Cover me “FIT”
Running through my day, I can’t help but notice certain things about people, their actions or lack of. As I make these observations I try not to make a judgement. For example, a personal trainer who is unfit themselves. I’m thinking, a trainer should be fit. Yet again, I feel bad for thinking just that. I understand not everyone can be a size 0, 2 or a 3. At a certain point though, you have a good idea for your weight and height where you should be at….especially if you are a personal trainer.
I’ve been strugggling with this observation and thought for quite some time. Today, after a 10 year hiatus from a “paying” job, I went out and had an interview with a fitness club. I waited at one location, got a phone call to meet the guy at another location and made my way to leave. As I left the building an older man (70’s and above, who is a member) followed me out and asked if I was going to work at that particular facility. What he said was this, “You would be an asset if you were to work here. I see trainers working with clients when their belly is out to here and I just don’t think that’s right. You’re fit and you look the part.” I was offered the job on the spot, I was offered a management position running a club (if I was interested) …none of which I’ve taken! I asked how he could justify offerring me such a job with no experience in the field…”you’re fit, good-looking, direct, bilingual and assertive” is the response I got. Right or wrong, we do make assumptions and assess people. Those assessments and assumptions might be unfair and inaccurate, however, don’t underestimate the importance of looking the part.
March 11, 2008 at 11:41 am
I agree with you that you should look the part. I also agree that you should gain the experience and education to take on a task of working with other people. It is one thing to make decisions for yourself on health and fitness, but open yourself up when you start instructing others and accepting payment for it.
I think you made a very wise choice. If instructing is something you would enjoy doing, I would look at getting certified. It is actually something that I just started thinking about doing myself.
March 11, 2008 at 11:42 am
I totally agree with what your saying. As much as a trainer could let themselves go and have all the experience, knowledge, and training in the world. Why would I want you to train me or help me reach my goals if you have lost track of yours. If I had a trainer that was that out of shape that they could just have a belly hanging out like that, I would be highly disappointed. I should be admiring my trainer and hoping to get their physique. I’ve seen a few trainers that are not in the best shape but likely none like the guy mentioned above. I agree to , not everyone is tiny, but we know the difference between fit and out of shape and a good trainer surely does too.
March 11, 2008 at 12:26 pm
It’s so true what you say.. why would you want a gordo/gorda to train you? when he/she isn’t fit. They should set the example. Huh Comadre! lol
April 2, 2008 at 11:03 am
I agree… you should look the part, How is he/ she goignto tell me how to stay fit when he himself is overweight?