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Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
If you take a group fitness class, do you look at your fitness instructor and judge him or her a little?
I am NOT saying a fitness instructor needs to look perfect, or like an iron woman... Meat is OK if I also see overall muscle tone and a good fitness level in the person...
But, if your fitness instructor is significantly heavy, does it bother you? I have seen really heavy instructors, and it makes me wonder - why should I bother taking this class?
I need to aspire to something when I work out. I like looking at an instructor thinking - I want her energy! I want those legs. I want those arms. Even- I want to be able to move like that, be fit like that, etc.
I find it so de-motivating when the instructor is heavy and does not look fit.
Am I the only one? Am I being overly discriminating?
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Posted 2/19/11 11:13 AM  |
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
I don't judge, because even if an instructor looks overweight, you don't necessarily know their background. Maybe they used to weigh 300lbs and are now down to 175 which to some still looks heavy........
I think this is the case for some of the yoga instructors at my studio.
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| Posted 2/19/11 12:09 PM |
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DirtyBlonde
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
I don't think I've seen an instructor who is significantly overweight so maybe I'm not the best person to answer this.
There are so many BAD terrible awful instructors out there so I judge on other criteria.
I need *really* good music (I cannot stand the awful mixes so many use). I need really good energy (not forced, not obnoxious). I need someone fun who makes me want to move. And knows how to count and doesn't give me lame stuff to do in class.
I'm not motivated by what they look like because I wouldn't want to look like most of them anyway.
I do judge the guys more harshly. Not when I take dance but for anything else I expect them to look a certain way.
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| Posted 2/19/11 12:23 PM |
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
I agree with you. Maybe it's because I am an instructor and trainer myself, but I whole-heartidly believe you should practice what you preach.
Do they have to be a figure model? Not at all, but I think any fitness professional should have the appearance of a healthy person. I've held positions where it stated in our contract we could not be seen eating junk food, or smoking in the vicinity of the health club.
Instructors serve as role models, they're supposed to be an authority on fitness, they should act the part.
I've definitely noticed a trend of heavy instructors in one certain type of class, but I'm not gonna mention it and cause drama ;) And I do think it's because they started at a much heavier weight and have become healthier people. And if that's the case, share your story and continue your journey.
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| Posted 2/19/11 12:32 PM |
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
Posted by LiveForMoments
I agree with you. Maybe it's because I am an instructor and trainer myself, but I whole-heartidly believe you should practice what you preach.
Do they have to be a figure model? Not at all, but I think any fitness professional should have the appearance of a healthy person. I've held positions where it stated in our contract we could not be seen eating junk food, or smoking in the vicinity of the health club.
Instructors serve as role models, they're supposed to be an authority on fitness, they should act the part.
I've definitely noticed a trend of heavy instructors in one certain type of class, but I'm not gonna mention it and cause drama ;) And I do think it's because they started at a much heavier weight and have become healthier people. And if that's the case, share your story and continue your journey.
these were really good points! i totally agree in "u should practice what u preach" and that the trainers are really like role models for others in the gym or people that they are training.
it's also pretty interesting/cool that they make u sign contracts saying that u cant smoke, eat junk food, etc in the vicinity of the gym.
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| Posted 2/19/11 1:58 PM |
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
I agree. Music is a deal breaker for me. I need my instructors to really push me too!
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| Posted 2/19/11 6:38 PM |
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MrsBumbleb
it's me
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Christine
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
I'll admit I do judge at first but give them a try. I'll never forget this hispanic instructor at Lucille Roberts in Westbury. Her interval training class was packed. She gets up in front of the class and looked at least 80lbs overweight. Let me tell you it was one of the hardest/most fun classes I've ever taken. She had strength and stamina I couldn't believe.
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| Posted 2/20/11 1:07 AM |
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
Posted by MrsBumbleb
I'll admit I do judge at first but give them a try. I'll never forget this hispanic instructor at Lucille Roberts in Westbury. Her interval training class was packed. She gets up in front of the class and looked at least 80lbs overweight. Let me tell you it was one of the hardest/most fun classes I've ever taken. She had strength and stamina I couldn't believe.
I do too. I worked at NYSC and this really heavy girl there kicked a s s and her classes were always full.
However, in the back of my mind, I can't help but think.... If they are so good at being fit, why are they so heavy?
I know they must eat a ton, but I still wonder why they haven't incorporated fitness info all areas of their lives.
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| Posted 2/20/11 8:09 AM |
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Cheeks24
Living a dream
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Cheeks
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
Posted by lipglossjunky73
Posted by MrsBumbleb
I'll admit I do judge at first but give them a try. I'll never forget this hispanic instructor at Lucille Roberts in Westbury. Her interval training class was packed. She gets up in front of the class and looked at least 80lbs overweight. Let me tell you it was one of the hardest/most fun classes I've ever taken. She had strength and stamina I couldn't believe.
I do too. I worked at NYSC and this really heavy girl there kicked a s s and her classes were always full.
However, in the back of my mind, I can't help but think.... If they are so good at being fit, why are they so heavy?
I know they must eat a ton, but I still wonder why they haven't incorporated fitness info all areas of their lives.
It could very well be that they have a medical condition and can't lose the weight as easily. I'm sure as a fitness instructor she eats very well and works out a lot, especially to keep up.
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| Posted 2/20/11 8:39 AM |
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
Not necessarily... I personally know a lot of instructors who not only eat a ton of crap but smoke too! Fitness doesn't mean health or wellness, unfortunately.
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| Posted 2/20/11 9:13 PM |
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Mrs213
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
I think you just never know about a person I suppose they could be a little on the heavy side but maybe they are in great shape under all that? Maybe they work out hard but still eat too much? I have never in my life seen a heavy fitness instructor so I don't know...
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| Posted 2/21/11 12:07 PM |
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JessInCA
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Jess
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
Posted by DirtyBlonde
I don't think I've seen an instructor who is significantly overweight so maybe I'm not the best person to answer this.
Same here. But thinking about it hypothetically, I might judge. I feel like regardless of how challenging their class actually was, I'd be more likely to subconsciously assume that the class won't help me reach my fitness goals... because one of my goals is not to be overweight, and if the instructor obviously does their workout regularly and is still significantly overweight regardless, I'd probably conclude that their class is not sufficient to stay in shape.
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| Posted 2/21/11 1:10 PM |
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blondiebabyZ
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
Ohh Im so guilty of this just recently  and boy was I wrong. I wont do this again either. It was the first class I took with this one teacher and I saw him and was like "really? this guy is teaching a total body class? ohh boy!"
BUT
he proved me wrong! His class kicked my butt!! Then when I went to tell DH of my misjudgement he was like oh yeah hes an MMA instructor/competitor!
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| Posted 2/21/11 3:30 PM |
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JenBenMen
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
I went to a Barre Burn class and the instructor did NOT have a body i was looking for....it def bothered me
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| Posted 2/21/11 4:55 PM |
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Jan1975
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Sarah
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
I judge. Same as I judge a dentist that has bad teeth. I think you should practice what you preach. Sorry just my honest opinion.
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| Posted 2/21/11 10:25 PM |
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
Posted by blondiebabyZ
Ohh Im so guilty of this just recently and boy was I wrong. I wont do this again either. It was the first class I took with this one teacher and I saw him and was like "really? this guy is teaching a total body class? ohh boy!"
BUT
he proved me wrong! His class kicked my butt!! Then when I went to tell DH of my misjudgement he was like oh yeah hes an MMA instructor/competitor!
see.... That's the thing! I have had amazing instructors who kicked my a s s. It hass nothing to do with the workout vet from their class. But when I look at them i wonder... Why aren't they in amazing shape if they can work out like this? I mean, physically.
I'm not proud of this.... 
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| Posted 2/22/11 5:16 PM |
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MockingJay
Ring out the old...
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Ring in the new!
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
Ok I'm going to answer you from the other side of the coin as a fitness instructor who struggles with weight and teaches College kids all the time there are several factors that I have attributed to not being able to have my exterior represent what I'm physically capable of.
1. I either eat too much or not enough. Its a tough position to be in when you're supposed to eat 1900 calories one day when you're teaching 2 high impact cardio classes and then only 1200 calories the next day when you're only teaching a toning class. (I'm trying the new WW points program now and seeing if that makes a difference)
2. We're used to the workouts and they don't really do much for us anymore. Although kickboxing or spin may be kicking your butt, its not really "our" workout. We still have to be able to count and carry a conversation during these classes so as much as we push ourselves, its too familiar to be a real workout for us every single time we teach. Plus, sometimes I'll hold back a little on REALLY pushing, especially in higher intensity cardio classes, if I see people aren't really keeping up. If its too hard, I tend to lose alot of ppl. I found this at gyms too, ESPECIALLY LR! Some of the old lady's used to yell at me during class and ask me if I was trying to kill them with all these jumping jacks LOL
3. TIME! I have a FT job where I sit on my arse all day and then go teach. Most instructors, since their classes really don't count as their workout, have to dedicate extra time to working out above and beyond teaching and although it may not necessarily be enough to be my "workout", I'm still F-ing tired! 
4. Because I teach right after I leave work, I eat dinner between 9 and 10pm. I seriously think this is my #1 killer!
Although I honestly have to agree with you ladies and often feel like I'm not a good representation of what a "fitness instructor" should look like, I can assure you that I am in really good shape! I'm definitely not 80lbs overweight but I'm not teaching in a bikini either. I keep hoping that a few adjustments to my diet and adding a bit more strength training will help but we'll see. Anyway that's my $0.02 from the flip side
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| Posted 2/22/11 5:51 PM |
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
It really depends. Some people are deceiving. Some people may look really heavy but may be in excellent shape. To a certain degree I don't think weight has that much to do with someones fitness level.
I'm not sure this is a good example but I'm 8 months pregnant and gained about 35 pounds. Looking at me you may think I can't do much, but in reality I'm still in very good shape. I can do everything I did before I got pregnant (I obviously limit it to keep my heart rate low and avoid overheating but I can do the same intensity I was doing pre-pregnancy). So I guess what I'm trying to say is you cant really tell based on someones current condition. They may be able to do a lot more than you think they can.
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| Posted 2/22/11 6:40 PM |
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racheK
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Rachel
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
I would. I expect my instructors to be in better shape than the rest of the population. I haven't seen many instructors that are overweight in my years working out though.
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| Posted 2/22/11 8:56 PM |
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
I should add that I was a fitness instructor for ten years. I gained 30 lbs with adrenal fatigue.... I was overweight and still teaching, but fell out of shape with being sick and the extra weight. Maybe it bothers me knowing how unhealthy I was even though I was " fit"
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| Posted 2/22/11 9:27 PM |
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
Jessica... I had a similar experience when teaching. I never could use my classes for my workouts. I needed to find my own workouts that challenged me because I was so conditioned from the everyday classes....
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| Posted 2/22/11 9:29 PM |
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TheWhiteRabbit
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
I feel the same way. One of my clients is a nutritionist who is significantly overweight... to me, that means you don't believe in what you say, you are not willing to make the commitment and sacrifices to lead a healthy eating routine ((OBVIOUSLY medical issues aside))
I don’t work out that much, it’s 95% diet… and by DIET I do not mean a restriction of calories, I actually eat a lot of calories, by diet I mean a healthy way of eating.
Would I LOVE to eat pizza and junk food and snacks and sweets?? OF COURSE! But I sacrifice every.single.day to make my body healthy. I practice what I preach & I think people in fitness should too. It bothers me that sometimes in essence regarding fitness & nutrition that my opinion doesn’t matter because I am thin… I didn’t struggle with weigh or lose a lot of weight, but I am thin because I have been doing this for almost 20 years and I sacrifice daily for it.
I always say “A great body is a side effect of a healthy lifestyle”, so when I see someone overweight (I am not talking 20 pounds I am talking significant) to me that means they are not eating healthy, because you can work out all you want or not at all, it's all about what you eat.
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| Posted 2/23/11 10:37 AM |
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MockingJay
Ring out the old...
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Ring in the new!
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
Posted by KittyTheStray
IWould I LOVE to eat pizza and junk food and snacks and sweets?? OF COURSE! But I sacrifice every.single.day to make my body healthy. I practice what I preach & I think people in fitness should too. It bothers me that sometimes in essence regarding fitness & nutrition that my opinion doesn’t matter because I am thin… I didn’t struggle with weigh or lose a lot of weight, but I am thin because I have been doing this for almost 20 years and I sacrifice daily for it.
I always say “A great body is a side effect of a healthy lifestyle”, so when I see someone overweight (I am not talking 20 pounds I am talking significant) to me that means they are not eating healthy, because you can work out all you want or not at all, it's all about what you eat.
This is my biggest hurdle! I was SOOOO good before we got married and now I'm so lax about it. I definitely agree with you guys, I think a fitness person to a certain degree should "look the part" but again its all about will power and sacrifice on their end and (medical issues aside) it really dosen't matter how much you exercise, if you're eating like crap, your body is gonna look it :raises hand:
I just need someone to follow me around and slap the cookies out of my hand
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| Posted 2/23/11 11:30 AM |
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J9-13
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
There is a pretty big guy at my gym that teaches the Flirty Girl Fitness class and while at first glance I thought he was pretty overweight, once I saw how he moved and how much stamina he had, I realized that even though he is a big dude, he was pretty solid and in way better shape than me!
I've never seen a heavy instructor who was sluggish or not fully doing the moves of the workout
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| Posted 2/28/11 8:19 PM |
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Re: Don't lynch me for this - a question abut fitness instructors...
Posted by J9-13
There is a pretty big guy at my gym that teaches the Flirty Girl Fitness class and while at first glance I thought he was pretty overweight, once I saw how he moved and how much stamina he had, I realized that even though he is a big dude, he was pretty solid and in way better shape than me!
I've never seen a heavy instructor who was sluggish or not fully doing the moves of the workout
I love that a guy teaches Flirty Girl!!!
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| Posted 2/28/11 8:27 PM |
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