A question

firef1y72

I've found I've got a real love of training (specifically with weights) in the gym and am seriously considering and looking in to training as a PT. The thing is I'm not exactly what most people would think of as a trainer, I'm still considerably overweight. But I have lost over 100lb and "only" have around another 40 to lose and I would like to help people who are in the position I was in a year ago, ie 300lb just walking in to a gym for the first time.

So my question is if you were obese/morbidly obese would you use a trainer who was still overweight but who you also knew had started where you are now?

jennybearlv

That would be awesome! As an obese person I've gotta say a trainer who has been where I am would make me much more comfortable.

trigden1991

My only thought would be that if you are targeting yourself to obese/overweight people only, you are disregarding the wider gym population so may struggle with getting enough clients.

TavistockToad

firef1y72 wrote: »

I've found I've got a real love of training (specifically with weights) in the gym and am seriously considering and looking in to training as a PT. The thing is I'm not exactly what most people would think of as a trainer, I'm still considerably overweight. But I have lost over 100lb and "only" have around another 40 to lose and I would like to help people who are in the position I was in a year ago, ie 300lb just walking in to a gym for the first time.

So my question is if you were obese/morbidly obese would you use a trainer who was still overweight but who you also knew had started where you are now?

by the time you have qualified to be a trainer, you probably won't have 40lbs to lose. while it may appeal to some people that you used to be obese, unless you have a before and after printed on your tshirt, people wont know anyway!

thunder1982

I used to have a fat gym instructor, but man she could push you to get a good workout. Some days she attended as client to the class. I was young at the time and did find it funny but respected that she was good at what she did dispite weight.

I once asked a dr about weight management. She wasn't very helpful and I came away feeling worse about myself and the effort I'd made. I don't think she realised how she came across this skinny woman to a fat one. I ended up going backwards shortly after this. And she was quite quick to judge, super surprised to find out I had just completed a 12.5km running event that she herself had a goal to do one day.

I recently saw a nutritionist who was probably slightly overweight. I actually didn't even think about it till later as the advice he gave was constructive and non judgemental. I liked his style.

But if someone was obese, i would probably wonder how good they were really. But assuming I could see they too were making progress I would actually probably find them more relatable.

Anyway I say go for it.

leahkathleen13

Life's too short to be waiting around for the day when you can please everyone. I say go for it now!

Sara1791

Most of the doctors & nurses who have provided me treatment have been overweight & they performed their jobs well. Besides, you will likely lose the last 40 lbs. anyway.

firef1y72

Thanks for the feedback. Although I'm pretty sure I would no longer have 40lb to lose, I will most probably still have the aftereffects of the weight loss, the loose skin etc. I know that even though my own trainer is fantastic he has no idea of some of the issues the morbidly obese face when trying to incorporate exercise in to their lives. Even finding decent workout attire at reasonable prices is a struggle when you're a much larger than average size, let alone the fact that walking on the treadmill for more than a couple of minutes makes you feel like you're dying.

realdealcamille

I would WELCOME it. Because you are a living breathing success story I would probably share more of myself with someone who could relate to what I'm feeling. Especially the self conscious feeling of walking into the gym those first few times.

iofred

firef1y72 wrote: »

So my question is if you were obese/morbidly obese would you use a trainer who was still overweight but who you also knew had started where you are now?

Well, the question is which group you are targeting. Let's face it, if you are a stick-thin PT and very unlikely to ever gain any weight, targeting a group which require weight loss, it is all "theoretical" knowledge, where if you have the experience of having been in the same position, you have much more experience on how to relate, not just with the weight loss, but also the struggles that might come up, because it is not as straight forward as providing them with a training routine and off they go.

curlsintherack

As a trainer yes because your a success and you know how to do it. I know a lady however who has many certifications in the field along with a college degree in exercise science who is 20-30lbs overweight and I would have a hard time taking her seriously.

Having been to the Dr's office with my wife and having the 100+ pound overweight Dr. telling us that we needed to lose weight seemed very hypocritical.

buffalogal42

One of the trainers at my gym is probably overweight. She is only 5 feet tall and a bit chubby looking. But I tell you what - she can push 1,000 lbs on the sled, out cardio pretty much everyone and lift like crazy. She is a form Freak and knows her stuff ... but as she says, she loves food as much as she loves fitness! She is awesome and works very well with people of all shapes and sizes.

BeeerRunner

I think your experience in losing weight would be helpful to anyone that wants to get a PT to lose weight, whether it's 20 lbs or 100+ lbs. The fact that you know the challenges someone faces in losing weight would be very helpful.

The Body Pump Instructor at my gym is overweight, but she's awesome and can handle more weight than most. Some of the male PTs at the gym have taken her class and can't get through the work outs without stopping to take a break. Therefore, if I were to get a PT, I'd pick her any day over the guys who either have too much weight on their bar to get through a workout or can't mentally push themselves to get through the workouts without stopping. She does it while talking and cheering us all on!

rybo

Some would be ok with it, some not at all. If it's what you want to do, give it a whirl and see how it goes.

rainbowbow

I am a personal trainer myself, and i'm currently carrying an extra 10 pounds or so (i'm cutting right now so that shouldn't be an issue much longer). In my experience there is certainly an expectation to be "cut" or as lean as possible as a trainer and my clientele expect that out of me. I think especially women there's a few things they will look for in me and others "toned arms, flat belly/slightly visible abs, round and lifted butt" to name a few.

They look for certain things in me which they hope to achieve for themselves. It's a fine balance of looking "fit" and "lean" without being TOO lean or TOO muscular which can be off-putting to most women who are just starting out.

It's a shame that it is the way it is because I really value people based on their information and knowledge and skill rather than their personal physique, but i think ESPECIALLY for women we are expected to be in prime condition 24/7. I do understand, however, why would someone want to train with me if i can't even train myself or achieve what they hope to achieve? same reason we don't have "average person" models.... we are selling a "dream" we are selling an image that people want to imagine themselves as.


I don't want to get into "sexism" and the like, but i feel like it is a little bit more acceptable for men to be a little overweight or perhaps "past their prime" and still be considered experts in the industry (i'm looking at you mark rippetoe).

I know i've had coaches in gymnastics who were very fit in their day or were bodybuilders, had some sort of injury, etc. and are now "husky" but have still managed to maintain a positive image in this industry. I don't know (please correct me if i'm wrong) and women who've managed to pull that off.


In any case, if it's something you want to do then you should do it. But certainly don't be surprised if you're met with this expectation or negative criticism regarding your own body.


EDIT: P.S. when i say "carrying an extra 10 pounds around" i mean that i am 123lbs and 5'4.

Chieflrg

firef1y72 wrote: »

So my question is if you were obese/morbidly obese would you use a trainer who was still overweight but who you also knew had started where you are now?

All I can say is if I was to use a trainer, I wouldn't choose one on his/her appearance but knowledge.

Many people including trainers deal with health issues that can effect their body weight or aesthetics.

I've seen bad and awesome trainers of all shapes and sizes, if they know their stuff that is all the matters to me.