Not your Average Fitness Instructor

The only time I have a problem with an instructor is if they are not putting in as much work as they require of the audience. So as long as you can push them and keep up, go for it! Good luck!

As long as you're working hard leading the class and are a good motivator, I say go for it. I think it would be inspiring to see someone leading class who isn't your classic stick thin/muscled trainer type. Good Luck!

The only time I have a problem with an instructor is if they are not putting in as much work as they require of the audience. So as long as you can push them and keep up, go for it! Good luck!

Agreed. As long as you're putting in as much work (if not more) than the "students," I think it's great! Plus, I personally get tired of the super fit, skinny instructors... I mean, I'm sure they work hard to get/stay that way, but sometimes... Those folks never had to deal with truly being overweight. And if they don't "get it," then I don't value their advice/motivation nearly as much.

You are there to instruct and motivate the people. I think most of non fit and flabby would actually prefer someone who isn't genetically perfect. Sometimes the super healthy and fit all their life types don't understand that we are not all 6 foot tall and enjoy soya shakes.

If you can cycle across Africa then that should be more inspiring to someone than a gym bunny.

I take two fitness classes; one taught by a super skinny girl and one taught by a girl twice my size.

They are both in MUCH better shape than I am, and are equally nice/sweet. However, I find it more motivating to follow the bigger girl. Don't ask me why, but I know I work harder for her than I do for the skinny girl!! It's just proving you don't have to be a twig to do the workout.

I say go for it.

I'm really interested in becoming a fitness instructor part time, purely because I get such a buzz from high energy classes and know I could lead a class no problem - anyway, I have the opportunity to do my 'Spinning Instructor' Course next month.

HOWEVER..... I am not the average 'fitness instructor' material. I'm 5ft nothing, with short legs and medium build - not skinny in the slightest. However I know I am fit, training at least 4 times a week and also in training for a 400km cycle across Kenya next year.

So... honest opinions please.... know some people out there will be 'you should just follow your dream'.... but honest opinons please.... would you be happy at an aerobics class taught by someone not super-skinny and long legged?

Thanks

I have a sister who didn't make to 5 ft. until the end of her junior year in high school (I'm 5' 7"). She was on the track team in junior high and believe it or not, she ran the HIGH hurdles! She was dedicated, she was fast and by golly, she could clear them! I've always found her zeal and fearlessness to be an inspiration - I'd take a class from an instructor like that any day!

I personal train, part time. I'm more involved with weight training then say circuit training, however, personally, I have found that when I'm 'bulking' or 'off-season', I tend to get more clients, because I visually appear bigger - people perceive the additional size as me practising what I preach (most of my clients look to put on muscle). When I am skinnier, or out of shape, no one really wants to know.

Now, I may get flamed for this BUT I DO believe image has a big part to play, having been involved in the fitness community for such a long time. We are all guilty of snap judgements and some people will want someone who looks the part. Obviously, this doesn't apply to everyone but it can effect your client base, sure.

I hope it works out for you! I do my PT after work and on weekends and I love it.