice?
If their advice is correct it shouldn't matter what they look like, just because they don't follow the advice themselves doesn't mean the advice is of any better or poorer quality.
The only change is that you perceive them to be stupid because they are fatter than your acceptable standard.
atypicalsmith - you would change gym? Why on Earth? Just choose a different trainer or ignore it. Jeez, some people.
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Maybe I missed it, but did OP confirm if he's talking about gym staff (non-trainers) or actual trainers? Also, unless we're talking about someone who is very obviously overweight/obese, not everyone has the same perception when it comes to body type and thinness. Someone you think is overweight, I may view as normal.
The OP is talking about Gym Staff/Gym Advisors...not Personal Trainers (so the thread kind of went slightly off topic there.)
On the previous page, the OP confirms the staff are Obese.
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Pinnacle_IAO wrote: »
Good Point!Pinnacle_IAO wrote: »
Like you, I don't mean to sound unkind, but....fitfor30th wrote: »I don't want to be mean or rude, but it is bugging me. One gym I go to a lot of the staff are quite a lot overweight (and not losing). They walk around with 'Health Maker' on the back of their T-shirts and it bugs me. They also give out bad advice. I heard one of them telling a lady the other day she shouldn't aim to get big muscles, just do low reps on the weight machines.
Actually I've heard this a lot lately, in a Bodypump class I go to, the instructor keeps saying 'this will get you stronger, not bigger!' Well I actually want my muscles to get bigger, as then I will burn more calories and be more toned!
Rant over.
NO THANKS!
I have zero interest in gym staff who can't translate their knowledge into success.
Part of my inspiration are the results of others, because if they can achieve something, so too can I.
Personal trainers and such are much more than just mouthpieces of information or coaches.
I need to know they have the demonstrated ability to connect knowledge with action and discipline to achieve success - not excuses.
I think that the point some people are trying to make is that there are different levels of "success" and what is one person's goal may not be another person's. PT's don't need to all look the same way because their clients do not all aspire to look the same way. Personally, I would never go to a PT who has body fat in single digits. That is a level of "success" I have no interest in achieving and I wouldn't feel that that particular PT would have my needs and desires in mind no matter how good of an instructor he/she is.
When I hire anybody, I need to know they're applying their knowledge in their own lives.
My personal trainer is Sam, and he's everything I want to be when it comes to fitness related goals.
In addition to living what he preaches, Sam is competent, patient and very educated. He also has a good record of success working with others who have affected positive changes under his guidance.
This is what I look for when I hire a personal trainer.
Agreed. Knowledge, experience, and setting a good example are great criteria to have. Exactly how those criteria are interpreted will depend on the client and what they aspire to.
One of the substitute instructors for my water aerobics is what I aspire to. She is 78 years old and still very fit. I want to be like her when I grow up. Yes, she has a bit of a belly pooch but she is at the age where sagging and pooching is common and flat abs are not the most important thing.
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I haven't read all the responses yet but gym is for fitness. Everyone can work on fitness right? They are big or obese because mainly of their diet which is nothing to do with using equipment, etc. I understand where you are coming from for sure but would appreciate larger "active/fit" people in gyms than only thin fit people.0
This discussion has been closed.
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