Fat Fitness Trainers

I don't mind them 'chunky' (never really noticed) but 'ripped' puts me off a bit. It suggests that the trainer is more concerned with appearance than fitness, which matters to me.

At first I was also skeptical about overweight fitness trainers because I bought into the whole "they have to look perfect" thing. But then I was humbled when I took a low-impact aerobics class with a plus-sized instructor. She had amazing endurance as well as a positive attitude and a good feel for coordinating the moves. I would rather choose an instructor based on their knowledge and care for their clients' well being rather than just how they look.

I respect that some gyms don't hire overweight trainers because it "looks bad", but a lot of overweight instructors are very fit indeed. I go to a yoga class taught by a plus sized woman and she is amazingly flexible and has astounding endurance.

The personal trainers I have seen are not exercising all day but are standing by the equipment encouraging their clients. If you think about it deeply enough it's not what they do for themselves that counts but how they support you in your goals.

On the other hand would I go to a hairdresser with a wonky fringe and greying roots on display? Probably not! So I understand the point of view of gyms who don't hire overweight trainers.

Janice

I like to see trainers that look like normal humans. There's probably an ideal BMI out there that describes this. The best I can describe it is that there's a difference between "ripped", "fit", "healthy", "big-boned", and "obese". I like "healthy". That's what I want to be.

I want them to be like a chissled granite. Make them have less then 7% of body fat.

This is like professors in college who cannot make it in real world.

How can you teach something that yourself cannot do?

Body Fat % has a lot to do with overall calorie intake, not so much with if you can do your job as a trainer. Many fitness trainers that are "fit" or "average" looking are powerhouses inside. If they're ripped, it just means they probably do more cardio and their muscles show through more. And for the record, there are a lot of skinny people out there that can't do even one pushup, so thinness has NOTHING to do with job qualifications.

I like a trainer who is not only competent and personable, but looks like a trainer – fit and energetic. Otherwise it is a bit like going to a fat sloppy doctor who tells you to take better care of yourself and loose some weight. Part of the job is to inspire others to push themselves and achieve more than they could otherwise. Like everything else though, it takes all kinds.

I have just starting programming and training people and I think that trainers should follow a healthy lifestyle and make good decisions with regards to foods and exercise because you are an example for all those people trying to get fit. If you the trainer cant follow a healthy lifestyle then your clients will not think they can do it either. As far and being ripped and perfect I think that your attitude toward health is more important. A skinny traininer who talks about having pizza for breakfast is not an positive example where as someone who works out everyday but has a healthy figuire is someone I would look up to as a trainer. You ahve to look and act healthy.

I'm a writer who'd like to write an article on male versus female trainers. Is one better than the other? If so, why? I'd like to hear your opinions. Don't be bashful! Trainers themselves welcome to respond. My e-mail is bbcpt5@wmconnect.com

I am a personal trainer and I usually train people that are categorized as special populations or extremely obese. I am not ripped but I have between 14 and 15% body fat right now. Usually during the off season I will keep it at that level until january or February then I will drop to single digits.

Am I a better trainer now at 14% or at 9%?

Currently, I am also a coworker with Keith Whitley (major body builder in the 80's and he frequented the cover of magazines and books like "Bigger Muscles In 42 Days By Ellington Darden")

He has a resume of Testimonials that is out of this world and he generally keeps his weight at a Trim 290lbs.

Keith was also a strength and conditioning coach with Jack Del Rio, Head Coach for the Jaquars.

Is he a better trainer now at 48 years of age and 26% Body fat or was he a better trainer back when he was 20 years old and at 5% body fat?

Here is a fact:: - You will not fail at your weight loss program because your trainer is carrying some body fat.

In fact, your trainer may have different health and fitness goals than you do. I personally want to get a bigger and better squat and carrying a little extra body fat will help me reach that goal.

Now -- that being said - If your trainer isn't motivating you to see them each week, you might fail at your weight loss program.

If your trainer isn't experienced or talented enough to effectively train you, or they are overtraining you, you might fail at your program.

Survey their clients results and check out their credentials. That is how you will know if you have a good trainer.

I am an overweight aerobics instructor myself. I am not obese by any means, but I have around 25 pounds to lose. I am in super shape regardless of my "pooch". Please remember that everyone has a story. Mine is that I'm on medication and I am having trouble losing the pregnancy weight that I gained. Ok - does that mean I can't teach a great group exercise class? Also, remember that we overweight instructors and trainers are quite aware of our physique. If we didn't believe we could help others, why would we humiliate ourselves? To those gyms who won't hire overweight trainers or instructors - you may just be missing out on some of the best and knowledgeable trainers. I encourage you to respect your members and clients more by not discriminating against trainers who appear similar to themselves. Also, I have been told my many women that they love my classes because they don't feel intimidated - what a great compliment to me.

I agree with Rae Anne, I have been a trainer for the last 3 years and everyone I have trained complemented me on how challenging, patient and encouraging I am. I am about 25 pounds overweight (lost already 25) and of course I am focused on losing the remaining weight, not only for myself but because I would like to have a success career in personal training, and it is unfortunate that although their are great people that don't worry about appearance, at the same time their are millions more that do. *shrug* Lastly whenever I tell people I am a trainer, the first thing they do is look at my body. They don't realize I workout everyday, eat healthy about 80% of the time, read fitness magazines all day and just freakin' committed to my passion! = ) GO figure!..Any comments?

I've had overweight trainers (male and female) and they were excellent. I wouldn't want a ripped fitness model type trainer, because I know it usually takes a lot of unhealthy behaviors to look like that. I like trainers to look healthy, regardless of size, but not ripped. Whenever I had ripped trainers I found their advice was unrealistic, such as "you need to run for 1h a day everyday to lose body fat" (I have arthritis, and I have a life - if I'm lifting weights that day, I don't have the time or the stamina to do aerobics), and that the "non-model" trainers are much more attentive and knowledgeable.

I'm a personal trainer and group exercise instructor specializing in larger and older adults. I am overfat and have been hired by several gyms to teach a variety of group exercise classes, from boxing (which I competed in for several years) to low-impact aerobics. My weight has never gotten in the way of instructing - verbally or visually. I am now in the process of starting a private training facility which will accomodate one trainer and one client at a time. I am currently determining the viability of such a business. If you feel inclined to comment on what you think, I would readlly appreciate any feedback.

Gina--I think your idea sounds great. Part of why a lot of people don't want a trainer is because they don't want to look like a dork in front of people at the gym. Personally, I think I could use a personal trainer even though I am very fit...some exercises require a very specific form in order for you to do them properly. A trainer can assist you in getting the proper form. So it really isn't about if the trainer is fat at all, as long as they know what they are doing.

Sir,

I am A heavy Weighted man . I want to reduce my weight in proper way .If you help me please Email me my Email id is cse_soumendebnath@yahoomail.com

Trainers should practice what they preach and LOOK THE PART.
I would never hire a average looking trainer. Genetics play a big role on how one's physique develops. So, if you are not genetically gifted, please consider changing careers.

hi i am studying rugby at hartpury college and am fairly fit. I gym at least 4 times a week and run at least 3 times. i would like to ask if anybody can give me a training programme on the following things. 1, weight lose of a overweight person. 2, imporve an overweight persons fitness levels and 3, gain muscle endurance/ bulk for an overweight person. please could you email me as soon as posible on dlc2 at hotmail . co . uk many thanks Luke C

Wow, I realy enjoyed this thread. I am a Personal Trainer and also am overweight. I am a aquatic instructor as well as a certified Personal Trainer. I have a passion for fitness. I always have and having fat on my body after five pregnancies is not going to change that at all. So... Mariella, what exactly is "genetically gifted". I think the problem is perhaps that people have a very narrow idea of what healthy is. Actually there was a time that being what we consider today as overweight was the realization of beauty such as the time Mona Lisa was painted. So, it is one thing for you to choose who you want to be your trainer but please don't tell us what to do. Whether I am skinny or chubby or inbetween, my focus is on my health. Furthermore, I want to be a trainer and that is that!

With a few exceptions, people that say they need a "chiseled" trainer probably are either very ignorant about fitness training, have zero experience in hiring a trainer, or are not serious about their goals. Most of the best strength/nutrition coaches/experts in the field are, less just say, pass their prime. Some fitness professionals were at 5% bodyfat for many years, but for many reasons aren't there anymore, but enjoy helping others get to where they were.

BTW, some of the "chiseled" gym rats are doping up (women too). Also a lot of them don't know the psychology behind weight loss and goal setting for different populations and don't have technical experience or knowledge needed. Many of them hurt clients eventually one way or the other.

My advice is that you will intuitively know if a trainer has got what it takes for you personally. Great presence, discipline, focus, knowledge, experience, past accomplishments (personally and with clients), great motivator, etc... are good things to look for. But basically getting referrals, watching them work with others, and talking with them, will give you a good idea.

Just looking for a "chiseled" gym rat is ridiculous and naive, unless "idol worship" is your only motivator.

It is refreshing to see that there are other people out there like me. I am a certified personal trainer and also hold a degree in Exercise Physiology. I am about 20lbs overweight but it is my passion to help people reach their health and fitness goals. I think it is sad that so many people have been affected by the media and our society to look slim and perfect. It shows how insecure it has made many people feel about themselves while also being critical of others. Many of my clients tell me how much they appreciate my "normal" body physique and that it makes them feel comfortable training with me. It doesn't mean they get any less of a workout!...That's just what they prefer. Peace.

People hire trainers for different reasons and it's ok for two people to have completely different perspective of the same trainer.

Someone looking to loose 50 or 100lbs will respond very differently to a trainer who is 20lbs overweight than someone looking to loose 5-10lbs.

Someone coming back from post cancer treatment or has osteoporosis or spinal stenosis may be looking at a trainer's education and competency level rather than their physical apperance (to some degree).

A smart business person would have different body shaped trainers to cater to differences in the population and demographics they serve. They will make sure their trainers are qualified and adhere to safe practices within their scope.

I'm an experienced and qualified trainer, so I have learned to be selective in choosing who I work with.

My personal quest is to continue to work hard to be healthier, to help prevent diseases and to be able to live a fuller life now and as I age.

People looking to loose 10-15lbs vanity pounds would probably not want to work with me, because I avoid quick fixes, supplements, and other drugs. My approach is sensible and balanced with a focus on long-term change

The key is to remember that not every trainer is for every client and vice-versa.

My suggestion for anyone serious about hiring a trainer... do your research, hire a qualified and vital trainer who is experienced and knows how to help you achieve the results YOU SEEK. Put safety first, whether you are looking to loose vanity pounds for a party or the summer or to make lifestyle changes to last a lifetime.

Be honest with yourself and your trainer. Whether you choose someone for their apperance, their brains, personality or all of the above...that's your choice. Your reasons and your choices are pesonal and should be. Just be as sensible as you can and be safe!

Quetzal Bird of Carib

As a newly certified trainer through the ISSA I really enjoyed reading all of the comments here. I am not a ripped bodybuilder nor am I a huge powerlifter but I am somewhere in the middle and feel that I could do either. Also I feel that I can help people lose weight, gain mucle, get faster, get stronger, improve their endurance, jump higher, improve their health and recuperation abilities, and anything else that someone may want out of a personal trainer.

The comments have a note to "Be civil". I'll try.

Question: Would you go to a doctor that constantly has a runny nose and coughs alot? No. Why? Because the practice of a doctor is to make sure that you don't have those symptoms yourself.

The same is true of a personal trainer.

There are some interesting anecdotes here: People say they don't mind if a person who is involved in improving your physical well being through some type of strenuous activity - which is very related to how you look on the outside, despite popular belief in this blog - happens to be "chunky" or "fat". Yet on the other hand, someone who has "muscle" or is "ripped" (which is a very relative term as ripped can mean you see definition when ripped in bodybuilding means you can actually see muscle fibers coming through the skin) is a "turn-off"?

If your goals are to lose weight, you shouldn't hire a personal trainer. You should hire a dietician. If you goal is to put on muscle, you SHOULD hire a personal trainer, preferably one who has muscle themselves, and not fat. A fat trainer doesn't know what it feels like to stimulate muscle and therefore cannot communicate through personal experience the proper "feeling" you need to achieve in order to build muscle. It's very simple: If that doctor who is constantly sneezing and coughing while writing you a prescription for a drug can't shake his own cold, how can you be confident he can help you with yours?

People use the argument, "Well, I don't want to train with someone who has too much muscle or is too big because I don't want to get that big" as if osmosis plays a role in training. If you think that way, why don't you use the converse argument and say, "I don't want to train with a fat person because I don't want to get that fat."? Because it's a rediculous and stupid way to think.

To sum it all up: If you're silly enough to hire a fat or overweight personal trainer for your goals in the gym, you deserve what you get: A slimmer wallet and dismal results. An engergetic, muscular trainer will always help you much more in the long run. Count on it.

I don't understand some of these comments. Like the guy who said

Libertate said:
I want them to be like a chissled granite. Make them have less then 7% of body fat.How can you teach something that you yourself cannot do?[...]

This goes along with the idea that being fat or thin is completely a choice. If you don't wanna be fat just eat less or excersise more. But for those fat people who excersise ten times more than any thin person and eats half as much, that's ridiculous. How much more do you want them do to? You don't need to be thin to be healthy and i would rather a fitness trainer that was looking out for my health than for my appearance. To think otherwise is just ignorant.

I have a well experienced personal trainer to keep my body fit.

I'm shedding tears of joy! What uplifting input. I am a 50yr old female trainer. 9 yrs ago I sold my PT business of 6 yrs due to a nasty divorce. I left training for sales(needed lots of money - FAST), determined to one day train again. I was mis-diagnosed with thyroid cancer and went through hell and back before the Dr's(?)recognized their mistake. From medication alone I put on about 40lbs and the depression helped me add another 15lbs! I finally decided to pull up my mental bootstraps, lost the 15lbs and realized I was happiest in my life training clients and making a difference in their lives.

YES, I'm overweight, yet that doesn't change the experience and knowledge I have not lost! YES, I would hope to get back to my former self despite the medical community's dismal prognosis....Hell, they were WRONG the first go round!!!....I LOVE being a trainer. I would hope I end up with new clientèle that appreciates what I bring to the table and the results instead of scrutinize my present physique!

I used to be of the mind that if you didn't totally look the part, get out of my way. Well, payback is hell and I've seen more that my share of trainers who look the part and don't know S**T despite their "certifications" and they are out there hurting clients!!

On the whole, we should be less prone to making an assumption based on appearances.....Don't rashly judge the book by it's cover........Read a few chapters first! Peace.

It is amazing to see how many people are still bigots when it comes to body image.

Skinny does not equal fit.

Fat does not equal unhealthy.

I am a trainer. I have been professional for 18 years. I hold a degree in exercise science and nutrition (from a real University not a correspondence school). I have been a competitive bodybuilder at 4% bodyfat. I am currently over 330lbs at over 25% bodyfat and compete at the world level in powerlifting. The best trainers I have ever met internationally are all overweight. I am a world class athlete, can your skilly trainer say that? I hold multiple American strength records (and am a lifetime drug free athlete) can your skinny trainer say that? I coach successful figure competitors, bodybuilders, football players, marathoners, sprinters, powerlifters, mothers losing babyfat, diabetics, etc etc. What matters is my fountain of knowledge. My goals are vastly different than the goal of most of my clients. The question is can I find the solution to their problems in a way that is realistic and attainable? If you do not have real life experience (like superior genetics, haven't been through childbirth, are very young etc) chances are you do not have the tools to take a client through the challenges that are facing them.

Skinny trainers are usually weak. Lets say your 5'2" 110lb trainer is going to teach you how to squat. Lets say they really know how to teach the exercise properly. All things being equal...are you going to be safer performing that squat with the little trainer spotting you or are you going to be safer with 330lb me spotting you? Safety is an issue when dealing with little trainers.