"Large" fitness instructors

Anonymous
no one can see the results.


But I'd like to think there are a lot of people who exercise so they can feel the results.

Not saying other people aren't free to exercise for the external reasons, just that I think doing something entirely for yourself is great.
Anonymous
I had a yoga teacher who was definitely chunkier than other exercise instructors I'd seen. She was one of the 2-3 best fitness instructors I have EVER had. She was bendy in ways that a very muscular person probably could never be. I feel like yoga is a discipline that maybe you don't have to be super-skinny to be accepted.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I definitely would because I don't think skinny automatically equals healthy. And as others have said, it's more inspiring and relatable to me. I'd rather feel strong and healthy after my workout and if a trainer can give that to me, then I'm in.


I only find it inspiring and relatable if the person USED to be fat, not if they still ARE fat. Not very motivating if a fat ass is telling me to move my fat ass.

Again, big difference between muscular (think soccer player) and fat (think jennifer hudson prior to WW).

Anyways, I see a PT at my gym who is very fit. Seems like the fit ones have a full client schedule and the fatter ones are always filling their time cleaning the treadmills and loitering around the desk area.
Anonymous
I actually think it is a poor reflection on the gym to hire a fat trainer. I'm not talking muscular, I'm talking fat. I agree that people who might appear overweight could be stocky, muscular, and very fit. I am not talking about those people. I'm talking about people who look like they need a trainer themselves.
Anonymous
Wow, a lot of weight bias here. Just wow. Do you assume that overweight people are incompetent in general?
Anonymous
I had that bias and probably still do (against fat, not muscular), but I have taken classes with one instructor who was probably chunky (not obese), and it was a seriously tough workout, so I guess I'd say I'm a little more open minded.
Anonymous
I personally don't go to a trainer or instructor for diet advice. I look for someone who's knowledgeable about form and technique and can challenge me. I've had quite a few instructors who are fit, but "bigger" and slightly overweight and many of them have been excellent. I've gotten some really tough workouts from people that you wouldn't think, from seeing them on the street, that they would be good instructors. I haven't seen any strict correlation between the trainer's body type/weight and the effectiveness of their instruction. So, given my personal experience, I don't reject a trainer based on how they look.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Wow, a lot of weight bias here. Just wow. Do you assume that overweight people are incompetent in general?


Naw, but maybe just a bit lazy and lacking of self-control.

However, we are also talking about THE FITNESS INDUSTRY. No on is asking if you would or would not hire a fat babysitter. When you are selling body image, for most buyers, they expecting the salesperson to use the product.
Anonymous
Naw, but maybe just a bit lazy and lacking of self-control.


Oh, good. I was reading and thought maybe you were going to be judgmental. I can't imagine why.

However, we are also talking about THE FITNESS INDUSTRY. No on is asking if you would or would not hire a fat babysitter. When you are selling body image, for most buyers, they expecting the salesperson to use the product.


And if I were interested in exercise for image purposes, I might feel the same way. But some people think fitness instructors are there to provide instruction in fitness.
Anonymous
If I needed to see a dermatologist for acne, I would question one's ability to help me if they had bad skin. Same goes for diet...I wouldn't seek the advice of a nutritionist if they were overweight. I just don't see myself getting fitness advice from someone who isn't fit.
Anonymous
I just don't see myself getting fitness advice from someone who isn't fit.


You can be fit AND "overweight" -- see triathlete above.
Anonymous
You can be fit AND "overweight" -- see triathlete above.

The people you are describing might technically be overweight but as mentioned repeatedly, there is a difference between a stocky/muscular frame and those who are simply fat. I am the poster who mentioned the obese instructor at the gym. This woman is not muscular, she is obese. She may have some muscles in there but they are hidden by her three stomaches that hang out of her tops. I may not be seeking nutrition advice from this person but I am going for advice on fitness regimes that help tone. Clearly this is not working for her.
Anonymous
Semi-related, but I always got a kick out of seeing doctors on hospital grounds on their smoking breaks. No thank you.
zumbamama
Member Offline
If the instructor is fun and gives me a good workout, I would take the class no matter what his or her size. In fact I've taken a dance class from a full figured instructor. She was so good I stole tons of her moves.

I know several large fitness instructors who are very capable of leading a good class. I've also auditioned many slim instructors that are not. So I imagine that directors would hire the instructor that can give the best class, and if it's the heavier instructor, so be it. That person may be midway in their own fitness goals - they may have already lost 100 pounds and decided to become an instructor with 50 or more to go.

Larger instructors can also be motivating, comforting and less intimidating to people who are just beginning their path toward fitness.

I know a large spin instructor who gives kick ass workouts, but for some reason she stays overweight. But, I still don't judge. She may have some thyroid problem or be on some kind of med that causes weight gain. Regardless, her class still rocks and she's maintained her high attendance for years.

Anonymous
The BEST football couches are nowhere near the physical prowess of their team. Same with basketball, tennis, gymnastics etc
In fact, same goes in most teaching professions. The best anatomy teacher--the one who taught your doctor what s/he knows--is not the one cutting people open at Hopkins.
TEACHING is a skill.
Just because the trainer can't resist oreos doesn't mean s/he doesn't know how to make you strong and fit.
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