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The fitness indsutry
Before I became a teacher I worked in a fintess health club. I loved the atmosphere. It started off as a baby-sitter in their kids club, then I moved onto the front desk, membership sales rep, and then a personal trainer and pilates instructor. I work for one gym for 7 years. I was fit. I weighed about 130-155lbs during my time there.
In 2007 my current gym closed and the company was unwilling to hire me in their new gym. I wasn't given a reason why, but I have always thought it was because I was gaining weight and I no longer looked like a "barbie doll".
Since 2007, I have trained one client twice a week in her home or on the beach. She doesn't care that I am heavier because I give her a great workout and I am knowledgeable.
Now that I am despertly looking for a job, I decided to contact three of my local gyms (not the one that I used to work for). I explained that I am a current trainer and the certifications that I hold. I am hoping that I hear back from one of them but I am so afarid that if I get an interview they will turn me away because I am not thin. The truth is that health problems have prevented me from loosing weight (my gallbladder was removed in 2009, and my weight keeps going up, no matter what I eat. Also, depression and anxiety kept me from working out last year.)
Anyhow, I weight about 175 now (but was told that I look about 160). Do you think it's foolish for me to be applying at gyms. Please give me your honest opinion. Oh and I'm not just applying for personal training jobs. I'm also willing to do front desk or membership sales.
Married the love of my life on 1-21-12. Our princess arrived on 5-28-13.
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Re: The fitness indsutry
I think is perfectly reasonable. One of my pilates instructors wasn't super thin. She had flabby thighs and a decent sized belly. She had four kids and was trying to make some money on the side as an instructor and trainer. I got a great pilates workout in her class. She and I are friends on MyFitnessPal. While teaching the class she was telling me about how she was trying to workout more to lose some weight for her sister's wedding, ect. I know she didn't have the perfect gym body, but you could tell she had strong legs and arms. I dislike society's view that you have to look a certain way to be considered in shape. I'm still flabby and have a tummy but I've been working out for several years now and I can outlast a lot of people on the elliptical and in my zumba and pilates classes. Most people probably wouldn't think that to look at me, but it doesn't mean I don't have muscle or flexibility.
I think you would make a great fitness instructor and I would definitely take your class. I'm not sure how gyms work but hopefully you can get in the door as the front desk person or membership sales person. I personally think it would be discrimination if they didn't hire you just because of how you look. I hope you hear good things back!
Thank you so much Michelle. I love your outlook! I wish more people would think like you! I hope they look past my current weight and look at my experiences and knowledge.
Married the love of my life on 1-21-12. Our princess arrived on 5-28-13.
I think it depends on the type of gym. There are gyms where all the workers and members look like they are already fit and trying to get super fit. I think they would be more likely to judge you based on your appearance rather than your qualifications. There are also gyms that are geared more toward the people who are trying to get healthy. It seems like they would care more about aptitude and attitude and would love to hire you.
In any case, I wish you luck in your job search!
I agree with this. I know about here, we have those 'fancy' club gyms where everyone is toothpick thin, built, etc. Then you have the normal gyms. You probably won't get in at the snooty gyms, but don't see why you'd have an issue at the regular gyms.
Just another thought, I know you mentioned some medical conditions. Are you on any medicines for those? It's possible those could be contributing and sometimes you can get those swapped out.
Have you thought about working at Curves? I bet they would be the most friendly when it comes to hiring normal people. You should also do a search and see if there are any women only type gyms.
I know Id be happy to go to a trainer who has the same issues that I do and who understands how hard it is to lose weight sometimes.
Am has a great idea! I think you should be trying it! If they ask why you want the job, tell them that you understand how hard it is to loose weight, whether is b/c of babies, health concerns, or lack of motivation. And you want to help those people with their stuggles. Its like a little plug that you understand but without them knowing too much about you and your body. IDK if that makes sense.
GL!
Thanks for the idea of applying at Curves. I'll look into it.
Also, I want to say thank you to everyone for their support!
Married the love of my life on 1-21-12. Our princess arrived on 5-28-13.