Overweight Fitness Instructor - thoughts?

lockhartkitchen

Go for it! I'm so tired of seeing unrealistic skinny women in all our commercials from stretch mark creams, to weight loss items. You could be a real inspiration to someone just starting out. This would also be a stepping-stone for your weight loss too.

Angela4Health

I think it is a wonderful idea. Go for it!

time2runnn

I would TOTALLY sign up for your class in a beat! It would give me hope and you would be so inspiring to all your students! GO FOR IT!

JDMPWR

I will be the first to say it. I look at fitness as I look at a chef. As the saying goes never trust a skinny Chef and I kind of feel the same way about a fitness trainer. I wouldn't feel motivated by someone that is not in a good to great physical shape because I would feel that they dont care enough about themselves to stay fit why would they care about their students/clients.

Just my point of view. Not saying you can't do it or wouldn't be good at it. That's just how my mind reacts. It's kind of like the actions speak louder then words....so in that case make all the nay sayers eat crow by showing them you can be that person!!!!

smilebhappy

I agree with everyone else! Having an instructor who is going through the same thing I am would be a little more encouraging, I think. Sort of like "we are doing this together"! Good luck on your weighloss journey, though in whatever you decide!

I say Go for it!!!!
If I lived close to you I'd def be taking your class.
Zumba is a great workout.......go & have fun w/it :flowerforyou:

Kirstie_C26

GO FOR IT HON xxxx

MinnieInMaine

Go for it!!

I went to a fitness conference in Boston a little while ago and the Zumba instructor for the sample class was kind of chunky - or what some people might call "thick". It definitely takes the intimidation factor away - people think "if she can do it, why can't I?". And if you can encourage more people to exercise, why not?!

Good luck!

FunRun08

as an in progress fitness instructor I say go for it. People have told me that they like me because I am not intimidating. They see me tugging my 2 kids to the Y and having bad days and they know that fitness is something I have to work at just like them. No offense but you dont get that feeling from a super skiney 20 year old.

Seeing your progress will inspire your class.

♥_Ellybean_♥

I think it has a lot to do with your personality and your drive - you have to remember you have to keep your energy up for the whole class (no stopping to take a breath) and if you can do that I don't see why you would not go for it.. we have a couple chubby instructors in our gym as well.

chelekaz

I think that you should go for it! A REAL woman instructor is awesome. I would certainly feel less self conscious and you will show that anybody can do it as long as they have a will to do it.

And... what a ROLE MODEL you would be!

bkthomas2004

I thinks its a wonderful idea. It would be such a joy to take a class with a 'real' person who connects with their class and enjoys what they're doing vs some overly muscular intimidating person that you feel is judging you or only wants your money. I'd sign up for your class. I hope you do it. Best of luck to you!

fteale

I don't think fitness instructors need to be super thin. They need to be fit, not skeletal.

n00dlez

Seriously... I think you should do it! who cares about "skinny", "fluffy" whatever... just as long as you are having a good time the class will have a good time! I would have gone more and would have felt less intimidated I know that for sure!

LJSpady

Right on! There's nothing wrong with a "chuncky" fitness instructor! My water aerobics instructor is overweight, and she does an amazing job!

EDesq

My gym has been offering Zumba classes and has had a strong interest, I just finally made it to one and had a BLAST! Only to find out that the instructor is no longer going to be doing it. I thought, huh, I should do it - said it out loud kind of as a what if, but, a lot of people since have expressed a strong interest in my doing so. I said I would do it when I finally "got skinny" but many people have expressed that they don't care that I'm not. I have a very outgoing personality and I completely have the stamina for it - I workout pretty intensely quite often, and think I would be fine in that regard. I also think it would help me reach my fitness goals as well...I have several people behind me that said they'd absolutely come if I taught it, and it sounds as if the owner of the fitness center would be behind it too...I'm just slightly self concious about being a chunky "fitness" instructor. Then again, as someone pointed out, it may draw in more people because they would be less intimidated.

Thoughts?

I think it would be GREAT to see a fitness instructor who is fit but somewhat overweight, and see her lose weight as the classes go on...it would be very encouraging and motivational. You may have some problem with those, "EVIL Skinny Types." So, I guess it is important what fitness level you would be teaching. Any rate, You will do just fine!

heathersmilez

I don't like when fitness instructors are chunky, it's not motivating at all (my spin class teacher is but it's the only class I like so I deal with it) but you have the support so our opinion doesn't matter.

Brandie0502

Go for it! The instructor in the class I go to isnt obese but isnt super skinny either - she is "average" size. There are pics up in the studio of her before zumba & getting certified and she has lost a ton of weight, and looks great. I find it inspiring & think others probably do as well.

jamie78

Girl I say go for it! You got this!!!

Jill_Clemmons

There are a few overweight fitness instructors at the local YMCA, and while most of the people in their class are not overweight, I know it can be less intimidating for the participants that are overweight. So I'd say go for it!

Improvised

Just do it.

Becs25

My Zumba instructor is overweight or at least doesn't have the best body but she has soooo much energy and we have so much fun and when I wear my HRM I am burning 400 to 600 calories and that is what it is all about. Just keep everyone moving. Good luck to you. You'll do great!!!

godroxmysox

DO IT!!!!!!!

DianaPowerUp

Most the instructors at our gym are really super fit, which to me, gives me the impression that they know what they are doing, practice what they preach, etc. That is kinda what I expect from their appearance. One day, we had a sub, and this girl was probably a good 30-40 lbs overweight. I thought, "Seriously? She is going to teach ME how to exercise and get me sweating?" Well, I have to say, that was one of the most intense, best workouts I have had for a loooong time.

I don't know why she is so overweight. Maybe she is still on her journey. But she rocks as an instructor. And I'll never think that again when another plump instructor comes through the door. I say, GO FOR IT! If you're good at what you do, your class will love you, no matter what size you are!

SSawney

I say go for it you have the backing just do it and see how you like being an instructor

jocelynrinear

I use to teach Zumba and I feel I am definitely not skinny. I had so may people come up to me and say they decided to try my class because I did not look like a Barbie Doll. For teaching Zumba it is all about the positive energy you convey to the class, knowing the steps and having fun!
I think you should do it. Please let me know how it goes. I am there for you girl!

BigBoneSista

Think you should go for it. Over-weight doesn't mean you are out of shape. If you have the stamia then do it!

K8egrl22

I think it would be a great motivator to those that want to try the class but, feel they hav eto be "skinny" to join in. I love going to classes that have instructors who are working on themselves as well as working out a class! I feel they put more energy into the class because they want a good burn too. If it's something you would enjoy doing I say go for it! Don't wait until your "skinny"! This could be a great way to inspire others!

torregro

Years ago, an instructor at my local gym came back after her baby was born to resume teaching classes. This was in the 80's when typical gym workout attire for women often included shiny tights, a thong leotard and a belt (headband and leg warmers optional). I saw her the first day back and thought she was pretty brave to be wearing that outfit given the amount of "jiggly parts" she had going on...me....I'd have been in a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt at best. BUT! As the weeks went by, she kept showing up to teach class, and her "jiggly parts" started firming up and her weight decreased, which for me at least was a huge confirmation that what she was teaching was worthwhile.

That's a long way of saying............be an example, not an excuse. Go for it!

jenomaha

I went to the Zumba Convention in Orlando last year which hosted thousands of Zumba instructors from around the world!! Name a shape, size and color and they had that type of instructor! As far as Zumba goes, it's all about the passion and what's in your heart. If you put your heart and energy into it, the students will love you. Even here in my city, we have such a variety of instructors which is the beauty of Zumba. If it is something you are striving for, ABSOULUTELY DO IT!!! I did and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has totally changed my life for the better!! Good luck and please let me know if you have any questions regarding getting licensed!!

Peace, love and Zumba!!

edorice

Go for it!