Can a Fitness Professional’s reputation be tainted by their personal image?
I recently had an employee take over a class that I was unable to teach anymore. He was an amazing instructor but, he was over weight. The class went from averaging 16 participants to 3 participants. I had a few members comment on his weight and make it known that is why they would not attend that class anymore. Is it okay for clientel to be biased about their instructors/trainers?
Some very insightful and compassionate responses from my colleagues. While we all have different body types, different genetics and different ideas about what constitutes a fit body the external representation is often telling about the internal. Body language speaks.
That having been said, many people find it more motivating to follow a leader that is not body beautiful, but a body more alligned with their own, or many are motivated by someone who has had to overcome their own genetic predisposition. Can the client relate to the instructor or trainer?
People are motivated by fun, and by aspirations that are seemingly attainable. A trainer or instructor that is misalligned with her/his audience will find it more challenging to create rapport and build a mutual vision.