The website, Black Doctor.org, asked a rather provocative question on its Facebook page about overweight fitness instructors, mainly should you trust them?
The question was a teaser to an article on the site about “thick” fitness instructor Michelle Gibson, who uses her weight as an encouragement to get other women, particularly black women, that a person could be clinically fat and fit at the same time. According to Black Doctor, Gibson said, “I’m a full-figured woman who would run circles around the average person, and I know it,” Michelle says. “I kind of think it’s my secret weapon.”
One of my personal fitness goals for 2014 is to get a fitness instructor’s license to teach a non-Zumba dance aerobic class. It’s a very ambitious goal – and ironic too – considering that very early on in my life, I swore off exercise because, and I quote, “I’m not even running for buses. Not when there is one behind the one I missed.” However that changed a couple of years ago. There was no lightbulb moment, other than the realization that missing buses, thus being late for appointments, all because I couldn’t even muster the energy to run the half block without breaking into a sweat, was not cute. Today I exercise at minimum three times a week – including Zumba, Piloxing (boxing and Pilates combined), spinning, actual bike riding on the road and soon to be jogging (once the weather breaks) I have lost a bunch of weight, dropped thus far two and half pants size, discovered some new curves to replace the old ones, and generally feel healthier than I ever been in my life. On paper, I would be the ideal candidate for a fitness instructors license. But in reality, I am still clinically overweight. And visually not looking the part, is my last hang up in going full throttle look fit to be a personal trainer or fitness instructor.
In theory, we generally frown on discriminating against overweight people in the workplace. In theory. The reality is that we find ways to institute all sorts of discrimination. According to this article in Time, a study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that women, who were considered obese, were likely to be negatively affected in selection processes for employment. And some industries, like airlines, have even been known to put weight restrictions/requirements into their company policies, citing health, safety and even customer services issues. Personal training and instruction does seem to fall into that category of professions where you’re expected to look a certain way. I mean, would you go to a hair dresser, whose head looked a hot mess?
And yet, my first introduction to Zumba was through the instruction of a heavy set woman. Unbeknownst to me, she was a substitute, who was filling in for the much more visually-idyllic of what a fitness instructor is supposed to be. She was round with an even rounder belly, big thighs and sagging arms, which flapped around like bird wings against the wind. Initially, I was opposed to the idea and was tempted to ask for my $5 class fee back. What could she teach me about fitness? But then the music started blaring from the speakers and she started with some jumping jacks. Then some squats. Then more jumping jacks. And only five minutes into an hour long class, I was already out of breath. Meanwhile, she and her flapping arms, were just getting started. What she ultimately taught me what that fitness is more than skin deep.
And according to this article on BET, another study published in the International Journal of Obesity, found that even when dieting and exercise were equal, black women lost seven pounds less than white women due to a lower metabolic resting rate. Therefore, black women have to work harder than white women just to lose weight. So while a chiseled physique might be good for marketing the so-called “after” results of a healthy diet and exercise, it doesn’t necessarily tell the whole story
Moreover, who better to serve as a mentor than someone who’s been through, going through and ultimately understands the challenges and excuses bigger women make as to why we don’t and can’t work out? My fat Zumba instructor was the best motivation I had to continue on with the class because I figured, if she could do it, then I could too. Sometimes, a bit of “healthy” competition can also be just as motivating as well. So what do you all think? Go for my goal of being a fat fitness instructor or abandon it for more visually appealing endeavors?
