Overweight fitness instructors
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I've considered getting certified to teach Zumba because so many plus size friends tell me they would love to try, but they are intimidated by a skinny trainer. And I'm one of the best in my class even though I'm usually one of the largest! One friend jokes that "when I see skinny people at the gym, I feel bad about myself. I want to tell them, go home, you've made it! Let me get there, too!" The reality is feeling intimidated about your size and fitness level is a huge barrier to starting to exercise. So, if I see a larger instructor, it is inspiring to me. If he/she has enough stamina and experience to lead the class, it makes me feel inspired. If they can do it, so can I!
Those people are not intimidated. They're envious. People who are intimidated don't want to tell someone "go home, you've made it" and certainly wouldn't feel like their progress is being blocked by that person being at the gym with the "let me get there too". If you're looking at someone's body and want them to go home until you look like they do, that is envy. You want what they have. If you feel better about yourself when you're with people whom you think don't look good, what does that say about you and what you think of the people around you?
(General use of you, not directed at anyone specific)
People who are intimidated, cover up more, don't dance as hard, hide in the back or the side of the room. They don't wish the fit people would leave. They're worried about being giggled at and judged. They're worried about what people think of them.0 -
What if these trainers have medical issues that prevent them from losing weight easily? PCOS, thyroid, etc? You never know what is going on in a person's life.
Exactly. And as others have mentioned, you never know if this person used to be a lot heavier and successfully lost weight. I work at a facility where there are a variety of shapes and sizes in the members and also instructors. People want a good workout. They want a motivating and inspiring instructor. Appearance helps but it's not everything. I've been surprised before when taking classes from a larger instructor who taught a killer class.
If an instructor had lost a lot of weight, especially through their program, wouldn't they advertise the hell out of that? That just screams "look at how effective this program is" and would surely draw more positive attention to the class.0 -
I can certainly understand why someone would be hesitant to take a class or get instruction that isn't what we believe is fit. But different disciplines of weightlifting and fitness have different physiques. I would look at the individual for the results they get. Some people have their own challenges, i.e medical issues, injuries etc. But the bottom line is do you feel comfortable with the plan the instructor puts forward and has the instructor gotten the results you are seeking in the past?0
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Even just the title on this thread makes me laugh. Therefore, yeah, I'd avoid that class. When I think about why; I'd rather have somebody that I could see being EXPERIENCED in that type of exercise to TEACH me how to correctly do it.
I feel like the term "overweight fitness instructor" is quite an oxymoron...
Well now it seems like you've quite contradicted yourself. You state that you want someone who is experienced and who can teach you correctly how to do something. What if the slightly overweight instructor has a ton of experience and is very knowledgeable in what they are doing? What if the instructor was on the thin side with no muscles but again, had knowledge and knew what they were talking about? Would you still not go to them based purely on looks?
On the flip side a person who is super buff and "looks the part" could have zero knowledge on what to do. Believe me I know instructors who are fit that know squat about what they are teaching.
So really, you can't judge a book by its cover.
I'm trying to see it your way. Really, excellent points. But be it shallow or naive; I still think it would deter me. I just want someone who looks as capable as they are. Horrible, I know.
I have yet to read the boxing page... Maybe it will convince me.
not picking on you but when one is young, they are immature, naive, and short-sided. They are also in the best shape of their life and driven more by looks than anything. More realistic views on life gathered through education, life's experiences, etc is gathered and views are changed when you are older. So these are simply your views now, lets wait and see what they are 10 years from now.0 -
well said @Marycmeadows, well said!! I couldn't agree more.
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Not always the truth though. We HAD a cycling instructor who was a little over weight and then started to lose weight. When asked what program she was on, she stated an "MLM" program. Next thing you know, all this advertisement for product was being slung around the gym. She had to be let go, due to numerous members complaining.If an instructor had lost a lot of weight, especially through their program, wouldn't they advertise the hell out of that? That just screams "look at how effective this program is" and would surely draw more positive attention to the class.
And those "in the know" people knew she just lost weight by consuming less calories and NOT because of the MLM program she was on and promoting.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
A moderately overweight instructor? A group exercise class? I might raise an eyebrow, but I'd give them a fair chance because their responsibility is to lead the class in a fun, challenging workout, not to counsel individuals on diet or how to lose weight.
I probably wouldn't trust an overweight personal trainer though, as their responsibilities usually include more of a weight loss and nutrition scope, and how can you follow their advice if either a) they're not taking their own advice, or b) it's not working for them?
I agree with this. When I started with my personal trainer, people would ask me if he was in shape. It took me by surprise and my answer was "Should a trust a trainer that doesn't look like they are in shape?" All of the trainers that have worked at the gym I go to look like they are in great shape. But then, I look at myself, I am definitely not thin, I am in the overweight category, but I can do a lot more in the gym that some of the people that look like they are in better shape than me. My diet just isn't what it should be. Working on that harder now.0 -
Not always the truth though. We HAD a cycling instructor who was a little over weight and then started to lose weight. When asked what program she was on, she stated an "MLM" program. Next thing you know, all this advertisement for product was being slung around the gym. She had to be let go, due to numerous members complaining.If an instructor had lost a lot of weight, especially through their program, wouldn't they advertise the hell out of that? That just screams "look at how effective this program is" and would surely draw more positive attention to the class.
And those "in the know" people knew she just lost weight by consuming less calories and NOT because of the MLM program she was on and promoting.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
My fault, I meant whatever workout program they were teaching, not a crazy meal program. Like if an instructor lost a bunch of weight teaching Zumba or PiYo or whatever, I would think they would advertise that and say "look how awesome this workout is and what it did for me" kind of thing.0 -
Actually the skinny doctor who has never struggled with their weight and who don't understand the challenges are some of the worst at counseling patients on weight loss. My previous Doc was like that totally clueless when it came to weight management. Just didn't get it.0
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I have only read half of these comments, some are discouraging. I teach a zumba class once a week (yes I get paid) and I'm 50 pounds overweight. I have an average of 10 people in my class and they love me. We all get a great workout. I do feel self-conscious though and wish I was thinner. Honestly I only exercise sometimes that one time a week, this is just a side job.0
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I have only read half of these comments, some are discouraging. I teach a zumba class once a week (yes I get paid) and I'm 50 pounds overweight. I have an average of 10 people in my class and they love me. We all get a great workout. I do feel self-conscious though and wish I was thinner. Honestly I only exercise sometimes that one time a week, this is just a side job.
don't feel discouraged. Read the other replies, many people say it doesn't matter 0 -
If I were only to rely on my "look" and not my knowledge to instruct, I might be an unemployed trainer/instructor according to some of the detractors on here. Luckily I get endorsed all the time by people who get RESULTS from my instruction and not because "eye candy" is a better gauge for some to select who is the better trainer.
Experience means a lot which is why many coaches and instructors of practically any sport DON'T resemble what they looked like in their 20's, yet have GREAT capability of teaching and instructing those to become the best that they can be.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Look at from this angle:
-If your out of shape taking a class form a beefoid or barbie doll that doesn't resemble and average person can be off putting.
-A lot of men and women would be more comfortable with someone of a more average stature and size. They want to look at the instructor and say ya I can realistically see myself getting there.
If the instructor was morbidly obese that could be an issue but I think it would help to have a body shape the client might realistically be able to achieve.0 -
It makes no difference to me. I have met many overweight fitness instructors who have superior endurance and strength compared to me, so I learn from them.
Very much this ^ ^ ^
My water aerobics instructor is a bit overweight and she is a great instructor. She teaches 4 classes a day, 3 days a week (an hour each class) and teaches private swimming lessons. She also had a hip replaced and was back to teaching within 6 weeks.0 -
One thing I will say: A fitness instructor SHOULD be able to perform whatever movement they are teaching. If not, it may be hard for followers to envision the correct form to be done.Look at from this angle:
-If your out of shape taking a class form a beefoid or barbie doll that doesn't resemble and average person can be off putting.
-A lot of men and women would be more comfortable with someone of a more average stature and size. They want to look at the instructor and say ya I can realistically see myself getting there.
If the instructor was morbidly obese that could be an issue but I think it would help to have a body shape the client might realistically be able to achieve.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
As a personal trainer and group fitness instructor I can offer this: I am currently about 20lbs overweight. Not due to eating or my workout but due to medicine I was placed on by my doctor. Fortunately I am now off but the weight is slow to come off. So I may not look super lean or ripped but mentally I know how to bring a good workout to my clients and classes. I understand their struggles more now than ever. I am taking my weight off slowly and in a healthy fashion and hope I can show them through my own personal journey that it is possible to reach their goals. But it can be hurtful when I see people judging me at the gym. I just remind myself they do not know my medical history and my struggle.0
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I thought I was at the MFP boards. So according to this thread only those with a normal BMI should be allowed to give advice. Point taken.
I could never think less of someone because of their weight. I never want to be that kind of person.0 -
This has been an interesting and eye opening topic. Never really thought about why the instructor might be in the condition they are and I guess if they are good enough for the gym to utilize they are good enough to give a chance. Like I posted eariler, either intentional or untentionally, in my mind the bar would be set higher for them to reach than a fit looking instructor. I don't mean to offend, but that's how my mind works. Just like if my nutritionist was over weight I probably wouldn't buy in 100% to her advice.
The OP ask if you would be turned off by an unfit looking instructor, not if they can do the job. I won't say I would be turned off to a class, but to be perfectly honest I would be skeptical going into it. But, one thing we all know is that looks can be deceiving. For all the old guys remember the Chicago Bear Refrigerator Perry? Yes, kids the name fit he was huge. He could jump up on a 44" tall table without taking a step.0 -
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Just read this article and it make me think of this thread:
http://www.dailylife.com.au/health-and-fitness/im-fat-and-im-an-athlete-you-shouldnt-be-surprised-20140916-3fuhj.html0 -
I "teach" a Zumba class now and then and I'm a good 30 pounds over my goal weight. I also have lost over 40 and kept it off for about 6 years. I live in a teeny town and my class is offered for free through the school district's Adult Education program. There is no one coming to my class that expects to see a stick girl teaching my class. We are all just there to shake our hineys and have some fun.
BUT, if I had to charge for my class or depend on teaching for my income, I would definitely feel the pressure to be in better shape and at a smaller size. "For fun" and "for pay" are big differences. I am paying my $30/mth for my Zumba membership and choreo DVDs and I would probably feel a little ripped off if the instructors on my videos were lardbutts and not dancing at full-on intensity.
To each their own.
I'm sad that someone who lost 40 lbs would call another another overweight person a lardbutt. I'm about at the half-weight mark (230 lbs vs. 117.5 lbs) and when I first started losing weight made a very conscious decision to never forget.
That was just in fun. I've been overweight my whole life. I would never make fun of someone else for being in the same boat. I wasn't calling anyone a lardbutt and never would. I said "if" they were. Hey. I'm nearly obese in my BMI and not one to point fingers or call names. It was supposed to be in jest. I admit I'm a little warped, but usually in the self-deprecating manor. I tell my friends I shop in the "fat lady section". It isn't a blow to anyone else. Just my own way of being silly. I (heart) overweight fitness instructors. And firemen. And teachers...0 -
Most of the personal trainers I see at my gym are pretty much ripped. My own trainer is ripped and has been asked to compete in fitness competitions. However, there is one female trainer I see there all the time who is a bit overweight. She's got kind of a big build to start with, but she definitely has some excess fat in addition to her muscles. When I first saw her, I was surprised, then I figured that she may have started out much heavier, then worked very hard to get fit and knowledgeable enough to be a trainer.
As far as class teachers, the yoga teachers I've seen are petite, lean, and flexible. The Zumba teachers vary; some are very fit and have figures I envy, but there is one who is just what I'd call average. She's a mom in her 40s, she's a very good teacher. She just doesn't look like what some might expect a fitness instructor to look like.0 -
Most of the personal trainers I see at my gym are pretty much ripped. My own trainer is ripped and has been asked to compete in fitness competitions. However, there is one female trainer I see there all the time who is a bit overweight. She's got kind of a big build to start with, but she definitely has some excess fat in addition to her muscles. When I first saw her, I was surprised, then I figured that she may have started out much heavier, then worked very hard to get fit and knowledgeable enough to be a trainer.
As far as class teachers, the yoga teachers I've seen are petite, lean, and flexible. The Zumba teachers vary; some are very fit and have figures I envy, but there is one who is just what I'd call average. She's a mom in her 40s, she's a very good teacher. She just doesn't look like what some might expect a fitness instructor to look like.
Hahaha....I had posted my point of view on this early on in this conversation...
Sorry for quoting this post, I don't mean to pick on you or your post, but it's perfect to show again, how silly it can be to judge a trainer by his/her body fat....IMHO...
To all those, who remember the vivid debates on MFP about how 'you can't build lean muscle, unless you eat at surplus':
If all the ripped fitness instructors suddenly decide to compete in a heavier weight class, are you going to dump them for putting on some serious mass?
Do you think, Phil Heath is building and maintaining muscle out of thin air? Not likely.... You going to recognize competitors, that you've seen on pics, in the gym during off season? Not likely....
The heavy lady instructor could be competing in physique or bodybuilding...or powerlifting...who knows, just ask.... Only few trainers I know, will actually do their own workouts alongside their customers. They do their workouts at different times, and probably at a much higher level than most of us. Want to know, if they have a clue about lifting? Come in early and watch them train.....
And then look at them again 2 weeks out from their competition....proceed with caution, though....at this time, they'll be much bigger, lean, mean, and hungry.....lol0 -
Opting out of a class because the instructor is overweight means you are projecting your own fitness insecurities onto another person without having any idea whether or not they share your goals. Not everybody strives to be thin. Believe it or not, some people prize strength, agility, and endurance more than a lower body weight.There is a lot more to fitness than size.0
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Funnily enough I was getting ready for a class at my local gym last night and I overheard two women being given the gym 'tour' to see if they wanted to join. They were explaining to the guy showing them around that they were leaving their last gym because the lady who's classes they took had gotten "too thin" and proceeded to show him photos of her on their phones. The weight debate clearly swings both ways.0
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Personally I would like it. As many have said here, it doesn't equate to them being a bad instructor.
Anyway, don't they say a chef never cooks at home?0 -
when i was an undergrad i used to go to the spinning classes pretty regular at my university's gym. the instructor who kicked *kitten* the most and gave me the best workout was legitimately overweight. although, i think she had been even more so, and had actually lost some from her highest weight.
nevertheless, she definitely led the hardest classes.0 -
doesnt bother me. as long as they can do and teach the workout properly. you'd be surprised how overweight you can be and still be completely awesome at a workout. i'm still categorized as obese for another 10 kg (22 lbs) and i can run for 30 mins without stopping to walk. i never even thought that it was possible for someone as obese as me to do that until i did it. dont judge a book by its cover!0
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This thread is pretty discouraging. I'm getting ready to start studying for my ACE test (personal training) and I'm currently still overweight. However, I was once 80 lbs heavier, I've committed to a healthier lifestyle and my habits and coping skills are BY FAR better than they were 5 years ago. I've run a marathon, 4 half marathons and I can lift.
It makes me really sad that I feel like I'd have to give my entire history in order for someone to give me a chance. I'm human just like everyone else. I'm not perfect. I deal with binge and emotional eating and depression. If anything, I think it makes be BETTER equipped to work with certain types of people. I believe in people feeling strong and capable -- no matter where they are starting.
^^ Love this!
I must admit, I was a little biased before heading into my gym and being instructed by a slightly overweight lady. She teaches Pump (and Step too apparently) and MAN is she knowledgeable and really caring towards her students! I did a Pump class with her today and she took the time to make sure all participants had the correct form and technique to reduce injury. Upon asking her questions before and after, she's always given me great advice and really known her stuff. As well as this, her endurance is amazing and I really look up to her because of what she can do. She's really inspiring! I've found her to be even more motivational and helpful than some 'thin' instructors, because she really takes the time to get to know you and form connections within the group and truly teach you.0 -
I swim at a pool and one of the lifeguards is 80 pounds overweight easy.
Swimming laps is the EASIEST way to lose weight, and the guard is fat.
It might have been an equal opportunity deal. The county didn't want to discriminate against fat people.
But, seriously, sitting around watching people losing weight and getting into shape by swimming laps, you would think she would get a clue.
Just to point out a lifeguard isn't a swim/fitness instructor. Also I used to lifeguard and there is nothing that put me off swimming casually more, it was so difficult to go to a pool and switch off and just swim I was constantly alert it was exhausting.
Some of these instructors have come through a crappy personal journey themselves so dismissing their knowledge and training because they don't 'look the part' is pretty hurtful and arrogant. However, if I felt that I couldn't learn from them because as someone else said I couldn't see the move or form correctly then I would have a problem, aside from that I don't care what they look like.0
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