One of my friends just reached out to me with a story. He was looking into trying personal training sessions at a gym. While speaking with a manager about the plans, he noticed a man walking by who appeared to be out of shape. The man had large chest and stomach areas that were noticeable. My friend assumed this guy was also there for personal training, which made sense—after all, that’s what gyms are for, right?
As their conversation ended, the same man entered the office, and my friend noticed that his shirt said “Master Trainer.” So this very large man was going to be the one providing his trial session at a future date.
My buddy said he didn’t want to return to the personal training department and wondered why a gym would have a trainer who looked so out of shape. He felt the gym might have lost a sale because they didn’t set a good example. I couldn’t really answer him since I don’t know the man, his health background, or that gym’s culture. I get where he’s coming from, though—some people might not be willing to give someone who looks out of shape a chance. It is a gym, after all, and it’s natural to expect trainers to reflect fitness.
Some might argue that Cus D’Amato wasn’t a super fit guy, yet he coached one of the greatest boxing champions ever. I agree with that and thought the same thing. But most of us aren’t Cus D’Amato, are we?
So, if you’re a fitness leader, please take pride in what you do. Live fitness if you are leading fitness. You don’t have to have a perfect body, but at least try to look somewhat fit. I know this might sound tough, but let’s be honest—our initial impressions are influenced by what we see. That’s human nature. So I’d suggest stacking the odds in your favor.
Just a life long New Yorker sharing the journey through my lens. Please take note of a post’s date. The views I express here are subject to change and evolving as I grow and learn.
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