Would you use an overweight personal trainer?

[runlift]

Just that really. Would love to be a personal trainer and I am very fit but still overweight. I imagine it would put most people off.

Yes, definitely.

My PT is probably slightly overweight. She used to be morbidly obese and had a real weight loss "journey". She has a genuine insight into weight issues and to me, as a middle aged woman, was much more approachable.

I'm a lifelong exercise hater and I find her much more relatable than a total gym bunny.

WorraLiberty yes, probably - not a word I’d use in relation to her as it seems rude but for the purposes of this thread . . .

I actively seek out an older trainer, personally and what I’m looking for is knowledge, experience and a level of interest in my goals - I see a fair few trainers In the gym who seem bored by their clients and use a ‘one programme fits all’ approach (or so my former trainer says) and spend a lot of time looking at themselves in the mirror rather than looking at clients - they’re not all like that of course, there are some great ones. It’s all about how good a job you do for the client - not what you look like.

No, I wouldn’t. I know an extremely overweight (obese, really) woman who works as an NHS dietician. I wouldn’t take advise from her either.

It’s so much better for someone getting trained that their trainer understands what it’s like to struggle with your weight, rather than a skinny 18 year old lad who has no clue.

For example, I had some coaching from a woman who was ultra sporty, and she couldn’t understand at all why I didn’t want to eat egg white/chicken and broccoli for every meal. She didn’t understand me at all.

No. It the same way I struggled to be inspired by a slimming world consultant who was double my size.
Though it may not be the case, it gives the impression that one isn't great at their job. I would feel the same about hairdressers with (constantly) messy and beauticians with a monobrow.

It depends. Why are you so overweight? A lot about your habits/knowledge/discipline would determine if I would rule you out.

I wouldn't. How can they motivate me if they're struggling themself?

But maybe she's not struggling. Maybe she loves pies and loves her rolls 🤷🏻‍♀️

I wouldn't, ifs the same with gym classes, if the instructor is overweight then I have no faith in the class

If you were now with in the right BMI yes as then I know you ahve walked the walk, but if still overweight or unhealthy then no. Bodybuilding and strong men are bad comparisons as although they are strong actually in the long term they are not that healthy.

I’m sorry to say it does have an impact. The gyms I’ve worked at mainly pay a low rate and you make the majority of the money through PTs. The most popular ones by far are the ones that are in physically good shape.

When you hire a PT you should be able to ask them about nutrition also and if your over weight it shows your clearly not taking your own advice.

A friend of mine trained to be a PT so she would actually lose weight. She didn’t really lose that much because she was still eating shit. A good PT will be able to help you with a diet plan etc plus a exercise plan.

It depends what you mean by ‘overweight’ if you mean a bit of a mum tum, that wouldn’t bother me, a lot of the women who lead classes at my gym aren’t stick thin and toned to high heaven. However if you meant you were obviously overweight then no I wouldn’t as I want my trainer to inspire and reflect health and healthy living. I don’t think being overweight is healthy.

This all really does depend on your actual weight.

Honestly, no I wouldn't. I have had a couple of PTs and they have all been in great shape. My current PT is very fit and it really motivates me. There are a lot of PTs at my gym and only one who is overweight, she's lovely but I want to be trained by someone I aspire to look like.

I would prefer it (I'm fat, and find super skinny gym bunny types intimidating rather than inspiring). I would expect you to be either/or fit, or strong, but not thin, to trust you were going to be a good trainer.

Firstly, from a physical perspective, there's increasing evidence that being overweight but with an active/high fitness lifestyle is far healthier in the longterm than inactive 'normal' weight.

Secondly, we also know that weight loss and fitness are more than just the physical. A £multi billion diet industry tells us that. In mental health nurse education, we are actively seeking, learning and benefitting from a programme called 'Experts by Experience.'

Lastly, for those posters who answered simply no, that's fine, thank you. For those that piled on with more judgemental attitudes, I guess manners, #bekind and science seems to have passed you by.

Yes, the majority of obesity is caused by an excess of food in over energy used out. The majority. Some people will have health conditions and/or medication that causes/exacerbates weight problems. Medications to control some really serious illness. Life limiting illness. Maybe even those 'overweight' dieticians and nurses.

Yes and no. I can see how someone can be fit yet carry extra weight. I guess it depends how much extra. My son is training to be one himself and it's not just a job but a lifestyle - he was overweight as a child until 13 when he lost weight and worked out. He now lives it 24/7. He runs 3-4 miles before college, does weight session in between classes, then goes to the gym in the evening for spin or body pump. He's strict with his diet and knows all about nutrition and how it affects performance.
None of my old gym teachers in school could do any of the sports they taught us - but knowing the rules and being a good motivator is a major part of it. I think a heavier trainer may be more empathetic, but I would also want someone who is in their best shape if they are to help me get in my best shape.

I think it depends how overweight. I found my PT as she had been overweight and a mum and understood the difficulties, but also inspires me as she’s changed her body.

I think it partly depends on what sort of gym you end up working at. There are gyms with "real people" and there are gyms full of young, slim, trendy people all wearing Lululemon. I think you could make it if you research your audience carefully.

I did once join Slimming World and the leader was hugely overweight, but she also said she used to be four stone heavier than that and was much happier now, so I don't know what to make of that.

I'm in two minds about people like Jessamyn Stanley. It's great to show that yoga is for people of all sizes, but in reality most yoga teachers aren't her size. If her photos inspire you to go to a class then great, but you're still going to turn up at most yoga studios and find them full of thin people.

No, I would be put off by a personal trainer who was fat, sorry.

No. Somebody who used to be out of shape and lost the weight would be a really inspiring trainer though. I have to admit to having a giggle when our gp had to tell my dad his BMI was on the high side - he’s a lovely man but looks like Santa. There’s a certain element of needing to practice what you preach I think or people won’t take you seriously.

My PT is size 14. I have been training Pilates with her for 4 years now. Im size 6/8. Dont think I will ever be able to do things she does with a smile on her face.

She loves what she does and it shows. Explains, encourages yet makes me work really hard. Shes the best

I think there is a market for it -
1 )from others who are overweight and want to be fit in a body positive way.
2) other women who are significantly overweight who are motivated by your "fitness journey"

These are niche - but i think when you look at most personal trainers the successful ones are niche none of them appeal to everyone whether its get fit post pregnancy, become a weight lifter , run a marathon etc. I think all successful personal trainers - are just as good at marketing, building relationships and networking as much as they are fit. It seems a bit of a cut throat business to me - gyms in general.

Me personally no
There are many many people who will. My gym has an overweight instructor and she is very very popular. A lot of people are intimidated by rake thin super fit people and it makes them feel self concious .

I once had a yoga teacher who was morbidly obese. She could bend like you wouldn’t believe.
I also know a morbidly obese woman who regularly runs 10k’s and has done triathlons . I’m a size 10 and couldn’t run for a bus.
I think an overweight pt who is physically fit would be more approachable to a lot of people who would feel intimidated by a super lean pt.
It may put most people off but I think you would still have plenty of clients.

I keep reading the words/phrases.... skinny, super skinny, stick thin, rake etc.

Whatever happened to slim?

You can actually not be overweight and just simply be slim.