Chubby Trainers & Nutrionists

I could not agree more! It's a profession where image is everything. Most personal trainers have to "sell themselves", and it would be tough to do that when you don't look fit. I had a trainer approach me at the gym asking me what my goal was. I really didn't realize she was a trainer - I thought she was a fellow (chubby) member looking for a work-out buddy. I almost asked her what her goal was until I saw her name tag. I certainly wasn't in any position to pay someone who looks worse than me (and I am admittedly in terrible shape and quite chubby myself) to tell me how to look "better". I already know how to look like THAT, I'm living it. It's an industry where you need to lead by example. So, I'm sure I will also get beat up for my comments, but I am a "chubby" person myself, and I also would expect a "fitness professional" to actually be "fit" and walk-the-walk.

My initial knee jerk reaction agrees with you. I would never higher a personal trainer that looks like my "before" photo (when I was 235). As for a nutritionist who looks unhealthy, if they appear "chuuby" I hope it's because they are in the process of losing weight and perhaps havent hit their goal weight.

If the trainer/nutritionist is male and overweight, then I would only work with that person if they are in the process of returning to their normal weight (they could have recently recovered from an injury that prevented him from working out for 5-8 months). Perhaps he is finishing his bulking cycle and will soon be cutting? If female, I would subtly find out if they recently had children (within the last year or two).

I wouldn't hire a trainer/nutritionist who doesn't practice what they preach. I also wouldn't visit a doctor who smokes. Working with a trainer is about trust and finding one that is the right fit. If that trainer isn't the right fit, there are plenty of other trainers to choose from. In the end, it's your money. Spend it on a person who you trust.

Logically, sure, I know a trainer could be overweight and still have just as much (or more) experience in the field than one who was in shape, as their own habits have no direct link to the lessons they've learned. But... I'd still pass. On some level, it would be annoying to have someone in worse shape than me telling me how to get in shape.

All hail the grammar czar!

No. In her defense, I'm a grammar Nazi. And I totally butchered that post on the first pass. I would have made fun of me too.

Wow! Do I detect a note of humility here? I'm impressed!

I have to admit... I would have the same doubts. I'm trying to better my health. I would question how well someone can help me do that if they looked like they needed to better their's as well. But, that's probably not the best way to think of things. I guess it's human nature to question them.

I definitely think it's strange when I see it.
I remember in college, our president of the student athletic association was 500+lbs and had to be assisted up the stairs to give a speech on athletics and how important it was to the school and health, etc.
Nobody could take that seriously. With all due respect, he could have said all the right things, but nobody would have taken it to heart.

nice, an English lesson from a pair of feet.

I have to admit I feel the same way. I don't want to take advice or pay someone for their skill when they haven't mastered it for themself.

Honestly, it would make me want to know a little more about their background, for example were they once bigger than they are now and have improved dramatically?

But that being said, I would find it MUCH easier to relate to relate to a chubby trainer/nutritionist than someone who looks like they've never struggled a day in their life with their weight. When a chubby person says, "look, this is where I came from" I can look at their progress and believe it is possible for me. But a skinny minnie who has never known what it feels like to be bigger doesn't make an impression on me because I can't look at them and believe a transformation is possible for me.

This is a good point, too. I've had trainers/coaches on both ends of the spectrum, and, frankly, I've had more success with the ones who've been where I am.

I agree. Practice what you preach.

Plus not to be shallow or anything, but if I had a personal trainer they would either have to have a body I aspire to have... Or a body I would lust over.

I’m sure that the overweight or chubby-sized nutritionist has all of the educational background and credentials necessary to help people with their diet, as with an overweight trainer helping with exercise, but does it even matter if what they are trying to help others accomplish, they cannot accomplish for themselves? Yes it does! Seriously, would you trust a broke financial advisor with your money, or would you go to a dentist that has bad teeth? More than likely, you would not!

I agree with you. Now I do have to start by saying that I am 40lbs overweight and am still working on it. However, if personal trainer is to be considered a "health professional" and is trying to represent themselves properly, I feel that they either need to have a fit look to them or they need to be improving on their look if they are "chubby". I do know of some who lost a lot of weight and became trainers and continued to lose weight and become more fit. I think that is fine, but if they don't practice what they preach it would be hard to take them serious while they told you what to do.

My workout partner and I always talk about it since there is a gal at our gym that is probably 80-100lbs over weight and almost always is training someone that looks like THEY should be training her! To me it would be like if your financial adviser had gone bankrupt last year and you knew it but still decided to let him/her handle your money. Doesn't make sense, does it?

Wow! Do I detect a note of humility here? I'm impressed!

I'm too awesome to be humble.

I knew you were gonna say that. LOL

I don't know their journey.

I don't know if they have lost 100lbs to this point.

No, it doesn't bother me.

Thank you for saying that - that is EXACTLY what I was thinking.. people that KNOW me, know I have lost almost 80 lbs.. but do people who don't see me as that fat chick trying to run?? Or the fat chick giving nutrition and exercise tips (something I do for my friends and family members who ask what im doing).. and that' the problem with judging a book by its cover.. you dont REALLY know the back story so you may be really missing out assuming they are unqualified. Perhaps ask questions before judging by appearances.