Personal Trainer ?

Would you go to a personal trainer that was a little overweight? I want to get certified for a few reasons. I want to learn about nutrition and how to work out correctly. I feel that over weight people are intimated by going to the gym to begin with and then have a PT who is fit and looks really good I know I am. So I am wondering if there is a place for someone like me as a PT. I have lost 30 lbs on WW but still have quite a bit to go.

Re: Personal Trainer ?

I think it depends on how overweight. I don't think a trainer needs to be a size 0, or 2% fat and over muscular, but they should look in shape.

As a personal trainer (or was, before DD) I felt that I was motivated to have a certain physique. I was by far no fitness model, but many women were motivated by me, my level of fitness, and my enthusiasm for what I did.

I have to say, now that I have had the baby, I am about 2 sizes bigger than I was pre-preg and I feel uncomfortable with interviews and people knowing I am a trainer.

I think it will also depend on where you plan on training. When I was a corporate fitness center manager I actually had to turn down a candidate because she was extremely overweight. She also could not work fridays and did not teach aerobics, so it would not have worked anyway, but how do you preach fitness and a healthy lifestyle if you yourself can't follow it?

ETA: You using your success story would be a good motivation for others. A place like curves might work, where you could target beginners. It might be a better environment to get started in too. PT is a huge money making part of gyms and they want trainers who will bring in the clients, keep them and = $$$$$.

JMO

Message edited 6/13/2008 12:21:51 PM.

Re: Personal Trainer ?

Probably not.

I would have said yes prior to getting my trainer for the reasons you said. Intimidation, comeroderie, etc., but now that I have been training for 5 months with a very fit person, I would say no, I wouldn't go to someone who is overweight and going through their own weightloss journey.

I think that if this is what you want to do you should totally be a PT after you have maintained your goal and use your success story to inspire others. But it is emotionally and physically difficult when you are losing weight, I just don't see how you could successfully coach someone else about losing weight.

And, as being the person who is getting trained, I look to my trainer for meal advice, exercise advice, inspiration, etc. I like to see what someone who lives a healthy lifestly and has lived this lifestyle does to stay fit. He has been doing it much longer than I so I trust him.

Re: Personal Trainer ?

Thanks for your opinions.

Re: Personal Trainer ?

Probally NOt!!

Message edited 6/13/2008 4:07:20 PM.

Re: Personal Trainer ?