What's Up With Overweight Trainers?

One of the things that never fails to blow me away is the prevalence of overweight and out of shape trainers in gyms. Honestly, that to me is a complete walking contradiction and one of the most fascinating phenomenons in the fitness industry. I completely understand that we are all on our own journey and some people choose to become personal trainers after a tremendous weight loss transformation. Personal trainers aren't the only "fitness professionals" guilty of not practicing what they preach. Group exercise instructors, yoga teachers, strength and conditioning coaches all around the country can be found walking around with dangerously excessive body fat.

There are several downfalls to being an overweight fitness professional. The first is no matter what your profession if you are walking around with excess body fat you are not healthy. So my first concern is for the personal wellness of this kind of trainer. The second is, who wants to take advice who cannot take care of themselves? Not to get too academic here, but I know that not listening to someone's advice, rationale or arguments just because they don't follow it themselves is a logical fallacy and doesn't mean you should disregard their reasoning. The truth is people look for teachers who walk the walk! If I am going to tell you to have self control when you eat, stick to a strict exercise regimen and to take care of yourself, I am guessing you are going to expect me to have some sense of what that feels like. How can a trainer connect to a client and help them through the mental struggle that comes with a lifestyle change if the trainer themselves have no discipline?

It is true, life happens to every one. I'm not saying overweight trainers are bad people or bad trainers. Nor does it mean if you're bulking up and carrying a little extra weight you are a terrible fitness professional. But if you are a trainer and your stomach hangs over your belt line and you're stretching your t-shirt out at the bottom further out than your chest, you should consider getting on one of those programs you are selling to your clients. From a business stand point, our own personal health and wellness is a billboard for other people to see. People want someone who is healthy and fit to help them get to their goals. I can guarantee if you are a personal trainer, group exercise instructor or strength coach and you are in shape, you will have more open minds, more attentive ears and more open wallets than if you are in poor physical shape!