Fitness studios with out of shape instructors

[Anonymous]

I totally agree OP. I’d find that demotivating, too. Can’t believe the harpies on this thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I totally agree OP. I’d find that demotivating, too. Can’t believe the harpies on this thread.

Then you lack the same critical thinking skills as OP.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I find that in-shape trainers are better than out of shape trainers. They understand how to push past when you hit a wall and can talk you through it in a way that people who aren't fit just can't. If they can't talk themselves into superior fitness, they can't talk me into it either.

[Anonymous]

Kind of like going to a hairdresser with dull, unstyled hair.

[Anonymous]

It’s depressing, if unsurprising, how many people conflate low body fat and fitness. Also, genetics and diet.

[Anonymous]

I feel like trainers needs to walk the talk or else clients won't really take them seriously.

[Anonymous]

OP I know an instructor like this. You are being judgmental without knowing the full picture. Some women struggle with PCOS and other things that make it difficult to be super thin and conform to the male-created/defined image of female fitness.

[Anonymous]

I think it more depends for me on if they can do what I expect of a fitness instructor. If they can keep up the energy and the intensity themselves, then I am good. I only enjoy fitness classes where the instructor also does the workout with the class. I don't go to classes where they talk at you but don't do the workout. So if the instructor is 15 lbs overweight but can keep up a high intensity class with high energy while giving instructions then they have met my expectations. If they do one of each exercise then stop - not good.

I don't care about their body shape as long as they have the fitness level to be the best in the class.

[Anonymous]

I think for some people, having some one who models or has the same experience is importnat - for others it is just that they have the knowledge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am on a weight loss journey and belong to a barre studio where there are lots of different and not ideal shapes, myself included. They recently hired an instructor who belongs to that category - not obese but no visible muscle tone and probably 15 lbs overweight. I’m trying to be understanding because I’m not in amazing shape myself, but it is so demotivating working out with an instructor who I have zero interest in looking like. It sucks because she took over several time slots that work best for my schedule. Am I just a horrible person or does anyone else feel like this?

Yes

[Anonymous]

How do you know this instructor didn’t just have a baby working the last year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally, I find that in-shape trainers are better than out of shape trainers. They understand how to push past when you hit a wall and can talk you through it in a way that people who aren't fit just can't. If they can't talk themselves into superior fitness, they can't talk me into it either.

Body shape does not equal being in shape. Bodies come in all shapes. Fitness is different than body shape. Repeat to yourself until you get it.

[Anonymous]

I feel the same way OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally, I find that in-shape trainers are better than out of shape trainers. They understand how to push past when you hit a wall and can talk you through it in a way that people who aren't fit just can't. If they can't talk themselves into superior fitness, they can't talk me into it either.

Your mistake is equating "in shape" with "BMI of 17." Also I've encountered plenty of crappy, skinny instructors; and plenty of good instructors with non-traditional body types. I mean, take a look at pro NBA and NFL coaches - they're not exactly all in top shape.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it more depends for me on if they can do what I expect of a fitness instructor. If they can keep up the energy and the intensity themselves, then I am good. I only enjoy fitness classes where the instructor also does the workout with the class. I don't go to classes where they talk at you but don't do the workout. So if the instructor is 15 lbs overweight but can keep up a high intensity class with high energy while giving instructions then they have met my expectations. If they do one of each exercise then stop - not good.

I don't care about their body shape as long as they have the fitness level to be the best in the class.

Really? I don't care if they keep up with the class. I expect instructors to be observing the class and correcting form, not getting their own workouts.